Blessed Anthony of Amandola’s ninety-five years, spent in strict
and consistent asceticism, remind people that “when one chooses the
narrow way, it does not make sense to choose the most comfortable of the
narrow ways.”
Anthony
was born at Amandola (Ascoli Piceno), Italy, on 17 January 1355. Attracted
by the reputation of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, he entered the Augustinian
Order and distinguished himself for his humility, spirit of obedience, and
mortification, as well as his apostolic zeal. Around the year 1385 he was
assigned to the monastery at Tolentino where he served as sacristan in the
church of his beloved Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. In 1397 he went to southern
Italy, possibly to undertake the preaching ministry. In 1400 he returned
to Amandola where, through his initiative, the new Augustinian monastery
with its adjoining church dedicated to Saint Augustine was constructed.
After his death the church was renamed in Anthony’s memory.
Anthony has been venerated ever since his death at Amandola on 25 January
1450. It is recorded in the municipal acts of the city that, as early as
1460, the anniversary of his death was observed as a feast and not a work
day. His incorrupt body is exposed for public veneration by the faithful
in the church of Saint Augustine in Amandola.
His feast is celebrated by the Augustinian Family on 29 January.
