Anthony Neyrot
Male·April 10·Italy·15th century
Anthony Neyrot was an Italian Dominican priest and martyr who lived in the 15th century. After being captured by pirates and renouncing his faith for better treatment, he experienced a profound conversion upon learning of his mentor's death. He was subsequently executed for his re-adoption of Catholicism and is venerated as a martyr.
Key Facts
- ›Anthony Neyrot was born in Rivoli, in modern-day Piedmont, Italy, and entered the Dominican order.
- ›He studied under Antoninus of Florence at the convent of San Marco in Florence.
- ›His ship was captured by Moorish pirates, leading to his enslavement in North Africa.
- ›He initially renounced his Catholic faith to receive better treatment and even translated the Koran.
- ›A dream of his deceased mentor, Antoninus of Florence, prompted him to reconsider his apostasy.
- ›He was publicly readmitted to his order on Palm Sunday of 1460 and was executed later that year on Holy Thursday.
Major Works
- Translated the Koran (during his period of apostasy)
Antonio Neirotti, Antòni Neyrot
About Anthony Neyrot
Anthony Neyrot, OP
Anthony Neyrot was an Italian Dominican priest and martyr, born in Rivoli, Piedmont, in 1425. He entered the Dominican order and pursued his studies, including a period under the tutelage of Antoninus of Florence at the convent of San Marco in Florence.
Life and Martyrdom
His life took a dramatic turn when his ship was captured by Moorish pirates en route to Sicily. Taken to North Africa, Anthony was initially treated favorably by the caliph of Tunis, to the point where he renounced his Catholic faith to gain his freedom and married a woman of high rank. During this time, he translated the Koran.
A profound spiritual crisis followed the news of his mentor Antoninus of Florence's death. Reportedly inspired by a dream of Antoninus, Anthony experienced a radical change of heart and resolved to return to Catholicism, fully aware that this act would likely result in his death.
On Palm Sunday of 1460, Anthony publicly confessed his sins and was readmitted to his Dominican order. Seeking to make his reconversion as public as his apostasy had been, he donned his Dominican habit during a royal procession and proclaimed his faith. This act of defiance led to his execution by stoning on Holy Thursday of the same year.
Veneration
Following his martyrdom, Anthony Neyrot's body was recovered by merchants from Genoa and returned to Rivoli. His tomb there became a significant site of pilgrimage, with numerous miracles attributed to his intercession. His cultus was officially approved by Pope Clement XIII on February 22, 1767, solidifying his status as a Blessed and venerated martyr.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Anthony Neyrot?
Anthony Neyrot was an Italian Dominican priest and martyr who lived in the 15th century. He is known for his dramatic conversion and subsequent execution for returning to Catholicism.
What happened to Anthony Neyrot after his capture?
After being captured by Barbary corsairs, Anthony Neyrot renounced his Catholic faith to receive better treatment and was even adopted by the caliph of Tunis, marrying a Turkish lady. He began translating the Koran during this period.
What prompted Anthony Neyrot's reconversion?
The news of the death of his mentor, Antoninus of Florence, caused Anthony Neyrot to reconsider his apostasy. He reportedly had a dream in which Antoninus appeared to him, leading to his decision to re-embrace Catholicism.
How did Anthony Neyrot die?
Anthony Neyrot publicly proclaimed his reconversion to Catholicism during a procession. Enraged by this defiance, the king he was serving ordered him to be stoned to death, which occurred on Holy Thursday in 1460.
When was Anthony Neyrot beatified?
Anthony Neyrot's cultus was approved by Pope Clement XIII on February 22, 1767, which serves as his beatification.
Where are Anthony Neyrot's relics kept?
Anthony Neyrot's body was returned to his birthplace in Rivoli, where his tomb became a place of pilgrimage. His relics are venerated there.
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