Andrew Corsini
Andrew Corsini was an Italian Carmelite friar and bishop of Fiesole. After a dissolute youth, he embraced religious life, rising through the Carmelite order and later reluctantly accepting his episcopal duties. He is remembered for his dedication to the poor, his peacemaking efforts, and the miracles attributed to him, leading to his canonization.
- Feast Day
- January 6
- Century
- 14th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Andrew Corsini was born in Florence on November 30, 1302, to the noble Corsini family.
- ›He joined the Carmelites in Florence in 1318 after a period of wild youth, motivated by his mother's rebuke.
- ›Corsini was ordained a priest in 1328 and studied at the University of Paris and later Avignon.
- ›He was appointed Bishop of Fiesole on October 13, 1349, a role he initially resisted.
- ›As bishop, he redoubled his austerities and became known for his care of the poor and peacemaking.
- ›Pope Urban VIII canonized him as a saint on April 22, 1629.
Andrea Corsini
About Andrew Corsini
Andrew Corsini (30 November 1302 – 6 January 1373 or 1374) was an Italian Catholic prelate and a professed member of the Carmelites who served as the Bishop of Fiesole from 1349 until his death. His life is marked by a significant personal transformation and a dedication to spiritual and charitable works.
Early Life and Conversion
Born in Florence to the noble Corsini family, Andrew Corsini lived a wild and dissolute youth. His behavior caused his devout mother great pain, and a rebuke from her led him to seek a life of greater purpose. He went to the Carmelite church of Santa Maria del Carmine, where he resolved to join the order as a priest and friar, despite the entreaties of his less reputable friends.
Carmelite Friar and Bishop
Corsini joined the Carmelites in Florence in 1318, embracing a life of mortification. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1328. After further studies at the University of Paris and Avignon, he returned to Florence and served as prior of his convent, earning the title "Apostle of Florence." In 1348, he was appointed Tuscan Provincial of the order. In 1349, Pope Clement VI appointed him Bishop of Fiesole. Corsini initially hid to avoid the episcopal duties but eventually accepted the role, imposing even greater austerities upon himself and dedicating himself to the plight of the poor.
Ministry and Death
As bishop, Corsini was known for his peacemaking efforts between political factions and his care for the poor. He also enforced discipline among his diocesan priests. Miraculous healings were attributed to his intercession. He died on January 6, 1373 or 1374, reportedly after a premonition given to him by the Blessed Virgin Mary. His remains were moved to Florence in 1374 and were found to be incorrupt upon exhumation in 1385.
Veneration
Devotion to Andrew Corsini grew profoundly after his death, with numerous miracles reported at his tomb. Pope Eugene IV beatified him on April 21, 1440. Among the miracles attributed to his intercession was the Florentine victory over the Milanese at the Battle of Anghiari in 1440. Pope Urban VIII canonized him as a saint on April 22, 1629. The Corsini Chapel was later built in his honor in the Carmelite church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Andrew Corsini born and when did he die?
Andrew Corsini was born on November 30, 1302, and died on January 6, 1373 or 1374.
What was Andrew Corsini's early life like?
In his youth, Andrew Corsini led a wild and dissolute life. A rebuke from his mother prompted him to seek a spiritual path, leading him to the Carmelite church where he resolved to join the order.
What was Andrew Corsini's role as Bishop of Fiesole?
As Bishop of Fiesole from 1349 until his death, Corsini redoubled his austerities, dedicated himself to the poor, and gained a reputation as a peacemaker between rival political factions. He also enforced discipline among diocesan priests and was involved in papal legations.
How did Andrew Corsini become a saint?
Following his death, miracles were reported at his tomb, leading to widespread devotion. Pope Eugene IV beatified him on April 21, 1440, and Pope Urban VIII canonized him as a saint on April 22, 1629.
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