Anthony della Chiesa was a 15th-century Italian Dominican priest known for his preaching and leadership within the Order of Preachers. Born into a noble family in San Germano Vercellese, he renounced his aristocratic ties to pursue a religious vocation. He served in various capacities, including as a prior in locations such as Como, Florence, Savona, and Bologna. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his ability to reform monastic life and for his active opposition to the antipope Felix V.
Life and service
After joining the Dominican Order at age 22, he became a skilled confessor and a companion to Bernardino of Siena. He traveled on numerous missions and worked to enforce strict adherence to the Rule of St. Augustine. While traveling between Savona and Genoa, he and a fellow friar were captured by pirates, who eventually released them due to their impressive conduct. He was also noted for his perceived ability to discern the consciences of others.
Veneration and legacy
Following his death in 1459, his remains were moved to his birthplace in 1810. Pope Pius VII beatified him in 1819, establishing his feast day on July 28. He is an ancestor of the future Pope Benedict XV. His religious influence was marked by his efforts to return followers of the antipope to the authority of the recognized popes, Eugene IV and Nicholas V.