Anthony was born in Cremona, Lombardy, to noble parents in 1502. When he was two years old his father died. He was raised as an only child by his mother. At an early age he took a private vow of chastity. He studied philosophy and medicine and practised as a doctor for three years. He began studies for the priesthood in 1527 and was ordained in the following year. After working in hospitals and institutions for the poor he became the spiritual advisor of Countess Torelli of Guastalla and followed her to Milan where he founded three religious orders: the Clerics Regular of St Paul (commonly known as the Barnabites), the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and the Laity of Saint Paul (or Oblates of Saint Paul) for lay married people.
Anthony was twice investigated for heresy but was acquitted both times. In 1536 he went to Vincenza where he reformed two convents, founded the second house of the Barnabites and promoted the Forty Hours' devotion. He also revived the custom of ringing church bells at 3 pm on Fridays in memory of the crucifixion. While on a mission to Guastalla he caught a fever and died on 5 July 1539. He was buried in the convent of the Angelics of Saint Paul and 27 years after his death his body was found to be incorrupt. He was beatified in 1890 and was canonised in 1897 by Pope Leo XIII.
Also on this day according to the ROMAN MARTYOLOGY:
At Rome, St. Zoe, martyr, wife of the blessed martyr Nicostratus. While praying at the tomb of the blessed Apostle St. Peter during the time of Diocletian, she was seized by the persecutors and cast into a dark dungeon. Then being suspended on a tree by her neck and hair, and suffocated by a loathsome smoke, she yielded up her soul in the confession of the Lord.
In Syria, the birthday of St. Domitius, martyr, who by his miracles confers many favours on the people of that country.
At Cyrene in Lybia, St. Cyrilla, a martyr, in the persecution of Diocletian. For a long while she held on her hand burning coals with incense, lest by shaking off the coals she should seem to offer incense to the idols. She was afterwards cruelly scourged and went to her spouse adorned with her own blood.
At Jerusalem, St. Athanasius, a deacon, who was apprehended by the heretics for defending the Council of Chalcedon, and after experiencing all kinds of torments was put to the sword.
In Sicily, the holy martyrs Agatho and Triphina.
At Tomis in Scythia, the holy martyrs Marinus, Theodotus, and Sedopha.
At Treves, St. Numerian, bishop and confessor. St. Michael of the Saints, whose death is mentioned on the tenth of April.
At San Severino in the Marches of Ancona, St. Philomena, virgin.
And in other places, many other holy martyrs, confessors and virgins.
Thanks be to God.
