Blessed Antonio Lucci

Antonio Lucci (2 August 1682 – 25 July 1752), born Angelo Nicola Lucci, was an Italian Catholic professed member from the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (the "Franciscans") and served as the Bishop of Bovino from 1729 until his death. The beatification cause started on 5 December 1764 under Pope Clement XIII while he was later titled as Venerable on 13 June 1847 under Pope Pius IX. Pope John Paul II beatified Lucci on 18 June 1989 in Saint Peter's Square. Angelo Nicola Lucci was born on 2 August 1682 to the cobbler and coppersmith Francesco Lucci and his wife, Angela Paolantonio. He attended the local school that the Franciscans managed and later joined them in 1698. Lucci made his solemn profession in 1698 in the religious name of "Antonio". He completed his studies for the priesthood in Assisi where he was ordained in 1705. He studied rhetoric and philosophical studies at Venagro and Alvito as well as in Aversa before doing theological studies at Agnone. Further studies led to a doctorate in theological studies and appointments as a professor in Agnone as well as at the Franciscan school in Ravello (from 1709 to 1712) and at the Franciscan school of San Lorenzo in Naples (from 1713 to 1718). He also served as guardian of the convent in Naples. Lucci was elected as the Minister Provincial in 1718 and held that post until 1719; in 1719 he was appointed as a professor at the Pontifical University of St. Bonaventure in Rome and remained there until his appointment to the episcopate. In 1725 he received instructions from Pope Benedict XIII to write against Jansenism. It was rumored that Benedict XIII would appoint him as a cardinal but this did not happen: the pope had decided to name him in 1729 as the Bishop of Bovino and explained of the appointment: "I have chosen as Bishop of Bovino an eminent theologian and a great saint". Benedict XIII himself conferred episcopal consecration upon Lucci in Saint Peter's Basilica.