St. Antony Primaldo and Companions

  Posted on August 19, 2024  by admin  No comments

Died: hacked to pieces on 13 August 1480 in Otranto, Lecce, Italy

Beatified: 14 December 1771 by Pope Clement XIV (cultus confirmed), 6 July 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI (decree of martyrdom)

Canonized: Sunday 12 May 2013 by Pope Francis in Rome, Italy

Patronage: Otranto, Italy.

Also known as Martyrs of Otranto

An aged lay man artisan in Otranto, Italy, Antony was known for his personal piety. In 1480 Otranto was invaded by Turks who offered the inhabitants the choice between death and conversion to Islam. Antony was chosen as spokesman for the town, and explained to the Turks that Otranto chose Christ. Martyred with 812 other residents of Otranto whose names have not come down to us.