PUCCI, ANTONIO MARIA, ST.

Servite pastor; b. Poggiole di Vernio (Tuscany), Italy, April 16, 1819; d. Viareggio (Tuscany), Jan. 12, 1892. His parents were peasants who tended a small herd and tilled the fields. Eustachio, as he was named at baptism, followed this simple life until his 18th year, when he joined the servites in Florence and received (July 10, 1837) the name Anthony in religion. After classical and theological studies at the Hermitage of Monte Senario, near Florence, he was ordained (Sept. 24, 1843). Appointed pastor (1844) in the new parish of St. Andrew in Viareggio, he spent his next 45 years there. To his flock and to all who knew him, he became known as "the little parish priest" (curatino ). His spiritual achievements were remarkable, despite a lack of natural endowments. He was not handsome; his voice was unpleasantly nasal; he was withdrawn and very sparing in words. Yet he was entirely devoted to his flock's spiritual and temporal welfare. From 1883 to 1890 he was also prior provincial of the Servites' Tuscan province. He was beatified June 22, 1952, and canonized Dec. 9, 1962.

Feast: Jan. 14 (formerly 12).

Bibliography: i. felici, Il curatino santo B. Antonio M. Pucci dei Servi di Maria (Florence 1952). p. m. perroni, Il beato curatino di Viareggio: Il beato Antonio Maria Pucci dei Servi di Maria (Rome 1953). g. papÀsogli, Il beato curatino di Viareggio (Rome 1962).

[j. m. ryska]