Feast Day: February 4
Title: Bishop and Confessor
Order: Carmelite
Life of Saint Andrew Corsini
Saint Andrew Corsini was born around the year 1302 in Florence, into the illustrious Corsini family. In his youth, he led a worldly and reckless life, indulging in the vanities and passions of his age. His devout mother, however, continually prayed for his conversion, and her prayers were eventually answered. Deeply moved by grace, Andrew repented of his sins and radically changed his life. He entered the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (Carmelites), embracing the rule with humility and zeal.
In religious life, Andrew excelled in modesty, obedience, prayer, penance, and theological study. His reputation for holiness grew quickly. In 1349, despite his reluctance and even attempts to avoid the honor, he was chosen as Bishop of Fiesole (a diocese near Florence).
As bishop, he governed with apostolic fervor, becoming known as a peacemaker, a father to the poor, and a vigilant shepherd of his flock. He distributed alms generously, mediated between warring factions in Florence and its surroundings, and tirelessly visited the sick and afflicted. He spent many hours in prayer, often through the night before the Blessed Sacrament, and was renowned even in life for working miracles.
He died on February 4, 1373, in Florence, and was immediately venerated as a saint. His body was buried in the Carmelite church, where many came to seek his intercession. Pope Urban VIII formally canonized him in 1629.
From the Roman Breviary (Traditional Office)
“Andrew Corsini, born of the noble Corsini family in Florence, early renounced the world and entered the Carmelite Order. He shone in every virtue, and though unwilling, was appointed Bishop of Fiesole. There he became a model of charity and vigilance. Renowned for many virtues and miracles, he died in the year 1373. His body is honored by the faithful in the Carmelite church where he was buried.”
Liturgical Prayer (Collect from the Traditional Missal)
O God, who didst adorn Blessed Andrew, Thy Bishop, with wondrous holiness; grant, we beseech Thee, that by his intercession, we may so live in holiness of life, as to be made worthy to partake of Thy charity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ…
Symbols and Emblems
- Pastoral staff – for his episcopal office
- Lily – sign of purity
- Olive branch or scroll – symbolizing peace and reconciliation
- Carmelite habit and episcopal vestments – showing his dual role as friar and bishop
Spiritual Reflection
St. Andrew’s life is a vivid example of true conversion—from pride and worldliness to a life of holiness and charity. Consider:
- Have I, like Andrew, sincerely turned away from sin and embraced the Cross?
- Am I fleeing honors, as he did, or seeking them?
- Do I serve others with sacrificial love, especially those most in need?
He was a man of prayer and action, a model of the active and contemplative life united.