St. Andrew Corsini

Andrew Corsini entered the Carmelites and served as their provincial before becoming bishop of Fiesole in 1349. His reputation for charity had grown during the plague at Florence, and he carried that concern for others into his episcopal ministry.

Coming from a Florentine family, he joined the Carmelite community while young and later completed studies in Paris. As bishop he chose to live at Fiesole rather than rely on the more comfortable residence in Florence used by earlier bishops. Parish visitation and care for clergy were part of his work.

His ministry joined material help with concern for the formation of priests. Peacemaking also exposed him to opposition: accounts of his episcopate remember conflict and imprisonment alongside his mediation. The sources preserve different calendar observances, so one local feast should not be mistaken for the only date on which he is remembered.

He also undertook work as a mediator, including a papal mission to settle disputes in Bologna. The account published by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints emphasizes his preaching, prayer, and practical example. His commemoration appears on January 9 in the cited Vatican calendar; February 4 is found in the older Roman calendar.

Andrew's decision to reside in Fiesole made a geographical statement about his office: the bishop would live among the church entrusted to him rather than remain in a more comfortable Florentine residence. Parish visits gave that decision practical substance by bringing him into contact with local needs.

The Dicastery's account also identifies standards for the intellectual and spiritual preparation of prospective priests. This makes reform more concrete than a general reputation for austerity. Andrew sought to shape the people who would continue pastoral work throughout the diocese. His care for damaged religious houses after the plague likewise joined immediate assistance with rebuilding the structures on which future ministry depended.