About the holy man Brother Anthony of Portugal

When Brother Anthony was returning to the Province of Rome an extern of those Fathers accompanied him. Then he was sent to the Province of Saint Francis where he lived with great holiness.

Brother Anthony of Portugal was born of noble parents. Because his father served Charles V, he sent him to Naples for some task. Which, I don’t know. Having brought his son with him it was necessary to send him to Rome. I do not know what the matter was about. Residing some days there, as it pleased God, he saw the Capuchins. He so fell in love with the holy Order that for many days he went to Saint Euphemia every day to be received by Brother Louis. However, because he saw him so young and frail he didn’t want to receive him doubting that he would be able to endure. One day the devout youth bought some natural wool and from it he made himself a coarse habit without a cowl, in the Capuchin shape that he saw. In fervour of spirit he stripped himself naked, put on that habit and went of to Saint Euphemia. Falling to his knees before Brother Louis he said to him with many tears, “Father, I do not want to return to putting on those clothes. I pray that you may want to receive me.” When Brother Louis saw his great fervour and sound desire he received him. And he always behaved like an Angel.

He was most austere regarding his body. He always went dressed, as was the custom of Capuchins, with just one habit, barefoot in summer. Since he was frail, the Superiors had him wear sandals in winter. He was adorned with all the holy virtues. In particular God gave him the grace so that an idle word never came from his mouth. He fled to conversation of the Friars and when some physical task was enjoined on him by obedience he always did it alone so as not to have an occasion to speak. He was very devout towards Our Lady and he fasted on bread and water for all her vigils. God endowed him with the gift of holy contemplation during which Our Lady appeared to him four times and revealed to him many things. One thing in particular was the end of his life and the full remission of all his sins.

Everyone regarded him a virgin. The venerable Father Francis of Iesi said of him, “I have never seen such a fine young man as this one, and one so adorned with such good manners and zealous over the perfect observance of the Rule. He is so devout in all his undertakings. It truly shows that he was born of good blood.”

Finally he was in the friary of Saint Joseph at Foligno after having served Our Lord God for about twelve years. After the young man had been celebrating Mass for about three years, one day he developed a nosebleed. Although many remedies were given him, none helped. He said, “Make nothing of it because I have to die.” He said this because Our Lady had revealed it. He lost so much blood that gently, as if he fell asleep, that happy soul passed away to its creator after having received all the most holy sacraments. The aforementioned Father Francis of Iesi was present at his death. He was buried in that Church of Joseph and the whole Province mourned his death very much.

To the praise of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.