Rosmini-Serbati, Antonio

(1797–1855)

   Philosopher and Order Founder.

   Rosmini-Serbati was born in Rovereto Trentino, Italy. He was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood in 1821. He was the author of several important philosophical works including the Nuovo Saggio sull’Origine delle Idee, which incurred the displeasure of the Jesuits. He also proposed various reforms of the clergy and Church organisation, with the result that his Constituzione Secondo la Giusticia Sociale and his Cinque Piaghe della Chiesa were put on the Index in 1849. He founded the Order of the Fathers of Charity, with an order for women, the Sisters of Providence. Both are dedicated to the cultivation of personal holiness and to works of charity, particularly education. They are famous in England for introducing the clerical or Roman collar.

   D. Cleari, Antonio Rosmini: Introduction to his Life and Teaching (1992);

   C.J. Emery, The Rosminians (1960).