Antonio das Chagas

Antonio da Fonseca Soares (Antonio das Chagas) (b. at Vidigueira, 25 June1631; d. at Torres Vedras, 20 October1682) was a Portuguese Franciscan and ascetical writer.

Life

Having entered the Portuguese army as a common soldier, he was forced to flee to Bahia in Brazil, as the result of a duel. There he led a dissolute life, but was converted through the writings of Louis of Granada. Having returned to Portugal, he continued to lead his former life of dissipation, until in 1662 he was taken with a grievous illness. On his recovery he hastened to fulfil his promise, and was admitted into the Franciscan Order in May of the same year, receiving in religion the name of Antonio das Chagas. He died leaving a great part of his writings still unpublished.

Works

He became famous on account of his poetical and ascetical writings, in which he combined erudition with elegance of style.

The following were published postumously:
*"Faiscas de amor divino e lagrimas da alma" (Lisbon, 1683);
*"Obras espirituaes" (Lisbon, 1684-1687);
*"O Padre nosso commentado" (Lisbon, 1688);
*"Espelho do Espirito em que deve verse e comporse a Olma" etc. (Lisbon, 1683);
*"Escola da penitencia e flagello dos peccadores" (Lisbon, 1687);
*"Sermoés Genuinos" etc. (Lisbon, 1690);
*"Cartas espirituaes" (Lisbon, 1684);
*"Ramilhete espiritual" etc. (Lisbon, 1722).

References

*Godinho, "Vida do F. Antonio da Fonseca Soares" (Lisbon, 1687 and 1728);
*De Soledad, "Historia serafica da provincia de Portugal", III, 3, 17.

External links

* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06126a.htm "Catholic Encyclopedia" article]