ANTONIO MARIA da RIGNANO. - Franciscan, theologian and writer, in the world A. Fania, born at Rignano Garganico (Foggia) on 5 February 1804, died at Rome on 23 January 1880. Having entered the Franciscan Order (1823), he studied at Bologna and was lecturer in philosophy and theology in his province of S. Angelo delle Puglie, of which he was also provincial (1835-38). Called to Rome, he was secretary general (1839-44), then procurator general (1844-50) of his Order, consultor to various Roman Congregations, and finally (1867-80) bishop of Marsico and Potenza. Besides being an esteemed theologian (cf. V. CAMISARDI,
La solenne definizione del dogma dell'Immacolato Concepimento di Maria Santissima, I, Roma 1904, pp. 757-777), he contributed to the revival of studies in the Franciscan Order and likewise promoted its discipline, publishing Lo specchio della disciplina (once attributed to s. Bonaventura), Roma 1851. His Italian writings on various subjects were appreciated for their purity of language. In politics he was of liberal tendency.