Bellati Antonio Francesco

Bellati Antonio Francesco an Italian theologian and preacher of the Jesuit order, was born at Ferrara, Nov. 2, 1665. He took the sacred habit at sixteen years of age, and passed his novitiate at Bologna, where he continued his studies till 1688, completing his vows in 1699. He was one of the most famous preachers of his time. He became rector of the college at Piacenza in 1712, and died March 1, 1742. A collection of his works was published at Ferrara in 1744, in four volumes the first containing, Le Prediche (1.744); the second, Oragioni e Discorsi (1745); the third, Trattati Sacri e Morali (1746); the fourth, Altri Trattati, Esortagioni Domestiche; altri Prediche, Lettere, e la Vita dell' Autore (1748). He was, of his kind, one of the best Italian writers of the 18th century. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Biog. Universelle, s.v.