Antonio Cordova teacher of literary subjects, engaged in Catholic Action, political exponent of the Christian Democrats of which he was group leader in the municipal council of an ancient family of Spanish origin, was born in San Lorenzo on June 13, 1910 to Don Bernardino and Donna Mariantonia Abenavoli.
After his humanities studies in Messina at the Real Convitto, he moved to Naples to the Landriani College. His mentor was Professor Bruno Barillari, former Rector of the University of Naples. Back in Reggio, he became spiritually consolidated among the Dominicans, forming himself as an educator and politician. He was a convinced anti-fascist and never denied his appearance in Catholic Action. After the war, he was assigned numerous and important executive commitments in the Catholic sphere by Msgr. Lanza, who succeeded Msgr. Montalbetti at the helm of the Reggio Church, and by the Hon. Jeddah. Msgr. Lanza married all the daughters of Cordova, a man who dedicated his life to teaching, but above all to the role of Catholic educator who transmitted Christian values to the youngest and who was an example for many generations. For several years he was engaged in politics, as an exponent of the DC, and even in that experience he managed to leave an indelible trace, always carrying out his task with a great sense of altruism, respect for others and loyalty. A politician that reflects a context strongly imbued with party ideologies but rich in political content and human values. In recent days, the municipal administration of Reggio Calabria entitled the square adjacent to the church of the Crucifix in memory of Antonio Cordova: "He has always been a strong guide - said his daughter Cecilia Cordova - and an important point of reference in my business. From an early age he held many positions, was very close to the Curia, was diocesan president of Catholic Action, and played an active role in the political life of the city, but he was also a great Catholic educator, an example for young people to actively engage in the city ". In 1963 he was awarded the honor of Cavaliere della Repubblica. Benefactor, he donated part of his land properties to the Reggio Church, which built a church in the locality of San Fantino di San Lorenzo, and a kindergarten in his native town. He was the founder of the periodical "L'Olmo", a periodical of political satire. He died in Reggio on November 20, 1992. "He was one of the rare examples - Don Nuccio Cannizzaro pointed out - of a man consistent with his Christian dictates, he was a great educator, a serious politician. He has always fought freely against all also ideological deviations and paid some ostracism for his consistency. A great father in the family and in the school. A positive example and this city of these characters is in great need of them ". Free spirit and profound humanistic culture, Cordova taught literary subjects, training several future Reggio professionals. He held numerous political positions in the Christian Democrats, including that of city councilor and member of the Board of the Ospedali Riuniti. "A person who has given so much to our community - said the mayor Giuseppe Falcomatà - not only for his political action but also for the values on which he has based his political action at the service of the community. Perhaps, the city has arrived. a little late for this appointment with history, but for some years we have embarked on a path that aims to remember all the illustrious children of Reggio. Thanks to the impulse of the family and the great work that the toponymy commission has been carrying out for 4 years, we are able to recover another piece of history “.
