Carmelite Priest and Martyr (1145-1220)
His life
+ Angelus (or Angelo) was born in Jerusalem to Jewish parents who had converted to Christianity.
+ At the age of 18, Angelus and his twin brother joined the group of hermits who formed the first Carmelite community at Mount Carmel.
+ Some time later, Angelus was sent to serve as a missionary in Sicily, where he worked among the Jewish community, converting some to Christianity.
+ In 1220, he ran afoul of a local count, whose immoral and incestuous behavior Angelus denounced. The friar was stabbed to death in 1220 by mercenaries in the employ of the nobleman.
+ Saint Angelus, with Saint Albert of Jerusalem, is considered one of the “fathers” of the Carmelite Order.
Spiritual bonus
On this day, the Augustinian Order celebrates a special honoring the conversion of Saint Augustine to the Christian Faith.
For reflection
“Angelus, you left Carmel in order to prepare the way of the Lord. By your witness strengthen your brethren in holiness and justice all the days of our life.”—Benedictus antiphon from the Carmelite Divine Office
Prayer
Holy God,
strength of the faithful and crown of martyrs,
by your grace Saint Angelus was called from Carmel
to triumph victorious over the torments of martyrdom.
By his prayers grant us
that faithfully following his example
we may bear witness to your presence and goodness until death.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from the Carmelite supplement to the Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...