Saint of the Day: St. Angelus of Jerusalem

Carmelite Priest and Martyr (1817-1836)

His story

+ Angelus was born in Jerusalem and, at the age of 18, he and his twin brother joined the community of hermits living on Mount Carmel, helping to form the first Carmelite community.

+ Sometime later, he was sent as a missionary to Sicily, serving especially in the areas around Palermo and Leocata.

+ Angelus was murdered in 1220 by order of a local count whom he had denounced for his immoral way of life and his memory is celebrated in a special way among the Carmelites.

For prayer and reflection

“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.”—John 12:24-25

Spiritual bonus

On this day, the Augustinians observe a special feast celebrating the Conversion of Saint Augustine.

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 our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Carmelite Sacramentary)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.