Agnellus of Pisa
Male·May 7 or September 10·Italy·12th century
Agnellus of Pisa was an Italian Franciscan friar and the first minister provincial of the order in England. He is credited with founding the Franciscans in England, establishing a school at Oxford, and playing a role in mediating disputes. His cultus was confirmed by Pope Leo XIII in 1882.
Key Facts
- ›Agnellus was born in Pisa in 1195 and was received into the Seraphic Order by Francis himself in 1212.
- ›Francis sent Agnellus to Paris, where he built a friary and served as Custos.
- ›On 10 September 1224, Agnellus and eight friars landed at Dover to establish the Franciscan Order in England.
- ›King Henry III granted the friars land in Oxford, where Agnellus established a school and invited Robert Grosseteste to serve as lector.
- ›Agnellus helped arbitrate a dispute between King Henry III and Richard Marshal in 1233.
- ›He died after a brief illness on 7 may 1236 and was buried in Oxford.
Franciscan Order In England
About Agnellus of Pisa
Agnellus of Pisa (c. 1195 – 1236) was an Italian Franciscan friar renowned for his pivotal role in establishing the Franciscan Order in England. He served as the order's first minister provincial in England from 1224 to 1236, effectively founding the Franciscan presence in the country.
Life and Historical Context
The primary historical account of Agnellus's life comes from Thomas of Eccleston, a fellow Friar Minor. Born in Pisa in 1195 into the prominent Agnelli family, Agnellus entered the Seraphic Order in 1212, received by Saint Francis himself during Francis's visit to Pisa. Agnellus was later sent by Francis to Paris, where he contributed to the establishment of a friary and served as Custos. After returning to Italy and participating in the "Chapter of Mats," he was tasked with founding the Order in England.
Agnellus, along with eight other friars, landed at Dover on September 10, 1224. They were hospitably received by the Dominicans in Canterbury and later found shelter with Benedictine monks on their way to Oxford. At Oxford, King Henry III granted them land for a friary. Agnellus was instrumental in establishing a school for the friars there and invited Robert Grosseteste, a significant figure in medieval thought, to serve as lector in theology.
Major Contributions and Significance
Agnellus's leadership in England saw the establishment of forty-three friaries by the time of his death. He was known for his humble piety and prudence, and King Henry III sought his counsel in mediating a civil dispute with Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, in 1233. The following year, he was part of a delegation representing English bishops at the Roman Curia. Agnellus also advocated for a policy of minimal expansion for friary quarters, emphasizing reliance on charity, a practice that continued until Haymo of Faversham initiated expansion to ensure self-sufficiency.
Veneration
Agnellus of Pisa died after a brief illness on May 7, 1236, and was buried in Oxford. His cultus was officially confirmed by Pope Leo XIII in 1882. His feast day is observed on May 7 in Italy and on September 10 by the English Franciscan provinces. Historically, his incorrupt body was venerated at Oxford until the dissolution of religious houses under Henry VIII. In a modern tribute, the Conventual Franciscans established a friary in Oxford in 2014, naming it the Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Friary.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Agnellus of Pisa?
Agnellus of Pisa was an Italian Franciscan friar who lived from approximately 1195 to 1236. He is primarily recognized as the first minister provincial of the Franciscan Order in England and is considered the founder of the Franciscans in that country.
When and where did Agnellus of Pisa establish the Franciscan Order in England?
Agnellus of Pisa and a group of eight friars arrived in England on September 10, 1224. They landed at Dover and proceeded to Canterbury and then Oxford, where they received land from King Henry III to establish their first friary.
What was Agnellus of Pisa's role in the University of Oxford?
Agnellus established a school for the friars at Oxford and invited Robert Grosseteste to serve as the lector in theology. The English Franciscan Order, under his guidance, played a significant role in the establishment of the University of Oxford.
What was Agnellus of Pisa's reputation?
Agnellus of Pisa was known for his humble piety and prudence. He was also involved in mediating disputes, including assisting King Henry III in arbitrating a conflict with Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke.
When is the feast day of Agnellus of Pisa observed?
The feast day of Agnellus of Pisa is observed on different dates depending on the region. It is kept on May 7 in Italy, while the English Franciscan provinces celebrate his memory on September 10.
What is known about the relics of Agnellus of Pisa?
According to Thomas of Eccleston, Agnellus's body was incorrupt and preserved with great veneration in Oxford. However, his relics were lost when the friary and church were destroyed during the dissolution of the religious houses in the time of Henry VIII.
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