Agnellus of Pisa

Agnellus of Pisa (c. 1195 – 1236) was an Italian Franciscan friar and a pivotal figure in the early history of the Franciscan Order in England. He is widely considered the founder of the Franciscans in England, establishing their presence and laying the groundwork for their future influence.

Life and Historical Context

The primary account of Agnellus's life comes from Thomas of Eccleston, a fellow Friar Minor. Born in Pisa in 1195 to the prominent Agnelli family, Agnellus was received into the Seraphic Order by Francis of Assisi himself in 1212. Francis later sent Agnellus, then a deacon, to Paris, where he established a friary and served as Custos. After returning to Italy and attending the "Chapter of Mats," Agnellus was tasked with establishing the Franciscan Order in England.

On September 10, 1224, Agnellus and a group of eight friars arrived in Dover. They were hospitably received by the Dominicans in Canterbury. The party later found shelter in a barn belonging to the Benedictines of Abingdon Abbey on their way to Oxford. At Oxford, King Henry III granted them land to build a friary.

Major Contributions

Agnellus founded a school for the friars at Oxford and invited Robert Grosseteste to serve as the lector in theology from approximately 1229 to 1235. This initiative contributed significantly to the English Franciscan Order's role in the establishment of the University of Oxford. Agnellus was known for his humble piety and prudence. In 1233, King Henry III sought his assistance in arbitrating a dispute with Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke. The following year, he was part of a delegation representing the English bishops at the Roman Curia.

Agnellus maintained a practice of limiting expansion of friars' quarters to what was absolutely necessary, a practice that continued for over a decade until Haymo of Faversham initiated expansion to ensure self-sufficiency rather than reliance on charity. By the time of his death, forty-three friaries had been established in the English Province.

Agnellus died after a brief illness on May 7, 1236, and his remains were buried at Oxford.

Veneration and Legacy

Agnellus's cultus was 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, in recognition of his significant influence on the establishment of the university. Eccleston noted that Agnellus's incorrupt body was venerated at Oxford until the dissolution of religious houses under Henry VIII. In 2014, the Conventual Franciscans re-established a friary in Oxford, formally naming it the Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Friary.