Angelus of Jerusalem
Angelus of Jerusalem was a Catholic convert from Judaism and a religious priest of the Carmelites. He is remembered for his missionary work in Italy and Sicily, his meeting with Pope Honorius III to approve a new Carmelite rule, and his martyrdom while preaching. He was later beatified and is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.
- Feast Day
- May 5
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Born in Jerusalem in 1185 to Jewish parents, he and his twin brother converted to Catholicism.
- ›Ordained a Carmelite priest in 1210, he initially withdrew to a hermitage before being called to evangelize in Italy.
- ›He traveled to Rome to seek papal approval for a new Carmelite rule from Pope Honorius III.
- ›He preached against various heresies and converted some Jews, which led to him being despised by many Jews in Palermo.
- ›Angelus was slain by a Cathar knight named Berenger on may 1, 1220, and died of his wounds on may 5, 1220.
- ›He was venerated as a saint by the Carmelites and later beatified by Pope Pius II circa 1459.
Sant'Angelo
About Angelus of Jerusalem
Angelus of Jerusalem, OCarm, (born 1185 – died May 5, 1220) was a Catholic convert from Judaism and a religious priest of the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance. His life and witness, culminating in his martyrdom, led to his veneration as a saint.
Life and Ministry
Born in Jerusalem in 1185 to Jewish parents, Angelus and his twin brother John converted to Catholicism following their mother's conversion. After their parents died, they were educated under Patriarch Nicodemus and at age eighteen entered the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. Both twins were fluent in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.
In 1210, Angelus was ordained a priest in Jerusalem. Miraculous cures were attributed to him, and he reportedly withdrew to a hermitage in the desert to avoid fame. In 1218, he was instructed to travel to the Italian peninsula to preach against groups like the Patarini and Albigensians, and also to go to Rome to seek confirmation from Pope Honorius III for a new and definitive rule for the Carmelite order.
Angelus was among the first friars to arrive in Sicily from Mount Carmel in 1219. He preached in various Italian cities, including Messina, Civitavecchia, and Rome, where he met St. Francis of Assisi and St. Dominic of Osma. In Rome, he preached in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. He also spent time in Palermo, where he healed individuals and converted some Jews, though this led to animosity from the Jewish community.
Martyrdom and Veneration
Angelus was killed while preaching in Licata, Sicily. He sought to convert a Cathar knight named Berenger, who, enraged by Angelus's influence on his companion, had him attacked in front of the church of Santi Filippo e Giacomo on May 1, 1220. Angelus died of his wounds on May 5, 1220. According to tradition, he asked for his assassin's pardon and urged the faithful not to seek revenge. He was buried at Santi Filippo e Giacomo.
Following his death, his sepulcher at Licata became a pilgrimage site. The Carmelites venerated him as a saint, and his cult received papal approval when Pope Pius II beatified him circa 1459. His remains were later moved to more precious urns, and in 1632, his relics were translated to the Carmelite Church, now housed at the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine in Catania. The ending of a plague in the Kingdom of Naples in 1656 was attributed to his intercession. Since May 4, 1626, he has been known as the patron saint for Palermo.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Angelus of Jerusalem's background?
Angelus was born in Jerusalem in 1185 to Jewish parents. He and his twin brother converted to Catholicism following their mother's conversion and were baptized into the faith.
What was Angelus of Jerusalem's religious life like?
After being ordained a Carmelite priest in 1210, Angelus initially retreated to a hermitage. He was later instructed to evangelize in Italy and to meet with Pope Honorius III regarding a new rule for the Carmelites.
How did Angelus of Jerusalem die?
Angelus was slain on May 1, 1220, while preaching in Licata, Sicily. He was attacked by a Cathar knight named Berenger and died of his wounds on May 5, 1220.
How is Angelus of Jerusalem venerated?
He was believed to be a saint after his death and was venerated by the Carmelites. He was beatified by Pope Pius II circa 1459, and his relics are housed in Catania. He is also the patron saint of Palermo.
What is Angelus of Jerusalem known for?
He is primarily known as a Carmelite priest, a convert from Judaism, and a martyr. His missionary efforts in Italy and Sicily, and his role in the development of the Carmelite rule are significant aspects of his life.
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