Thought for the Day – 30 October – The Memorial of St Angelo of Acri OFM Cap (1669-1739)
One of the oldest paintings of Br Angelo of Acri shows him looking at and contemplating the Crucified, the centre of his preaching and his prayer. Meditation on the Passion of the Lord accompanied his long travels on foot from one place to another in his preaching tours. In long hours of solitary prayer he meditated on the suffering of Christ moment by moment; in the same way he cared for and embraced the sick in body and in spirit, recognising in their illnesses the wounds of Our Lord. He kept in his heart the face and the name of Jesus crucified, the icon of a love without limit.
St Angelo of Acri, whom the Church gives us as a model and example of an authentic and realised life, teaches all Christians, how to proclaim the Gospel to a world thirsty for freedom. Life in the Spirit leads us to that true freedom that makes us able to recognise the dignity of each human being. This movement happens and grows when we embrace the Lord Jesus in faith; He who, taking on our humanity, lifted up the human person to the dignity of a child of God.
His holiness, proclaimed by the Church, joins the great multitude of friars who have followed St Francis of Assisi, proclaiming the Kingdom of God with passion, loving the Church and embracing the lepers of their own time.
May all of us keep within ourselves a soul that is contemplative, simple and joyful. Let us ask the grace to contemplate Christ Crucified, that we might love Him in the suffering flesh of the poor, the marginalised and the one who has need of care and sympathy.
May all of you, as witnesses to the beauty of divine Mystery, be bearers of the peace and love of Christ our Saviour. May the Immaculate Virgin remain with you and support you always.
Rome, 4 October 2017
Feast of our Seraphic Father St Francis
Br Mauro Jöhri, OFM Cap.
General Minister
