Saint of the Day – 6 February – Blessed Angelus of Furci OSA (1246-1327) Priest and Friar of the Order of Augustinian Hermits, Theologian, renowned Preacher, Provincial Superior. Born in 1246 at Furci, in the Abruzzi region, Diocese of Chieti, Italy and died on 6 February 1327 at the Augustinian Convent in Naples, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – of Furci, one of the more than 50 Patrons of Naples,. Additional Memorial – 13 September on some calendars (translation of Relics?). Beatified on 20 December 1888 by Pope Leo XIII (cult confirmed). Also known as Angelo, Angel.
Angelus was born in Furci in Abruzzo , Italy in 1246 to wealthy parents, who, being childless, obtained the blessing of this child through the intercession of St Michael the Archangel. These devout folks, had gone on a pious pilgrimage to St Michael’s Sanctuary, above the cave at Gargano where St Michael had appeared. At Baptism he received the name Angelus which he later retained in religion.
Educated to a high and exemplary standard by his parents, Angelus was later entrusted to a maternal uncle, the Benedictine Abbot of Cornaclano, near Furci, with whom he made rapid progress, both in science and in sanctity. When his uncle died, Angelus returned to Furci.
After his father also died shortly afterwards in 1266, he went to Vasto, where he joined the Augustinians, where he completed his required studies and rose to the Priesthood. Around the age of twenty-five he was sent to study at the Sorbonne in Paris, where he remained for five years.
After his return to Italy, he taught in various Convents of his Order, until he was assigned to the Augustinian Convent in Naples, from where he never moved again until his death. He distinguished himself as a Theologian andPreacher – indeed, historians attribute to him, a commentary on St Matthew’s Gospel – a collection of sermons which sadly today we have lost.
In 1287 Angelus was elected Superior of the Neapolitan Province. Later he refused the Bishoprics of Acerra and Melfi. He died in Naples in the Convent of St Agostino alla Zecca on 6 February 1327 and was buried there. The people, who already venerated him as a saint when he was alive, began to recommend themselves to him, obtaining favours and graces. He was later included among the Patron Saints of Naples and celebrated on 6 February and 13 September. There is also great devotion towards him in Furci, where his sacred body was transferred in August 1808. On 20 December 1888 Pope Leo XIII approved its cult ab immemorial.
AnaStpaul 