Saint Angelus of Acri

Biography

Saint Angelus of Acri, also known as Angelo of Acri or Anioł z Acri, was born as Luca Antonio Falcone on October 19, 1669, in Acri, Cosenza, Italy. Despite facing initial rejections, he would go on to become a renowned preacher, healer, and missionary, converting thousands of people during his lifetime. Early in his religious journey, Saint Angelus applied to join the Capuchin Order but was twice refused admission. However, in 1690, he was finally accepted into the order. Initially, his sermons were said to be quite poor, but through perseverance and dedication, he overcame his early struggles and became a sought-after preacher. Saint Angelus dedicated himself to performing home missions in the Italian regions of Calabria and Naples. It was during these missions that he performed numerous miraculous healings and conversions, earning him a reputation for his spiritual gifts. He was blessed with the ability to heal the sick, the gift of prophecy, visions, bi-location, and the ability to discern and understand the sins and struggles of others during confession. Many sought out Saint Angelus for his moral guidance, spiritual counsel, and the hope of receiving physical healing. His reputation as a healer and his profound impact on people's lives spread far and wide. Saint Angelus passed away on October 30, 1739, at the friary of Acri in Cosenza, Italy. His holy life and exemplary virtues were officially recognized on June 17, 1821, when Pope Pius VII declared him venerable. Four years later, on December 18, 1825, Pope Leo XII beatified him, celebrating the beatification ceremony at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. The beatification of Saint Angelus was accompanied by three miracles attributed to his intercession. These miracles included a person's miraculous escape from a fall from a precipice, the complete healing from debilitating arthritis, and the sudden clearing of a purulent inflammation in another individual. Finally, on October 15, 2017, Saint Angelus of Acri was canonized by Pope Francis. The canonization ceremony took place at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. The canonization miracle involved the healing of a young man who suffered from polytrauma, head trauma with lacerated contusive foci, right frontotemporal fracture, thoraco-abdominal fracture with pulmonary contusion, and maxillofacial trauma with scalp wounds and multiple excoriations. This miraculous healing occurred in March 2010 in the Archdiocese of Consenza-Bisignano, Italy. Today, Saint Angelus of Acri is venerated as the patron saint of Acri, Italy. He continues to inspire countless individuals with his unwavering faith, his extraordinary miracles, and his dedication to spreading the Gospel.