Order of Carmelites

Memorial of St. Angelus

Today, May 5, is the memorial of Saint Angelus.

Carmelite friar.

He was one of the first Carmelites to come to Sicily from Mount Carmel. Angelus’ parents were 12th-century Jewish converts.

At age 18, Angelus and his twin brother joined a group of hermits who formed the first Carmelite house. He was sent to evangelize in Sicily, met with great success in converting some Sicilian Jews, and great hatred from others, especially around Palermo and Licata.

In 1220, he was stabbed to death by thugs in the employ of Count Berengarius, a man whose incestuous relationship Angelus had denounced.