Today, January 20, is the memorial of Blessed Angelo Paoli.
Carmelite priest.
When the future Carmelite was born in 1642, he was named Francesco in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. His parents Angelo and Santa were avid devotees of the saint.
As he was well-educated, he spent his youth teaching catechism and Catholic instruction to poor children in his hometown. When he turned 18, he joined the Order of Carmelites (O.Carm.) together with his brother Tomasso. Francesco received the religious name Angelo.
Angelo was ordained priest in 1667 and given various assignments around Italy. He was known for his works of charity and devotion to Christ’s Passion. He put up wooden crosses to inspire people to meditate on Christ’s Crucifixion. He personally took care of the sick and the poor, even opening a hospice for them.
Angelo was also a miracle worker. Unexplainable multiplication of food for the poor took place a number of times. He was blessed with knowledge of future (and even distant) events.
When Pope Innocent XII and Pope Clement XI wanted him to become cardinal, Angelo humbly refused, as he wanted to be with the poor.
In 1720, Angelo had a high fever that caused his death. Pope Clement XI mourned his passing, calling Angelo “father of the poor.” People from all walks of life, religious and laypeople, rich and poor, attended his funeral.
Angelo Paoli was beatified in 2010 by Archbishop Angelo Amato at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome.