Feast Day - Angelus of Jerusalem

St. Angelus of Jerusalem - (1185 - 1220) -Priest and MartyrFeast Day - May 05

St. Angelus’ parents were 12th century Jewish converts. At age 18, he and his twin brother joined a group of hermits who formed the first Carmelite house. Angelus was one of the first Carmelites to come to Sicily from Mount Carmel. He met with great success in converting some Sicilian Jews, and great hatred from others, especially around Palermo and Leocata.

According to trustworthy sources, he was killed by unbelievers in Licata during the first half of the thirteenth century. Acclaimed as a martyr, his body was placed in a church built on the site of his death. Only in 1632 were his relics transferred to the Carmelite Church. Veneration of St. Angelus spread throughout the Carmelite Order as well as among the populace. He has been named patron of many places in Sicily. Even to the present time devoted persons invoke him in their needs and faithfully honor him.