Illustration of Bl. Angelo of Furci by János Hajnal in Il fascino di Dio: Profili de agiografia agostiniana by Fernando Rojo Martínez, O.S.A. Copyright © 2000 Pubblicazioni Agostiniane Rome. Used with permission. Original art preserved in the Office of Augustinian Postulator of Causes, Rome
Blessed Angelo of Furci
February 6
Angelo (1246-1327) was known for his holiness, charity, zeal for uprightness and gentleness of spirit.
His parents, Adalitto and Albazia, were a well-to-do faith filled couple who lived in Furci, Chieti, Italy. As they advanced in age, they remained childless. They continually prayed for a son. Finally, in 1246, Albazia gave birth to a son. The couple named him Angelo, because they had asked Michael the Archangel to intercede with God on their behalf that they would be able to have a child.
As a child, Angelo was sent to a Benedictine monastery where his uncle was the Abbot. There he received an education. When his uncle died, he returned home.
Adalitto became ill the following year. As he was preparing for death, he revealed to his son the circumstances of his birth, and suggested that Angelo might consider becoming an Augustinian.
Following his father's death, Angelo made the decision to enter the Augustinian Order, but did not immediately seek admission. Instead, he remained with his aging mother to care for her in her sorrow.
In 1266 Angelo finally did ask to join the Order of Saint Augustine. After professing his religious vows, he studied Theology for four years and was ordained a Priest.
He was then sent to Paris for further study. There the renowned Augustinian Giles of Rome was his teacher. After earning his Lector's Degree, Angelo taught Theology in Abruzzi. After eight years there, he was chosen to hold the Chair of Theology at Saint Augustine's in Naples.
Unanimously elected Prior Provincial (regional superior), Angelo, considering himself to be unworthy of leading his Province, at first refused to accept the position. The Prior General, Blessed Clement of Osimo, required him to accept. He proved to be a capable Provincial.
At the age of 81, Angelo became seriously ill and had to retire. He died February 6, 1327 at Saint Augustine Monastery in Naples.
