Saintly Saturday - Blessed Angelo of Chivasso

Blessed Angelo of Chivasso was born in Italy into a wealthy & pious family in 1411. He, himself, was pious even as a child. Frequently, his mother would find him on his knees in the middle of the night, praying & venerating his crucifix. 

As an adult, he kept his prayerful devotion to the Passion of Christ & the Blessed Virgin Mary, a devotion which he believed protected him in his endeavors. He was a magistrate & became of Doctor of Theology & of Canon & Civil Law. When his mother passed away, he became an Observant Franciscan priest (now known as the Order of the Friars Minor). As a priest, he dedicated himself to helping those in the remote villages of the Piedmont region of Italy.

He authored numerous books, including Summa Angelica, a dictionary of moral theology. At the age of 80, he preached to the Waldensians, heretics who denied papal authority over the Church & purgatory. His preaching led many of them to convert. 

He requested leave of his duties at the age of 84 & he lived in solitude in the friary of Cuneo. His remaining days were spent in prayer & preparation for his death. He died in 1495. When his body was exhumed, it was found to be incorrupt, emitting a pleasant odor. The Church celebrates his feast day on April 12.  

Blessed Angelo of Chivasso, Pray for Us!