Blessed Agnello of Pisa
Stored in Cargo: Blessed Agnello of Pisa
| Blessed Agnello of Pisa | |
| Feast Day | March 07 (Franciscans), May 07 or September 10 (locally) |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Pisa, Tuscany, Italy |
| Death Place | Oxford, England |
| Cause of Death | Dysentery |
| Primary Shrine | Oxford, England (destroyed; no current shrine) |
Blessed Agnello of Pisa was an Italian Franciscan friar who played a pivotal role in establishing the Franciscan Order in England. Born into a noble family in Pisa, he was among the first to be received into the order by Saint Francis of Assisi himself. Agnello was sent to Paris to establish a friary and later to England in 1224, where he became the first Minister Provincial, laying the foundations for the Franciscan presence in the country. Known for his humility and zeal for poverty, he died in Oxford after a life dedicated to spreading the Franciscan ideals of simplicity and service.
Biography
Birth
Agnello was born around 1195 in Pisa, Italy, into the noble Agnelli family.
Early Life
His early life was marked by a decision to embrace the life of a Franciscan friar under the direct influence of Saint Francis.
Occupation
He served as a friar, becoming the custos (guardian) of the Paris friary before his mission to England.
Vocation
His vocation was deeply tied to the spread of Franciscan spirituality, founding convents and promoting education.
Death
Agnello died on March 7, 1236, in Oxford, England, from dysentery, after a life of service to the Franciscan Order.
Significant events
- Founded the first Franciscan convent in Paris.
- Established the Franciscan Order in England, particularly at Oxford, which later became significant for its theological studies.
- Played a key role in negotiating peace between King Henry III and the Earl Marshal.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
Death location: Oxford, England
Notable location: Franciscan Convent (Franciscan Convent, Oxford, England)
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Death
Agnello succumbed to dysentery in Oxford, having dedicated his life to the Franciscan mission.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize him as a Servant of God would have begun posthumously, based on his virtuous life.
Venerable
Declared Venerable for his life of heroic virtue, though specific dates are not well-documented.
Beatification
Beatified in 1882 by Pope Leo XIII, acknowledging his contributions to the Church's growth and his exemplary life.
Canonization
Agnello has not been canonized but is venerated as Blessed.
Miracles
No specific miracles are documented for his beatification, but his life was considered miraculous in its dedication and impact.
Miracle for beatification
Not specifically documented.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable since he has not been canonized.
Other notable miracles
His body was reportedly found incorrupt some time after his death, though this is not universally documented.
Patronage
No specific patronage is widely recognized for Blessed Agnello.
Feast day
His feast day is observed on March 7 by the Franciscans, and locally on May 7 or September 10.
Veneration
Agnello is remembered for his role in establishing the Franciscan presence in England. His veneration might be more local due to the historical significance in Oxford, although no current shrine exists as the original was destroyed during the Reformation.
Books
Written about the saint
Limited writings, mostly historical accounts of the Franciscan Order's expansion in England.
Written by the saint
No known writings by Blessed Agnello exist.