BLESSED ANGELO D'ACRI. - Born at Acri (Cosenza) on 19 Oct. 1669, he was baptized with the name Luca Antonio. A tender and singular devotion to Mary distinguished him from his earliest years. In 1690 he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Fathers and, enriched by extraordinary gifts and strengthened by fervent and assiduous prayers, he learned as few others the difficult art of touching hearts, becoming the apostle of southern Italy. As provincial (1717-20) and as guardian of Acri (1726-27), he distinguished himself for his supreme prudence and skill in governance. He died at Acri on 30 Oct. 1739 and was beatified by Leo XII on 29 Dec. 1825. His feast is celebrated in the Seraphic Order on 30 Oct.
BIBL.: Anon., Vita del b. Angelo d'Acri missionario capuccino, Rome 1825; Acta SS. Octobris, XIII, Paris 1883, pp. 658-82; Aureola Serafica, IV, Quaracchi 1900, p. 224. Giuseppe Sanità