ANGELO d'ACRI, blessed. – Born at Acri (Cosenza) on 19 October 1669, he received the name Luca Antonio at baptism. 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 with extraordinary gifts and strengthened by fervent and assiduous prayers, he learned, as few others did, the difficult art of touching hearts, becoming the apostle of southern Italy. As provincial (1717–20) and guardian of Acri (1726–27), he distinguished himself by the utmost prudence and skill in government. He died at Acri on 30 October 1739 and was beatified by Leone XII on 29 December 1825. His feast is celebrated in the Seraphic Order on 30 October.
BIBL.: Anon., Vita del b. Angelo d'Acri missionario cappuccino, Rome 1825; Acta SS. Octobr. XIII, Paris 1883, pp. 648–82; Aureola Serafica, IV, Quaracchi 1900, p. 224.