Angel of Acri (1669–1739)

Biography

Born Lucas Antonio Falcone, he entered the novitiate three times before permanently persevering. At first he wanted to impress with elaborate speeches, but after a failed preaching he understood that he had to announce Christ with simplicity and rely on prayer. He toured southern Italy for decades, promoting reconciliation, defending the poor and oppressed and spending long hours in the confessional. His personal austerity was accompanied by generous charity and a word that was understandable to the people.