March 13
Angel of Pisa (1194–1232)
confessor of faith
He was born in the Tuscan city of Pisa and was received into the Order by Saint Francis himself in 1219.
Biography
He was entrusted with establishing the order in England. He disembarked with eight companions in Dover and they were divided between London, Canterbury and Oxford. Its beginnings were difficult. Eccleston says that they were so poor that their first novice was on the verge of freezing to death in winter because they did not have firewood to keep themselves warm. Despite the difficulties, the Brothers of the Order of the Apostles, as they were known in England, expanded with prodigious rapidity. During Agnello's lifetime numerous Oxford students joined them, becoming such famous teachers as Richard de Cournuailles, Adam Marsh, Robert Grossetete, and Roger Bacon. As for our saint, he became a great character. King Henry III appointed him his advisor and the bishops made him their spokesman before the pope, who counted on him to soften relations with both the clerics and the king.
Practical advice
With the desire to sanctify everyday life, be grateful for the good received through the sacraments without leaving for tomorrow the good that you can do today.