Angel Paoli (1642–1720)

Biography

An Italian Carmelite known as "Father of the Poor", Ángel Paoli turned his years in Rome into an organized service to the sick and destitute. He carried out internal tasks in his community with simplicity, but outside of it he mobilized collaborators, distributed food, visited hospitals and opened a shelter for convalescents without resources. He was also spiritual director of people from all social classes. His charity was born from the Eucharist and devotion to Mary, and sought to restore autonomy and hope, not just alleviate an emergency.