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Also known as:
Albert of Sicily
Memorial: 7 August
Profile
Albert's parents promised that if they were blessed with a son, he would
be dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Educated in a Carmelite
monastery, and joined the order at age 18. Priest. Teacher in the
monastery. Mendicant preacher to the Sicilians, making many conversions;
especially devoted to, and successful with, Sicilian Jews. Miracle worker.
Sicilian Carmelite provincial in 1257, and worked both as preacher and
administrator.
In 1301, the city of Messina was under siege and blockade by Duke Robert
of Calabria. Disease ridden and facing imminent starvation, the Messina
city fathers asked Albert and the monastery for intervention. Albert
celebrated Mass, offering it as a plea for God's deliverance. As he
finished, three ships loaded with grain ran the blockade. The city was
saved from starvation, and Robert lifted the siege. Albert was so well
remembered for this intervention that a city gate was dedicated in his
honor over 300 years later.
In his later years, Albert retired to a small monastery near Messina, and
spent his time in prayer, meditation, and communion.
Born: 1250-1257 (sources vary) at Trapani, Sicily
Died: 7 August 1306 at Messina, of natural causes
Beatified: 1454
Canonized: 31 May 1476 by Pope Sextus IV
Patronage: Carmelite schools |
