Blessed Angelo Carletti

Biography

Blessed Angelo Carletti, also known as Angelo of Chiavasso or Angelus, was born as Antonio Carletti in 1411 in Chivasso, in the Diocese of Ivrea, Italy. He hailed from an Italian noble family and received an extensive education, studying law in Bologna before practicing in the Monferrato region of Italy.

Despite a successful career, Antonio felt a deep spiritual calling and ultimately made the decision to enter religious life. He joined the Franciscan order at the Santa Maria del Monte monastery in Genoa, taking the name Brother Angelo. As a testament to his commitment, Brother Angelo sold his personal inheritance and generously distributed the proceeds among the poor.

Brother Angelo quickly gained a reputation as an accomplished theologian, drawing the attention of church authorities. He was appointed as a papal nuncio for both Pope Sixtus IV and Pope Innocent VIII, serving as a representative and ambassador of the Church. In this role, Brother Angelo worked diligently to promote the interests of the papacy and further the mission of the Church.

One of Brother Angelo's notable achievements was his impassioned preaching of a Crusade against the invading Turks. He sought to rally Christians and inspire them to defend their faith against the encroaching Muslim forces. His powerful sermons instilled courage and resolve in those who listened, urging them to take up arms in defense of their beliefs.

Additionally, Brother Angelo vehemently preached against the heretical beliefs of the Waldensians and denounced the practice of usurious money lending. His goal was to uphold the teachings of the Church and combat any deviations from orthodox Catholicism. To further this cause, Brother Angelo authored a renowned work titled "Cases of Conscience," which served as a comprehensive dictionary of moral theology, providing guidance on various ethical dilemmas and questions of conscience.

Not only was Brother Angelo recognized for his intellectual prowess, but he also became known for his spiritual guidance and care for souls. He held a close friendship with Blessed Paula Gambara Costa, acting as her confessor and spiritual director. It was through the intercession of Brother Angelo that Blessed Paula's husband received a miraculous cure at his grave. This remarkable event solidified Brother Angelo's reputation as a holy and saintly man.

Blessed Angelo Carletti spent his remaining years residing in the San Antonio monastery in Cuneo, Italy, exhibiting a profound devotion to his religious vocation. He passed away on April 11, 1495, at the age of 84, due to natural causes.

In recognition of his exceptional virtue and dedication to the Catholic faith, Blessed Angelo Carletti was beatified on April 24, 1753, by Pope Benedict XIV. His cultus, or public veneration, was confirmed by the Church, highlighting his significance as a model of holiness and an intercessor for the faithful. On April 11 each year, the feast day of Blessed Angelo Carletti is celebrated, allowing the faithful to honor his memory and seek his heavenly assistance in their spiritual lives.