Collection: St. Albert of Sicily

Artist: Antonio de Pereda – c. 1670

Albert’s parents, Benedict and Joan, promised that if they were blessed with a son, he would be dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He was educated in a Carmelite monastery and joined the Order at age 18. Albert was a preacher to the Sicilians, making many conversions. He was especially devoted to, and successful with, Sicilian Jews. Miracle worker. Albert became a Sicilian Carmelite provincial in 1257 and worked both as preacher and administrator.

In 1301, the city of Messina, Italy was under siege and blockade by Duke Robert of Calabria, Italy. 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 Gods 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.

His feast day is August 7.