Carmelite Quoteshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0b7FeRufFf01qTdx2RJhMh?si=89257291650249a3
ON THE VII CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OF
SAINT ALBERT OF TRAPANI, 2006–2007
Dearly beloved,
This coming August 7th marks the opening of the centenary of the death of Saint Albert of Trapani (+1307), patron saint of the Teresian Carmel of Sicily.
In the history of the Carmelite Order, veneration for this saint from our land has always been very much alive and widespread, so much so that since the 15th century he has been considered the patron and protector of the Order; in fact, in 1524 it was established that his image should be in the seal of the General Chapter and Father General, Nicholas Audet, ordered that an altar be dedicated to him in every Carmelite church.
From this, too, one can understand the reason for the rich iconography about him in which he often appears side by side with Saint Angelus of Licata. Although his biography, written as early as the 14th century, and later editions are enriched by many miraculous events and legends, nevertheless some historical data are sufficiently well-founded.
Generous in preaching the Word of God and famous for miracles, he was, for some years (around 1296), provincial superior of the Carmelites of Sicily; he died in Messina on 7 August 1307, with a reputation for holiness.
He was to be the first Carmelite saint declared such by the Church. Soon the Carmelite Province of Sicily was called “of Saint Albert,” which gave birth in 1472 to a second one, called “of Saint Angelus,” and then from these two arose two other Discalced Provinces, in 1645 the “Province of the First Institute of Monte Santo,” and in 1741 the “Province Santa Maria della Scala.”
As part of our Teresian Reform, the OCD General Chapter of the Congregation of Italy on 13 May 1632, established the new Province of Sicily and named it after Saint Albert of Trapani. And so, again recently, our General Definitory, on October 10, 1998, in the Decree of Erection re-proposed the title of Saint Albert for our Commissariat. The Province of Mexico also has this Saint as its patron.
But now what can it mean for us to celebrate the centenary of a saint from seven centuries ago, after Carmel has given us Saints of other importance, Founders of a new Family, and Doctors of the Church?
Already these brief, historical hints given should remind us of the Lord’s will regarding the Carmel of Sicily: for centuries, Saint Albert has been our patron, the guardian of our Carmel. We must therefore know him, know how to invoke his intercession, and honor him.
This came about for us not only because he is a Sicilian saint, but also because our Holy Mother Teresa had a special devotion for him; she invoked him as “Father,” recognized him several times in visions, attributed important inspirations to him, and even took care to publish his “Life,” to make him known and loved by her nuns and Discalced friars.
Then there is an aspect of his life that all Carmel, ancient and reformed, has always credited to him and for which it has invoked his intercession in commemorations: purity, chastity, and innocence of behavior.
We may recall the antiphon that until not long ago this antiphon was repeated: O Alberte, norma munditiae, puritatis et continentiae, ora Matrem misericordiae ut in hac valle miseriae nos defendat ab omni labe (“O Albert, model of cleanliness, purity, and continence, pray to the Mother of Mercy that in this valley of misery, she may defend us from every stain”).
Knowing in this regard the disaster that is happening in this world of ours, the most unscrupulous behaviors at all levels, what mentality is rampant, fostered by the intrusive arrogance of the media: We, religious and lay Carmelites, must not live in the presumption that we do not need much vigilance, and we should make clear, countercultural choices and prayers like this one if we do not want to risk losing the beatitude of the pure in heart, which is indispensable to the life of prayer and contemplation, as we await the sight of God.
Thus, the centenary might be a fitting occasion for each community, fraternity, and group to envision some initiative that may benefit a better understanding of our roots and sacred history, which owes so much to the saints who shaped it.
Like devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, so deeply rooted among us, a devotion to the saints, especially of the Order, may help us to have a more penetrating understanding of the religious tradition in which we are called to live and bear witness to the charism of Carmel.
May Saint Albert, “servant of Christ, sustain our journey in safety, and teach us the true way of peace,” as we pray in the feast day liturgy and weekly commemoration.
Gaudentius Gianninoto, O.C.D.
Commissar, Commissariat of Sicily
Monte Carmelo, 4 July 2006
Letter from Father Gaudenzio Gianninoto, O.C.D., to the communities of Sicily announcing the opening of the VII Centenary of the death of Saint Albert of Trapani, patron saint of the Commissariat of Sicily. Father Gaudenzio is now a founding member of the community at the Monte Carmelo House of Prayer in Villasmundo, Sicily.
Translation from the Italian text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.
Featured image: This portrait of St. Albert of Trapani was executed by painter Antonio de Pereda (Spanish, 1611–1678) in oil on canvas, ca. 1670. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/08/06/ep18-trapani/
#Centenary #DiscalcedCarmelites #miracles #patron #Podcast #ProtectorOfCarmel #purity #Sicily #StAlbertOfTrapani #StTeresaOfAvila
Ep18 St. Albert of Trapani: Purity & Miracles
Episode · Carmelite Quotes · Celebrate the Feast of St. Albert of Trapani with us. Discover his life, miracles, and legacy that continue to inspire the Carmelite family. Visit carmelitequotes.blog for more insights and spiritual enrichment! Music credit: Sean Beeson
