ALBERT of Sicily

Also known as Albert of Trapani
Memorial Day - 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 monstery 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 seige. 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