Blessed John of Fiesole

Blessed John of Fiesole, popularly known as Blessed Fra Angelico, was a Dominican painter known for the beauty of his paintings and the holiness of his priestly life. He was born near Vicchio, in the vicinity of Florence, around 1400 and was given the name Guido at Baptism. From his childhood, he practiced the art of painting. At about 20, he joined the Dominicans, taking the name Fra Giovanni. Later he came to be known as Fra Angelico due to his angelic qualities. Fra is a contraction of frater, which means 'brother,' and is a conventional title for a mendicant friar. After ordination, he held various responsibilities, one of which was that of Prior of the convent in Fiesole.

Faithful to the promises he made as a Dominican to preach the Gospel after contemplating it in prayer, Fra Angelico put his creativity at the disposal of the Lord. With brush and paint in hand, he used his talents to transmit to all people the sublimity and the redemptive strength of the divine mysteries. Among his most famous works are the Annunciation and Descent from the Cross as well as frescoes in the monastery of San Marco in Florence. The fame of his genius merited him the esteem of the Sovereign Pontiffs Eugenio IV and Nicolas V, who contracted him to fresco several rooms in the Vatican Palace. He always prayed when he painted, and he would say, "To paint the things of Christ, one must live with Christ."

Fra Angelico died on February 18, 1455, in the convent of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome. He was buried in the adjoining Basilica, where his body was covered by a simple slab on which his portrait was carved. With a personality that was uncomplicated and clear, Brother Giovanni had lived a poor and humble life, refusing honors and positions. Even before his official recognition as a 'blessed' of the Church, he had been given by the faithful the title "Beato Angelico." On October 18, 1984, Pope John Paul II proclaimed him solemnly to be the universal patron of all artists.

Blessed John of Fiesole, you sought the Kingdom of God through the pursuit of perfect charity; obtain for us the grace to advance with joyful spirit along the way of love.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.