Born near Florence at the beginning of the 15th century, his baptismal name was Guido di Pietro. 

As a boy, he had a great devotion to The Lord, and a demonstrated gift for expressing his faith by painting, a gift which was developed when a local master took him under his wing and taught him. 

At the age of twenty, he joined the Dominicans and took the name Fra Giovanni, but eventually became known as Fra Angelico, which may have been because of the heavenly qualities his paintings demonstrated. 

His works were exquisite and devotional, focusing on the life and death of Jesus, The Blessed Mother, and all aspects and phases of her journey from the Annunciation to her Assumption. 

Michelangelo said: “One has to believe this good monk has visited paradise and been allowed to choose his models there.” 

His focus was on devotion. His most famous works include The Annunciation and the Descent from the Cross. 

He also held leadership roles in the Dominican community and was asked by The Pope to be the Archbishop of Florence, but he declined. 

He died on this day in 1455.

Blessed John of Fiesole, please pray for us.