Fra Angelico is a name that is familiar to many art enthusiasts, as he was a highly talented painter during the 15th century.
Many of his frescoes have been preserved over the centuries and can be seen throughout Italy.
His most famous frescoes can be seen in San Marco, in Florence, while others he painted can be found in Rome.
While he was a highly skilled painter, he was also a holy and devout Catholic and was beatified by St. John Paul II in 1982.
Yet, his name was never “Fra Angelico,” as that name is more of a title, meaning “Angelic Friar.” The title Fra can be used for any friar.
He was known by that title even during his life, as his fellow Dominican friars saw holiness radiate from him.
His real name
Born with the name Guido, Fra Angelico received the name John in religious life. The Roman Martyrology provides his full name on his feast of February 19:
At Rome, Blessed John of Fiesole, known as Fra Angelico, priest of the Order of Preachers, who, always united with Christ, expressed in his paintings what he contemplated in his depths, in such a way as to elevate the minds of men to celestial realities.
St. John Paul II provides some insight into why his contemporaries called him “Fra Angelico:”
“Whoever does the work of Christ, ought always to stay close to Christ.” This was a motto constantly repeated by Brother John of Fiesole, who was called Beato Angelico because of the highest integrity of his life and the almost divine beauty of his paintings, particularly those of the Blessed Virgin Mary…While Brother John was painting the Basilica of Saint Peter’s and the Vatican palace, Eugenius IV took the most opportunity not only to admire the virtue of this outstanding artist, but even more than that, the piety of this religious, his observance of the Rule, his humility, and his memorable spirit that made many people his own.
While his re;igious name may have been John, the Church continues to refer to him as Fra Angelico, just as many refer to St. Pio as Padre Pio.
Both titles summarize the specific saint’s life and how they ministered to others.
For Fra Angelico, he ministered to the world through the beauty of his “angelic” paintings, portraying the mysteries of the faith in a most beautiful way.
And today we celebrate...