Vincenzo Lipani

In 1872, Father Angelico was given custody of the church of the Santissimo Crocifisso in Caltanissetta, which houses the crucifix venerated under the name of "Signore della Città" (Lord of the City). Moved by the misery of the families of sulfur miners following the disasters at Gessolungo and Juncio-Tumminelli, he founded the Signore della Città Institute for orphans in 1884. On October 15, 1885, he founded the congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Lord of the City, which was approved in 1899. He also worked for the restoration of the Order of Capuchins in Sicily.

Tried by illness for eight years, Father Angelico passed away on July 9, 1920, in Caltanissetta. His remains were transferred in 1947 to the sanctuary of the Signore della Città. His cause for beatification opened at the diocesan level in 1997 and closed in 2001. After validation of the process in 2008, the Positio received a favorable opinion from historians in 2016, and the theologians unanimously recognized the heroic nature of his virtues on January 17, 2019.

On June 18, 2019, the cardinals and bishops confirmed the heroic nature of his virtues. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis authorized the decree conferring upon him the title of Venerable. This decree was solemnly presented in Caltanissetta on October 15, 2019, by Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello. A miracle is now required for his beatification.

Rooted in the Franciscan charism, his spirituality is marked by the love of the crucified Christ, trust in Providence, and service to the poor, for whom he begged himself. His spiritual testament exhorts his sisters to holiness: "Be holy, I want you all to be holy, just as I want to be holy." Today, the congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Lord continues its work of education and assistance in Italy, South America, Asia, and Africa.