Agnellus of Pisa

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Blessed Agnellus of Pisa
Born	1195, Pisa
Died	May 7, 1236, Oxford
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	1882 by Leo XIII
Feast	May 7
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Blessed Agnellus of Pisa was a Friar Minor and founder of the English Franciscan Province. He was born 1195 at Pisa, and died May 7, 1236 at Oxford.

In his early youth, Agnellus was received into the Seraphic Order by St. Francis, during the latter's sojourn in Pisa. After being sent to Paris, Agnellus build a convent in the city. He then returned to Italy, was present at the Chapter of Mats, and thence went to establish the Franciscans in England. He and his party landed at Dover on September 12, 1224. The English Franciscan Order was established at Oxford soon after.

Agnellus established a school for the friars at Oxford, which may have helped the development of the latter university. He wielded influence in state affairs, and in his efforts to avoid a civil war between the King and the Earl Marshal, he contracted a fatal illness.

His cult was confirmed by Leo XIII in 1882, and his feast day is kept on May 7.