He came from a noble family, but during his adolescence, he became a robber and joined a group of bandits. His life took a dramatic turn when he encountered his father during a skirmish with soldiers, leading to his surrender and condemnation to death. However, due to his father’s service, he was reprieved.

The Hanging and Miraculous Survival

Following this, Armengol met Peter Nolasco in Barcelona and resolved to join the Mercedarians, an order dedicated to liberating Christians held captive by the Moors. After ordination, he became a “redeemer,” a role involving the dangerous task of ransoming captives in North Africa and Moorish Spain. He participated in several missions, freeing hundreds of captives.

Later Life and Veneration

In 1266, while attempting to ransom captives in Béjaïa, Armengol offered himself as a hostage when the ransom for other captives was delayed. He was subsequently hanged, but miraculously survived. He attributed his survival to the Virgin Mary. This event left him with a twisted neck and a haggard face for the rest of his life.

Armengol spent the remainder of his life at the Mercedarian house in his hometown. He died on April 27, 1304. He was canonized as a saint on April 8, 1687, after being approved by Pope Innocent XI. His feast day is celebrated on April 27, the date of his death. He is often depicted with a noose around his neck. His life is a testament to redemption, faith, and the power of divine intervention.