St. Angela Merici
Who Is St. Angela Merici?
Angela was born in Venice, Italy in 1474. She was orphaned at the very young age of 10. She and her sister went to live with their uncle.
Then her sister died suddenly without receiving Last Rites. This distressed Angela and she often prayed for her sister’s soul. In a vision, she saw her sister in heaven with the saints.
She joined the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi and consecrated herself as a virgin, in lifelong service to Jesus Christ.
Her uncle died when she was only 20 years old. She returned to her hometown, where there was little opportunity for girls to receive an education. She was moved by the Spirit to take girls into her home and give them a basic education. She gathered other consecrated women to help her in this mission.
She had several mystical experiences. While on a trip to the Holy Land she became blind. She continued her journey. On the return trip, while praying before a crucifix at the same location where the blindness struck, she regained her vision.
St. Angela Merici formalized her group of women by founding the Ursuline order of religious sisters. The order is named after St. Ursula, the patron saint of female students. The order dedicated themselves to the education of girls and young women.
Feast Day
Her feast day is January 27 annually.
Patron Saint of…
St. Angela Merici is the patron saint of the sick, the disabled, and all those grieving the loss of parents.
Mass Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Angela Merici
- First Reading – 1 Peter 4:7b-11: “let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 148: “Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.”
- Gospel – Mark 9:34b-37: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Prayer for the Grieving
Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a long process. It is natural for many to turn to God in these times. Although it can also be normal to experience anger, disappointment in God, or a general lack of faith. Don’t despair! God is still there. He is waiting for you and patiently allows each of us to grieve in our own way.
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