Saint Angela Merici

Saint Angela Merici is the Patron Saint of the sick, physically challenged people, and those grieving the loss of parents. She was born in Desenzano, Italy, on March 21, 1474. Her home was a true spiritual sanctuary; they lived in unity and love, contemplating God and praying daily. Among the lives of the saints, her father told her, the biography of St. Ursula made a remarkable impression on little Angela Merici and inspired her to follow her faith. Orphaned young, she went to Salo to live in her uncle's home. Angela moved back to her family home in Desenzano when her uncle died to begin a new life as a lay Franciscan. She spent her days in prayer, fasting, and service. Her reputation spread, and both young and old, rich and poor, religious and secular, men and women, sought her advice. 

While on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1524, Angela was struck with blindness. She proceeded to visit the sacred shrines, seeing them with her spirit. Angela miraculously regained her eyesight after leaving the Holy Land. After her return, she had become a haven for the refugees from the many wars that racked Italy. There, she gathered a group that looked at Angela as an inspirational leader and a model of apostolic charity. Angela established groups of unmarried women of all classes in Brescia and other northern Italian cities. She wanted women to be in the world, but not of it. So they consecrated themselves to God and promised to remain celibate. But they lived at home with their families and sought ways to serve their neighbors. In 1535, Angela organized the groups into the "Company of St. Ursula," later called the Ursulines. The Company of Saint Ursula was the first secular institute for laity in the history of the Church.

She was elected superior of the institute in 1537. After founding the order, she wrote Testament and Souvenirs, in which she directed her nuns to emphasize gentleness, the significance of the individual, and the consequence of using persuasion over force. Merici became ill toward the end of 1539, but even while sick, she continued to receive visitors and hold religious discourse with them. She died in Brescia, Italy, on January 27, 1540. Merici was beatified by Pope Clement XIII in 1768 and canonized on January 24, 1807, by Pope Pius VII. 

St. Angela Merici, you devoted your life to caring for your spiritual children; intercede for us to care for those God has placed in our lives.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.