Saint Angela of the Cross

St. Angela of the Cross, born on January 30, 1846, in Seville, Spain, founded the Sisters of the Company of the Cross. Influenced by her pious parents, she learned to pray the Rosary and often prayed at the parish church before "Our Lady of Good Health." Angela made her First Communion when she was eight, and her Confirmation when she was nine. She had little formal education and began working in a shoe shop.

Angelita was 16 when she met Fr. Jose Torres Padilla of Seville, who became her spiritual director. Angela desired to enter religious life, and when she was 19, she asked to join the Discalced Carmelites in Santa Cruz but was refused due to her poor health. Instead, following Fr. Torres's advice, she began caring for needy cholera patients because a cholera epidemic was spreading among the poor. Three years later, she approached the Daughters of Charity in Seville and was admitted, though her health was still poor. Despite the efforts of the sisters to help her improve, her condition remained fragile, and she left the order during her novitiate.

On November 1, 1871, Angela made a private vow to live the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience. In 1873, during prayer, she had a vision of an empty cross, understanding it as a call to join Jesus on the Cross and serve the poor. In obedience to Fr. Torres, she wrote a detailed spiritual diary reflecting her calling. On August 2, 1875, three women joined her in Seville, marking the beginning of their community life. They formed the Sisters of the Company of the Cross, dedicating themselves to prayer and serving the poor. Under Mother Angela's guidance, 23 convents were established before her death on March 2, 1932. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2003.

St. Angela of the Cross, you led your life serving the poor; help us follow your example and examine our attachments to the wealth and comforts of our lives. Amen.

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love 
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)