The founder of the Ursuline Sisters, Angela Merici, was born in the small Italian town of Desenzano on the shores of Lake Garda in 1474. She lost both her parents and her sister in succession as a young child and moved in with a wealthy uncle in the town of Salo, where she developed poise, wisdom, and grace without the benefit of formal education.
The 16th century, when Angela lived and worked, saw a great deal of suffering among the poor in society. Injustices were committed in the name of the Church and the government, leaving many people hungry and spiritually helpless. Moral values were corrupted, causing families to become divided and in pain. Conflicts between countries and the Italian city-states devastated towns.
In 1516, Angela moved to Brescia, Italy. There, she formed friendships with the affluent nobles of the time and served the impoverished and afflicted. Angela dedicated her days to prayer, fasting, and serving others. Her reputation grew, and people of all ages, statuses, faiths, and genders sought her counsel. Nevertheless, Angela had not yet realized her vision.
Following her trip to the Holy Land, where she is said to have gone blind, Angela returned to Brescia, a place that had turned into a refuge for those fleeing the numerous conflicts plaguing Italy at the time. There, she assembled a group of women who viewed Angela as an inspiring leader and a paragon of apostolic charity. These women, many being daughters of the affluent and some orphans, formed the core of Angela's Company of St. Ursula. Angela chose the name of her company in honor of St. Ursula, viewing her as an exemplar of dedicated virginity.
Angela and her founding company established the specifics of the prayer rule, as well as the commitments and customs that they would follow. The Ursulines established orphanages and educational institutions. In 1535, the Pope officially acknowledged the Institute of St. Ursula, and Angela was given the designation of foundress.
In the last five years of her life, Angela committed herself to writing several pieces of advice that would enable her daughters to live joyfully. She urged them to "exist in harmony, united as one heart and one purpose." Be united with each other through the bond of love, showing respect, assisting one another, and being patient with one another in Christ Jesus; if you genuinely strive to live this way, there is no question that the Lord our God will be present among you.
In 1580, Charles Borromeo, the Bishop of Milan, motivated by the Ursulines' efforts in Brescia, promoted the establishment of Ursuline houses throughout all the dioceses in Northern Italy. Charles likewise urged the Ursulines to reside collectively in a community instead of in their houses. He also urged them to openly declare their commitments to poverty, chastity, and obedience. These actions transformed Angela's initial "company" into a religious order of women.
St. Angela Merici passed away on January 27, 1540. Dressed in the attire of a Franciscan tertiary, Angela was interred in the Church of St. Afra in Brescia. St. Angela Merici was beatified on April 30, 1768, by Pope Clement XIII and canonized on May 24, 1807, by Pope Pius VII.
Angela is frequently associated with a cloak and a ladder.
She is the patron saint of the ill, disabled, and physically challenged individuals, as well as those mourning the death of their parents. Her feast is observed on January 27.
Other Saints of the Day
St. Candida
St. Julian of Le Mans
St. Lupus of Chalons
St. Henry de Osso y Cervello
St. Gamelbert of Michaelsbuch