BIG C CATHOLICS

Saint Angela Merici, the 16th century virgin and religious educator, founded the Order of Ursulines, the first teaching order for women recognized by the Church. Her fortitude and trust in God is evident in this advice she gave to postulants: Do not lose heart, even if you should discover that you lack qualities necessary for the work to which you are called. He who called you will not desert you, but the moment you are in need he will stretch out his saving hand. — St. Angela Merici __________________________________________ Almighty God, Who by means of your Saint Angela Merici did commence a new Order of holy virgins to flourish in Thy Church, grant, through her intercession, that we may imitate her angelic virtues, and forsaking all earthly things, may be found worthy of eternal bliss, through Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Optional Memorial - January 27th  Saint Angela Merici was a 16th century Italian religious educator and foundress. She established the Company of Saint Ursula in 1535 at Brescia, in which women dedicated their lives to the service of the Church through the education of girls. From this organization came the monastic Order of Ursulines. Angela's sisters founded schools of prayer and learning throughout Europe, and later, the world. Angela was born in Northern Italy in the diocese of Verona in the year 1474. She lived on Lake Garda together with her parents and sister in relative comfort. Early in life, she dedicated herself to Christ. At age 15, she and her older sister were left orphans. A short time later, her sister would die without receiving Last Rites. This disturbed Angela greatly, and she prayed fervently for her sister’s soul. By God's grace, Angela would have a vision confirming that her sister was in heaven. The future saint became increasingly devout. She

Orphaned at an early age, Saint Angela Merici devoted her life, her work and her virtue to God. Her selfless humility and dedication to the meek is a model for us to follow. The quotes below reflect the wisdom of a soul completely disposed to being an unfailing disciple of Christ in all things. to all people, at all times. Reflect that in reality you have a greater need to serve [the poor] than they have of your service. *** Beware of trying to accomplish anything by force. *** Strive to be faithful to that which God has called you. *** We must give alms. Charity wins souls and draws them to virtue. *** Keep to the ancient way and custom of the Church, established and confirmed by so many Saints under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And live a new life. Pray, and get others to pray, that God not abandon His Church, but reform it as He pleases, and as He sees best for us, and more to His honor and glory. *** Consider that the devil doesn't sleep, but

January 27th, is the optional memorial of Saint Angela Merici (1474 – 1540), the 16th century virgin, religious educator and foundress, who established the Order of Ursulines, the first teaching order for women recognized by the Catholic Church. From this Order would later emerge the monastic Order of Ursulines, whose nuns founded convents of prayer and study throughout the world, including North America. From her earliest moments, Angela dedicated herself to fasting, self-sacrifice and prayer; practices she maintained throughout her life. Angela was born in the town of Desenzano del Garda in Lombardy, Italy, the second child of a pious middle class family.  At 15, her parents died, leaving her and her older sister orphans. A short time later, her sister would also die. At some point during this period, Angela dedicated herself to Christ as His bride and became a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. She lived simply, sleeping only a few hours a night and spending much of her

Saint Angela Merici was born in northern Italy in the year 1474. At age 15, she and her older sister were left orphans. A short time later, her sister would die without receiving Last Rites. Angela was most alarmed by this and prayed fervently for her sister’s soul. By God’s grace, Angela received a vision confirming her sister was indeed in heaven among the saints. Angela dedicated her life to Christ; spending countless hours educating and tending to the needs of poor women and girls. In Crete, on a trip to the Holy Land, she was struck blind [praying in front of a crucifix]. Friends urged her to return home but Angela continued the pilgrimage with as much devotion as if she could see. Upon her return, Angela’s sight was restored while praying in front of a crucifix at the same place where she was struck blind. At age 57, she founded the first teaching order of religious sisters in the Church as well as the first “secular institute” of religious women. The Life of St. Angela Mer