Born: March 21, 1474, Desenzano del Garda, Italy
Died: January 27, 1540, Brescia, Italy
Canonized: May 24, 1807 by Pope Pius VII
Founder of: The Company of Saint Ursula (Ursulines)
Early Life and Vocation
Saint Angela Merici was born in the small town of Desenzano on the shores of Lake Garda in Northern Italy. From her earliest years, Angela was distinguished by a deep piety, a spirit of recollection, and a love for prayer. Orphaned at a young age, she went to live with her uncle in the town of Salo. After his death, she returned to Desenzano and led a life of simplicity and virtue.
She joined the Third Order of Saint Francis, embracing its spirit of penance and evangelical poverty. Angela spent much of her time in solitude and prayer, but also devoted herself to works of charity, especially in the instruction of poor girls. At that time, religious and moral instruction for girls, particularly among the lower classes, was greatly neglected.
Founding of the Ursulines
Angela was given a mystical insight into the great need for reform in Christian society, especially in the formation of young women. She understood that the renewal of families and of society must begin with the education and sanctification of future mothers. Motivated by this vision, she gathered around her a group of virgins devoted to the service of God and neighbor.
In 1535, Angela founded the Company of Saint Ursula, named after the virgin-martyr Saint Ursula, a symbol of Christian maidenhood. Unlike traditional religious orders, Angela’s group did not live in enclosure or wear a habit. They remained in the world, living in their own homes, consecrated to God by vow, and dedicating themselves to the Christian education of girls and the care of the poor and sick.
This form of life, though novel at the time, was deeply rooted in the spirit of apostolic charity and personal sanctification. Angela gave her daughters a Rule, which emphasized obedience, humility, purity, and the spiritual motherhood they were to exercise over their charges.
Mystical Graces and Final Years
Saint Angela was known for her profound interior life and mystical experiences. She received visions and divine inspirations, some of which guided her in the founding of her institute. Despite her increasing blindness in later years, she continued her work with unwavering zeal, seeing more clearly with the eyes of the soul than many did with bodily sight.
Her life was marked by a holy balance of action and contemplation. Angela remained humble, never seeking prominence, and always pointing her daughters to Christ.
She died peacefully in Brescia on January 27, 1540, and was buried in the Church of Saint Afra. Her body remains incorrupt.
Legacy and Canonization
Saint Angela’s foundation, the Ursulines, became the first teaching order of women in the Church. Her vision anticipated many later developments in religious life, while remaining firmly anchored in the spirit of Catholic tradition. The Ursulines would go on to educate generations of Catholic women, especially in Europe and the Americas.
She was beatified in 1768 by Pope Clement XIII and canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII.
Patronage
Saint Angela Merici is the patroness of educators, especially those concerned with the Christian formation of girls, and of the sick and disabled.
A Saying of Saint Angela Merici:
“Do something. Get moving. Be confident. Risk new things. Stick with it. Then be ready for big surprises.”
This simple yet profound counsel expresses her trust in Divine Providence and her zeal for the things of God.