St. Angela Merici

She is the foundress of the company of St. Ursula, today known as the Ursuline sisters. She responded to the gift of God’s love and salvation by working to relieve the suffering of those around her. Her confidence in God’s care inspired her to “risk new things and be ready for big surprises.” With her example, Angela gave the people of her time a new way of life for women.

In 1535, she formed a new kind of religious community without a convent and without habits. These women were, however, completely dedicated to communal prayer and a strict rule of life -- a rule that Angela wrote, the first woman to ever do so. Together they served those in need of comfort, healing, education and wisdom. The community of 28 women grew and spread across the globe, with Ursuline ministries in approximately 36 countries. We continue her legacy when we take time to reflect on what we are called to do, pray for the strength and wisdom to carry it out, and then do it!