At the tender age of 10, she consecrated herself to the Lord as a third order Franciscan and vowed never to marry, but to live a life of consecrated virginity, prayer and service. Seeing how poorly catechized the young people of her neighborhood were, she took the initiative and took it upon herself to offer religious instruction to the young neighborhood girls—evangelizing them, catechizing them, opening them up to the life of grace.
Heaven took the initiative in Angela’s life too. She was given a vision from the Lord, that she was to found an institution with other consecrated virgins to further devote their lives toward the religious training of young girls. These women had little money, but were bound together by their dedication to educating youth in service of the Lord and His Church.
Around the age of 61, Angela took another initiative. With 12 other young women who vowed consecrated virginity, she formed the Order of Ursulines, the first religious order in the history of the Church dedicated primarily to teaching.
Angela's goal was to elevate family life through Christian education for women—the future wives and mothers. One of her favorite sayings was, "Disorder in society is the result of disorder in the family."
The Company of St. Ursula spread throughout Italy and France and eventually through all of Europe. They were the very first Catholic religious sisters to land in the new world.
St. Angela’s holy initiative changed the world, and yet, it was her deep Christian faith and love that animated her, gave her courage, and enabled her to take bold steps to meet real human demands.
Yet, listen to her humble words recognizing how we imperfect, limited humans are called to serve God. She says, “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.”
Inspired by her holy example, may we take the initiative to grow in holiness through service, recognizing the needs that we are being called to address, recognizing our own limitations and our own need to trust in the Lord at all times for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, next week, we pray for all students in Catholic schools, that the Spirit of God may grant them the gifts of wisdom and understanding, and that teachers may share their knowledge with gentleness, patience, and competence.
For parents, the first teachers of their children, that by their faith and love, they may be blessings to their families, and for a strengthening of all families in faith.
In Thanksgiving for the Ursuline Order, for their efforts to instill faith in our Diocese over the decades.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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