Podcast appearances and mentions of angela merici

January 28th, 2026:  Keep Going Against the Current;  The Life of St Angela Merici;  God is Calling Us Out of a Throwaway Culture;  Let God into the Roots of Our Problems 

Friends of the Rosary,Saint Angela of Merici († 1540), the saint we honor today, was the foundress of the Company of Saint Ursula, the Congregation of the Ursulines, the first teaching order of women religious.Orphaned at age ten, Angela became a Franciscan tertiary and was awakened with the desire to form a company of virgins to serve God.She wrote, "Although at times they will have troubles or anxieties, nevertheless, this will soon pass away and be turned into gladness and joy. And then, the suffering of this world is nothing in comparison with the blessings which are in Paradise.""How many lords, queens, and other great persons there are who, with the many riches and possessions they have, will not be able to find true relief in some extreme need; and yet these little ones, poor as they are, will find consolation and comfort.""You are raised with Christ, seek what is above. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth (Col 3:1-2)."Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play

Send us a textWe trace Saint Angela Merici's bold vision for teaching girls during the Renaissance and why her Eucharist-centered model still renews families, schools, and parishes today. From early trials to the founding of the Ursulines and their expansion, we show how study and prayer form saints.• barriers to girls' education in the Renaissance• Angela's early life, Franciscan devotion and call• founding the Company of Saint Ursula• the first lay teaching order for girls• Eucharist-centred catechesis and daily prayer• spiritual motherhood and leadership in education• facing opposition with humility and fidelity• spread of Ursuline schools across Europe• practical renewal for homes, schools and parishesExplore our curated collection of books, DVDs, ebooks, and audiobooks; experience virtual pilgrimages; shop Catholic gifts up to 50% off with free shipping over $18; sign up for exclusive discounts and daily spiritual offers; visit journeysoffaith.com website todaySaint Angela Merici Media CollectionOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showDownload Journeys of Faith Free App link. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/journeys-of-faith/id6757635073 Journeys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here Please consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith we are actively increasing our reach and we are seeing good results for visitors under 40! Help us Grow! Buy Me a cup of Coffee...

Today we honor St. Angela Merici who founded the Ursulines in 1535. What was this religious order of women known for? Listen to this current reflection from Fr. Kubicki to find out.

Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Angela Merici, 1474-1540; born in Italy, orphaned in her teens; as a young woman, she joined the Third Order of St. Francis; at age 60, Angela and 12 other women began the Company of St. Ursula; this was a new way of life--single women consecrated to Christ and living in the world rather than in a monastery, what is today known as a "Secular Institute"; Angela died in Brescia, Italy; in the early 1600s, Companies that had expanded into France were re-organized into the religious Order of St. Ursula, to teach girls Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/27/26 Gospel: Mark 3:31-35

27 January 2026

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Saint Angela Merici Saint Angela Merici's Story Saint Angela Merici has the double distinction of founding the first of what are now called “secular institutes” and the first teaching order of women in the Church. Born in Desenzano, Italy, Saint Angela Merici was orphaned in her teens. As  a young woman, with her heart centered on Christ, Angela joined the Third Order of St. Francis and embraced austerity. In a visionary experience, she felt called to found a “company” of women. Angela was invited to become a live-in companion for a widow in the nearby town of Brescia. There she became the spiritual advisor of a group of men and women with ideals of spiritual renewal and service to those in need. While on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1524, Angela was struck with blindness. She proceeded to visit the sacred shrines, seeing them with her spirit. On the way back while praying before a crucifix, Angela's sight was restored. At age 60, Angela and 12 other women began the Company of St. Ursula, named for a patroness of medieval universities and venerated as a leader of women. This constituted a new way of life: single women consecrated to Christ and living in the world rather than in a monastery. With Angela as their “mother and mistress,” Company members did not live in community, wore no special clothing, and made no formal vows. Angela Merici died in Brescia, Italy, in 1540. Clothed in the habit of a Franciscan tertiary, her body was interred in Brescia's Church of Saint' Afra. Four years later the Company's Rule that Angela had composed, prescribing the practices of chastity, poverty and obedience, was approved by the pope. In the early 1600s, Companies that had expanded into France were re-organized into the religious Order of St. Ursula, to teach girls. Angela's words continue to inspire the Ursuline nuns' mission of education, a mission that spread worldwide. The Company of St. Ursula also continued to exist and is federated worldwide today with members in 30 countries. Angela Merici was canonized by Pope Pius VII in 1807. Reflection As with so many saints, history is mostly concerned with their activities. But deep Christian faith and love sustain one whose courage lasts a lifetime, and who can take bold new steps when human need demands.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Filmmaker Morgan Atkinson discusses the reason that the writings of Thomas Merton inspired him to convert to Catholicism, why he made a documentary titled “In the Company of Change” about the Ursuline Sisters and his friend Sister Martha Buser, and why the teachings of the Ursuline's founder, St. Angela Merici, are still relevant today.

January 28th, 2025 Keep Going Against the Current The Life of St Angela Merici God is Calling Us Out of a Throwaway Culture Let God into the Roots of Our Problems 

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 317The Saint of the day is Saint Angela MericiSaint Angela Merici's story Angela Merici has the double distinction of founding the first of what are now called “secular institutes” and the first teaching order of women in the Church. Born in Desenzano, Italy, she was orphaned in her teens. As a young woman, with her heart centered on Christ, Angela joined the Third Order of St. Francis and embraced austerity. In a visionary experience, she felt called to found a “company” of women. Angela was invited to become a live-in companion for a widow in the nearby town of Brescia. There she became the spiritual advisor of a group of men and women with ideals of spiritual renewal and service to those in need. While on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1524, Angela was struck with blindness. She proceeded to visit the sacred shrines, seeing them with her spirit. On the way back while praying before a crucifix, Angela’s sight was restored. At age 60, Angela and 12 other women began the Company of St. Ursula, named for a patroness of medieval universities and venerated as a leader of women. This constituted a new way of life: single women consecrated to Christ and living in the world rather than in a monastery. With Angela as their “mother and mistress,” Company members did not live in community, wore no special clothing, and made no formal vows. Angela Merici died in Brescia, Italy, in 1540. Clothed in the habit of a Franciscan tertiary, her body was interred in Brescia’s Church of Saint’ Afra. Four years later the Company’s Rule that Angela had composed, prescribing the practices of chastity, poverty and obedience, was approved by the pope. In the early 1600s, Companies that had expanded into France were re-organized into the religious Order of St. Ursula, to teach girls. Angela's words continue to inspire the Ursuline nuns' mission of education, a mission that spread worldwide. The Company of St. Ursula also continued to exist and is federated worldwide today with members in 30 countries. Angela Merici was canonized by Pope Pius VII in 1807. Reflection As with so many saints, history is mostly concerned with their activities. But deep Christian faith and love sustain one whose courage lasts a lifetime, and who can take bold new steps when human need demands. Saint Angela Merici is a Patron Saint of: Educators/Teachers Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Happy feast of St. Angela Merici! On today's show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell reflect on her legacy as founder of the Ursulines. Guests include Brendan Hodge from The Pillar, and Teresa Tomeo to recap her coverage of this past weekend's March for Life in Washington. Plus news, weather, sports and more

Hebrews 9:15, 24-28 (‘Christ having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.') 1 Peter 4:7-13 (‘As each has received a gift, use it to serve on another.')

Happy feast of St. Angela Merici! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell reflect on her legacy as founder of the Ursulines. Guests include Brendan Hodge from The Pillar, and Teresa Tomeo to recap her coverage of this past weekend’s March for Life in Washington. Plus news, weather, sports and more… ***** A Prayer to St. Peter Damian for Insomniacs St. Peter Damian, you were an insomniac for a long period of time. You understand how difficult it is to function after a sleepless night, how hard it is to be kind, understanding and loving when you are exhausted, how frustrating it is to be tired and unable to do your best. Please intercede for us before the throne of God and ask that if it be His will, they may be able to sleep at night and no longer suffer from insomnia. If it is not God’s will at this time, we ask for the grace to use any sleepless hours as a time of prayer, offering that sleeplessness for the souls who most need God’s love and mercy. ***** The Catholic Ministries Appeal for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is online at catholicaoc.org/cma. Bill Schmitt is online at onword.net. Stephen Crampton is online at thomasmoresociety.org. Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After ragging on people who surely don't deserve the veneration they receive from faithful Christians around the world, for their questionable morality, or even dubious historicity, it's time for us to look at a heptad of saints who are genuinely good role models--at least on the surface....For these saints (as opposed to Teresa of Calcutta), poverty was an obstacle to be overcome, rather than a virtue to perpetuate. We preach power through education, and so did these seven reasonably good saints.Angela Merici was a Venecian with no recorded miracles, but people insisted that she was a saint because of the work she did to support the public education of young people.Elizabeth Seton was a big fan of public education, and used her great fortune to support young people in their pursuit to better their lives. Seton was the first American Saint.Vincent de Paul has a wild story of slavery and alchemy, and he went on to do everything he could to raise people out of poverty, and support young people to get vocational training.Father Damien (Jozef de Veuster) was a servant of the people in a Hawaiian leper colony, where he gave his life in service of his fellow men.Katharine Drexel, the second American Saint, spent her fortune setting up schools for BIPOC students all over the United States of America.Elizabeth of Hungary was a princess with some wild and dubious miracles, but she spent her short life in her own hospital where she cared for the poor and the sick.John Bosco wrote an awful lot, but he also worked with young men to help get them reliable and profitable work. All this and more.... Support us on Patreon or you can get our merch at Spreadshop.Join the Community on Discord.Learn more great religion factoids on Facebook and Instagram.

Wow thanks welcome back to you and me and whomever else even though I suppose there is only one of us but anyway its nice to be welcomed back so lets just hug it out and move on. Anyway...back to business. Listen to this podcast with an open heart but more importantly open ears it sounds best when you can hear it. If you like the bands you hear support them by buying their records, going to see them live, buying a shirt, telling your friends about them etc. Punk one hundred percent does not work without you so be a part of it! I would say be a part of something but you are here. You found this incredibly niche podcast about a slew of incredible niche subgenres so all I'm saying is show and support these bands I promise you it means a lot to them. patreon.com/cruelnoise   Almbrada - Ignorantes De Rodillas - Placeres Prohibidos Nasty Nancy - Calloused Overgrowth DELCO MFs - Watching Me Personal Damage - Still In Denial Juntao - Juntao  Modern Man - Take Flight Lexicon - Dirty Bed Hollow Point - My Own Way Reek Minds - Scotoma  Pink Mist - Gut Rot Crucified Class - Ep Song 1 Goner - Spellbinder Repo Man - Vile World Typewriter - Big Laugh   Screaming Sneakers - Violent Days Angry Samoans - Steak Knife  Crucifix - Rise and Fall Las Vulpess - Me gusta ser una zorra The Chameleons - As High As You Can Go Masshysteri - När botten är nådd   Dark Thoughts - Bubble's Gonna Burst Apsurd - Mržnja Te Hrani Body Farm - Sadistic Game Fuera de Sektor - Ser Un Mas Fried Reality - ???? Invertebrates - No More Physique - Moreover Electric Chair - Obsessed Poison Ruin - Augur Die Real Shocks - Life Here Useless Info - Song 7 Necron 9 - New Tape Tracks Criminal - Fight Fight Car-Man - War Machine Choir Boy - St. Angela Merici        

Today is Saturday, June 1, 2024, The feast of St. Angela Merici, Virgin, a third class feast, with the liturgical color of white. It's also First Saturday and can be celebrated as a votive Mass. In this episode: the meditation, ”Spiritual Progress Part I: Motives,” news from SSPX.org: Blaise Pascal Still Speaks, and a Thought of the Day from Archbishop Lefebvre.We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.orgSources Used Today:Thought for the Day - Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press)Practical Meditations - (Angelus Press)Blaise Pascal Still Speaks - sspx.orgSupport the SSPX Podcast with 1-time or Monthly Donation >>Explore more:Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and SermonsSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news/enVisit the US District website: https://sspx.org/en What is the SSPX Podcast?The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX?The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood.Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls.Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it.https://sspx.org

It's confirmation season, and perhaps you or someone you know are struggling with coming up with a confirmation saint name! So, we asked friend of the show, Catholic speaker and author Meg Hunter- Kilmer to help us out.  Meg was an itinerant missionary for 12 years, currently works in campus ministry at the University of Notre Dame and has written several books about saints, including, “Saints Around the World,” and “Pray For Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness.” Meg begins by explaining what she does when helping kids pick a confirmation name, “I say, okay, tell me what kind of saint you're looking for. What are some of your passions? What are some of your hobbies? Do you have an idea of what kind of career you feel like the Lord might be calling you to? What are your family difficulties, your mental illness you struggle with, or chronic illness that you struggle with or disability? Anything that you're like, you know, what, here's a significant thing about me. And some kids come with a list of things that matter to them, and I can say, well, here's the saint who checks a couple of those boxes.” WATCH: Sacraments 101: Why We're Confirmed Meg recommends doing some research on saints to see if there is a saint that really sticks out to you or has some attributes that you identify with. Meg goes on to say, “But if you've got a saint you just love and there's no good reason, that's a pretty good reason to pick them for your confirmation.” Father Dave shares his experience of choosing a confirmation name when he was 13 years old., “Meg, I have to tell you, that when I was 13, and had to pick my confirmation name, I did not have the resources at my disposal . . .so here was my whole discernment:  At the time, I wanted to be a doctor and I heard that Thomas Aquinas was a Doctor of the Church, so I picked Thomas Aquinas.”   RELATED: A Year in the Word: Journaling With the Bible With Meg Hunter-Kilmer The Busted Halo's Show's producer, Krista, and co-host, Brett go on to share their silly reasons for picking their confirmation saint names.  Krista picked St. Angela Merici because she liked the way it sounded in her name. Brett chimes in, “Mine is even dumber and I wish I had the opportunity to go back and change it. . . at the time, people kept asking me what Brett was short for and I would tell them that it was short for Bartholomew, so I just chose St. Bartholomew.” Meg responds by saying, “Here's the beautiful thing, you can pick a confirmation name for a real dumb reason and you're still going to end up with someone awesome.”   

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 322The Saint of the day is Saint Angela MericiSaint Angela Merici's story Angela Merici has the double distinction of founding the first of what are now called “secular institutes” and the first teaching order of women in the Church. Born in Desenzano, Italy, she was orphaned in her teens. As a young woman, with her heart centered on Christ, Angela joined the Third Order of St. Francis and embraced austerity. In a visionary experience, she felt called to found a “company” of women. Angela was invited to become a live-in companion for a widow in the nearby town of Brescia. There she became the spiritual advisor of a group of men and women with ideals of spiritual renewal and service to those in need. While on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1524, Angela was struck with blindness. She proceeded to visit the sacred shrines, seeing them with her spirit. On the way back while praying before a crucifix, Angela’s sight was restored. At age 60, Angela and 12 other women began the Company of St. Ursula, named for a patroness of medieval universities and venerated as a leader of women. This constituted a new way of life: single women consecrated to Christ and living in the world rather than in a monastery. With Angela as their “mother and mistress,” Company members did not live in community, wore no special clothing, and made no formal vows. Angela Merici died in Brescia, Italy, in 1540. Clothed in the habit of a Franciscan tertiary, her body was interred in Brescia’s Church of Saint’ Afra. Four years later the Company’s Rule that Angela had composed, prescribing the practices of chastity, poverty and obedience, was approved by the pope. In the early 1600s, Companies that had expanded into France were re-organized into the religious Order of St. Ursula, to teach girls. Angela's words continue to inspire the Ursuline nuns' mission of education, a mission that spread worldwide. The Company of St. Ursula also continued to exist and is federated worldwide today with members in 30 countries. Angela Merici was canonized by Pope Pius VII in 1807. Reflection As with so many saints, history is mostly concerned with their activities. But deep Christian faith and love sustain one whose courage lasts a lifetime, and who can take bold new steps when human need demands. Saint Angela Merici is a Patron Saint of: Educators/Teachers Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Angela Merici, 1474-1540; born in Italy; in a visionary experience, she felt called to found a "company" of women; at age 60, Angela and 12 other women began the Company of St. Ursula, constituting a new way of life--single women consecrated to Christ and living in the world rather than in a monastery, what today is called a "Secular Institute"; Angela died in Brescia, Italy, in 1540; in the early 1600s, Companies that had expanded into France were re-organized into the religious Order of St. Ursula, to teach girls Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/27/24 Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

"Have faith and keep up your courage."  As Talking Saints kicks off a new year, Laurie and Pete unpack the life of Saint Angela Merici, a 16th century virgin and foundress.  This devout young woman, called by God to establish the Company of St. Ursula, devoted her life to the education of young women and the care of the poor.  On her feast day, may we follow her example in caring for those God has placed in our lives.  Saint Angela Merici, pray for us! Listen to Talking Saints with Laurie Power and Pete Sanchez on the Talking Catholic channel at Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, Alexa or at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/show/talking-saints/.  Follow us on… Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalkingCatholic Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkingcatholic Twitter: twitter.com/talkingcatholic

2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17 (David's penitence over Uriah) 1 Peter 4:7-11 (Each of you has received a special grace)

Lent Speaker Series 2023 / Speaker: Deacon Tom Burke / Forgiveness: Removing All Barriers to Love / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.03.31 - Deacon Tom Burke - Friday, March 31, 2023

Lent Speaker Series 2023 / Speaker: Deacon Tom Burke / Forgiveness: Removing All Barriers to Love / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.03.31 - Deacon Tom Burke - Friday, March 31, 2023

Lent Speaker Series 2023 / Speaker: Mark Serafino / Lent: A Time to be Gallant for God / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.03.24 - Mark Serafino - Friday, March 24, 2023

Lent Speaker Series 2023 / Speaker: Mark Serafino / Lent: A Time to be Gallant for God / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.03.24 - Mark Serafino - Friday, March 24, 2023

Lent Series 2023 / Speaker: Fred Vilbig / Fun With the Saints / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.03.17 - Fred Vilbig - Friday, March 17, 2023

Lent Series 2023 / Speaker: Fred Vilbig / Fun With the Saints / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.03.17 - Fred Vilbig - Friday, March 17, 2023

Lent Series 2023 / Speaker: Dr. Gregory Mary Thompson / Will You be a Victim Soul for 20 Seconds for the Person you Love? / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.03.10 - Dr. Gregory Mary Thompson - Friday, March 10, 2023

Lent Series 2023 / Speaker: Dr. Gregory Mary Thompson / Will You be a Victim Soul for 20 Seconds for the Person you Love? / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.03.10 - Dr. Gregory Mary Thompson - Friday, March 10, 2023

Lent Speaker Series 2021 / Speaker: Jeremy Paulin, OMV / St. Joseph / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2021.03.19 - Jeremy Paulin, OMV - Friday, March 19, 2021

Lent Speaker Series 2021 / Speaker: Dr. Kenneth Howell / Catholic Consolations for Troubled Times / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2021.03.12 - Dr. Kenneth Howell - Friday, March 12, 2021

Lent Speaker Series 2019 / Speaker: Bishop Rivituso / Agony in the Garden- For Jesus and for Us / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2019.03.15 - Bishop Rivituso - Friday, March 15, 2019

Lent Speaker Series 2019 / Speaker: Lu Cortese / Building the City of God / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2019.03.08 - Lu Cortese - Friday, March 8, 2019

Lent Speaker Series 2021 / Speaker: Jeremy Paulin, OMV / St. Joseph / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2021.03.19 - Jeremy Paulin, OMV - Friday, March 19, 2021

Lent Speaker Series 2021 / Speaker: Dr. Kenneth Howell / Catholic Consolations for Troubled Times / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2021.03.12 - Dr. Kenneth Howell - Friday, March 12, 2021

Lent Speaker Series 2019 / Speaker: Bishop Rivituso / Agony in the Garden- For Jesus and for Us / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2019.03.15 - Bishop Rivituso - Friday, March 15, 2019

Lent Speaker Series 2019 / Speaker: Lu Cortese / Building the City of God / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2019.03.08 - Lu Cortese - Friday, March 8, 2019

Lent Series 2023 / Speaker: Matt Laugeman / Where we Are & What to Do About It / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.02.24 - Matt Laugeman - Friday, February 24, 2023

Lent Series 2023 / Speaker: Matt Laugeman / Where we Are & What to Do About It / St. Angela Merici, Florissant, MO / 2023.02.24 - Matt Laugeman - Friday, February 24, 2023

From the Spiritual Testament by Saint Angela Merici, virgin "He has disposed all things pleasantly" Mothers and sisters most dear to me in Christ: in the first place strive with all your power and zeal to be open. With the help of God, try to receive such good counsel that, led solely by the love of God and an eagerness to save souls, you may fulfil your charge. The post “He has Disposed All Things Pleasantly” – Saint Angela Merici from the Office of Readings appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time Lectionary: 321The Saint of the day is Saint Angela MericiSaint Angela Merici's story Angela Merici has the double distinction of founding the first of what are now called “secular institutes” and the first teaching order of women in the Church. Born in Desenzano, Italy, she was orphaned in her teens. As a young woman, with her heart centered on Christ, Angela joined the Third Order of St. Francis and embraced austerity. In a visionary experience, she felt called to found a “company” of women. Angela was invited to become a live-in companion for a widow in the nearby town of Brescia. There she became the spiritual advisor of a group of men and women with ideals of spiritual renewal and service to those in need. While on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1524, Angela was struck with blindness. She proceeded to visit the sacred shrines, seeing them with her spirit. On the way back while praying before a crucifix, Angela’s sight was restored. At age 60, Angela and 12 other women began the Company of St. Ursula, named for a patroness of medieval universities and venerated as a leader of women. This constituted a new way of life: single women consecrated to Christ and living in the world rather than in a monastery. With Angela as their “mother and mistress,” Company members did not live in community, wore no special clothing, and made no formal vows. Angela Merici died in Brescia, Italy, in 1540. Clothed in the habit of a Franciscan tertiary, her body was interred in Brescia’s Church of Saint’ Afra. Four years later the Company’s Rule that Angela had composed, prescribing the practices of chastity, poverty and obedience, was approved by the pope. In the early 1600s, Companies that had expanded into France were re-organized into the religious Order of St. Ursula, to teach girls. Angela's words continue to inspire the Ursuline nuns' mission of education, a mission that spread worldwide. The Company of St. Ursula also continued to exist and is federated worldwide today with members in 30 countries. Angela Merici was canonized by Pope Pius VII in 1807. Reflection As with so many saints, history is mostly concerned with their activities. But deep Christian faith and love sustain one whose courage lasts a lifetime, and who can take bold new steps when human need demands. Saint Angela Merici is a Patron Saint of: Educators/Teachers Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Welcome to The Saint of the Day Podcast, a service of Good Catholic and The Catholic Company. Today's featured saint is St. Angela Merici.  If you like what you heard, share this podcast with someone you know, and make sure to subscribe!