Feast Day: January 27

Angela Merici was born in Desenzano on March 24, 1474. She was known for her love of solitude and prayer. When she was 10, she and her sister were orphaned and sent to live with an uncle. At 15, Angela entered the Franciscan Tertiary Order.

Through her prayer, Angela received a vision that she would educate women. After her uncle’s death, she returned to Desenzano and converted her home into a school to teach girls about Christianity.

On a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1524, Angela lost her sight but continued on her adventure.  When she returned to the place where she lost her vision, she recovered instantly as she prayed in front of a crucifix.

Upon her return to Desenzano in 1535, Angela found 12 virgins and created the Institute of Saint Ursula.

She is famous for saying, “Beware of trying to accomplish anything by force, for God has given every single person free will and desires to constrain none; he merely shows them the way, invites them and counsels them.”