PATRON SAINT OF: Bodily ills, disabled people, handicapped people, illness, loss of parents, physically challenged people, sick people, sickness

GUIDANCE: Answered her calling at the tender age of 15, when in a vision God revealed to her that she would establish a "company" to promote the welfare of souls and establish a school for young girls. One of the first to grasp the changing role of women in a society that was transformed by the Renaissance. She wanted her followers to teach young girls first within their own family, hoping to improve social conditions. She thought "disorder in society is the result of disorder in the family." Her order was without solemn vows, the wearing of habits or enclosure. Quite progressive for her time. Franciscan tertiary at age 15. She received a vision telling her she would inspire devout women in their vocation.

In Crete, during a pilgrimage to Holy Land, she was struck blind. Her friends wanted to return home, but she insisted on going on, visiting the shrines with as much devotion and enthusiasm as if she had her sight. On the way home, while praying before a crucifix, her sight was restored at the same place where it had been lost.

In 1535 she gathered a group of girl students and began what would become the Institute of Saint Ursula (the Ursuline Sisters), founded to teach children, beginning with religion and later expanding into secular topics; her first schools were in Desenazno and Brescia.

As a patron for her "company," she chose St. Ursula because of the regard for virginity.

FEAST DAY: January 27

SAMPLE AFFIRMATIONS: I respect and honor my body at all times . . . I influence young girls and women to be the best that they can be . . . My progressive nature is filled with honesty, integrity and Good morals.

SAMPLE PRAYER: Father, thank you for the example that St. Angela Merici has set for me. I ask you to Grace me with the ability to stand up for my own self-respect, honesty and Good moral character just as St. Angela Merici did for others.

Through Jesus Christ's Precious, Pure and Holy name I pray. - Amen

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