Dinner with the Saints
"Strive to be faithful to that which God has called you"
St. Angela Merici
Welcome St. Angela Merici to the table!
Did you know Angela Merici was a Secular Franciscan?
I found this out when I was interviewing for a principal position for an Elementary school in the bronx. By the way, I spent two wonderful years there. So I decided it was time to invite her to dinner to get to know her better.
The menu: Recipes below
Plate of antipasto
Pork tenderloin with blueberries with cream of potatoes and thyme
Panna cotta with pineapple and macerated blueberries
Born in Desenzano, Italy in the year 1474, Angela was tragically orphaned at the tender age of 10 and subsequently raised by her relatives. Growing up in Desenzano, she spent her early years on a farm located in the Le Grezze district, where the simple life was marked by hard work and the rhythms of nature. As a teenager, Angela endured the profound loss of both her parents and her sister, which left a deep impact on her young life. Following these devastating events, she moved to live with her relatives in the nearby town of Salo. It was during her time in Salo that she encountered the Franciscans, leading her to embrace their teachings and become a Franciscan tertiary, a decision that would profoundly shape her spiritual journey.
The influence of Franciscan spirituality became a cornerstone of her life, providing her with guidance and purpose. After successfully convincing her aunt and uncle of her commitment to a life devoted to God rather than marriage, she returned to Desenzano to care for her own vineyard. This vineyard became her sanctuary, a place of cultivation and reflection, which she maintained for many years.
However, her path took a different turn when the Franciscans requested her assistance to accompany a grieving widow back to Brescia, offering her support during a difficult time. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Angela’s life in Brescia and set in motion her aspiration to form the Company of St. Ursula, a dream that had been nurtured within her since she was a young girl.
In 1535, Angela founded the Company of St. Ursula, the first teaching order of women in the Church. This group consisted of single women dedicated to Christ and serving others, focusing on educating girls. Angela passed away in Brescia, Italy, in 1540. Dressed in a Franciscan habit, she was buried in the Church of Saint’ Afra in Brescia. Four years later, the pope approved the rules she wrote, which outlined commitments to chastity, poverty, and obedience.
St. Angela and her inspiring legacy continue to thrive today, primarily through her timeless wisdom and the dedicated work of the Ursulines, who are now serving the children of God in a remarkable 36 countries around the globe. Her feast day is celebrated on January 27th each year.
What can we genuinely learn from St. Angela Merici?
She exemplified a profound faith and a deep love for God, which she expressed through her active involvement in the Church. Additionally, she stands as a model for serving others, inspiring us to improve our world and bring the loving presence of Christ to our brothers and sisters in need.
Pork Tenderloin with Blueberries
Click on photo for this yummy recipe
Creamy Potatoes with Thyme
Click photo for this delicious recipe
A Prayer for the Intercession of St. Angela Merici
St. Angela Merici, help me to see that I have received from God special graces to place myself at the service of others. Assist me in recognizing the needs in my community, that I may bring your charity, faith, hope, and joy into the world. Help me to hold fast to the teachings of Christ through His Church,always expressing them in everything I do.
May I live by example as you did, devoting myself to Him and others. Be with me in suffering and infirmity, in grief and abandonment, in times of worry.
Help me persevere in joyful hope of obtaining heaven.
