Members of our Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown young adult community met for our monthly brunch January 26, the day before the Church celebrated the memorial Feast of St. Angela Merici.
In 1535, St. Angela gathered a company of women to help her in assisting the needs of women and children in northern Italy. The women lived in community with their families and with one another as they consecrated their lives to God. Their patron in mission was St. Ursula. As you may have guessed, St. Angela’s company is known today as the Ursuline Sisters!
To this day, Ursulines keep St. Angela’s presence alive by living out the Gospel.
As our group gathered around the table enjoying brunch food, we reflected on the life of St. Angela and her presence in our lives. Sister Norma Raupple led us in a Litany prayer for her intercession, and then we each picked out a quote from St. Angela’s writings to reflect on and share with the group:
“You have more need to serve others, than they have to be served.”
“Look upon yourselves as helpers and servants.”
“Love one another and be united.”
“Keep your faith and hope alive.”
“Build community wherever you go.”
“Humble yourselves under his powerful hand.”
“Obey the counsels and inspirations that the Holy Spirit sends into our hearts.”
“You will achieve more with kindness and gentleness.”
Each quote reminded us of the unifying mission that brought us together in service with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown’s ministries. Angela’s words gave us a glimpse of her compassionate personality, devotion to faith, and authentic dedication to service. Our discussion led us to think -- how can we deepen our mission with the same vision of St. Angela?
Today, St. Angela’s call reminds us to always be alert to situations where love and hope are needed most. Her devotion to the Eucharist reminds us to put Jesus at the center of all things –- as He is the one who fills us so that we can pour out that love to others. Her intention for community reminds us that we are never alone in our work, and that community unites our uniquely different gifts into one mission.
Lastly, St. Angela’s brave response to say “Yes!” to the call reminds us to be open to the call the Father has for each one of us and to trustfully say “Yes!” too.
St. Angela Merici, pray for us!