St. Angela of Foligno | January 7

St. Angela of Foligno (c. 1248 – January 4, 1309) was born to a life of privilege and wealth. Like other women of her class, she was married, had a family, and entertained. She was absorbed with earthly things. However, near the middle of her life Angela became consumed with fear of damnation and the fires of hell. She made a confession but driven by shame she omitted some sins, and her torment became greater. A vision of St. Francis assured her of God’s immeasurable mercy. She confessed again, was freed of her torment, and began to use her wealth and position for charity work.

Unfortunately, not long after, her mother, husband, and sons died. She gave up all her earthly possessions and began a pilgrimage to nearby Assisi. When she arrived, she was overcome by an ecstasy, and embarrassed monks, not understanding, asked her to leave the town. Angela returned to Foligno and became a lay penitent, inspired by Franciscan ideals, caring for the sick and poor. She attracted other women to her, but she insisted the community remain open, to be in the world caring for those in need. The Third Order of St. Francis came from communities like Angela’s.

Angela, like St. Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi, experienced many ecstasies, and was often in prayer and Eucharistic adoration. Her visions, theological teachings, and path to holiness were written down by those around her, compiled into the Book of Visions and Instructions. Sometimes called the “Teacher of Theologians” Angela’s first life as a wife and mother gave her unique insights into the divine and the incarnation. Her path to sainthood was not through perfection but through penitence and charity. She experienced periods of certainty and doubt, temptation and steadfastness. She was beatified in 1693 and canonized in 2013. St. Angela of Foligno, pray for us!

© LPi