Biography
Saint Angela Merici was born in Italy in 1474. When she was young, her parents and sister died, and this led her to grow very close to God. She joined the Third Order of Saint Francis and lived a simple, prayerful life. God inspired Angela to start a new group for women who wanted to serve Him without becoming nuns in a convent. In 1535, she founded the Company of St. Ursula. These women lived in their own homes and helped teach girls about the Christian faith. They were the first teaching order of women religious. Angela believed that strong families and society begin with good Christian education. After her death, her work grew into the Ursuline Order, which spread around the world. Saint Angela was canonized in 1807 and is remembered for her faith, courage, and love for Christ.