Liturgy of the Hours
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Prayer Hours
▶About Today
January 27
Saint Angela Merici, Virgin
Optional Memorial
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.
Lord,
may Saint Angela commend us to your mercy;
may her charity and wisdom help us
to be faithful to your teaching
and to follow it in our lives.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.[1]
[1] Concluding prayer from Liturgy of the Hours vol III, page 1334
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this Saint as you worship Christ.