For those who grew up in the second half of the 20th century, women religious in the Catholic schools were a common sight. They seemed to be everywhere! They were dedicated to their faith and to sharing and living their faith in the Catholic schools as teachers and administrators, as well as sponsors of extra-curricular activities. The first woman to begin this kind of vocation was today's saint, St. Angela Merici. Born in 1474 in northern Italy, she was a third-order lay Franciscan and devoted herself to good works throughout her life, organizing unmarried women in various cities to live at home, but serve their neighbors. In 1535 she organized these groups into the Company of St. Ursula, a popular medieval saint. She structured the society in a military manner by dividing the towns they served into separate areas run by more mature members. The Ursulines served in prisons, hospitals, and the poorest neighborhoods. Eventually, they became the first female teaching order and the first Catholic sisters in the United States. There are 15 Ursuline schools in the U.S. today.
St. Angela wrote the rule for the community, which included this advice: "'Do not lose heart, . . . even if you should discover that you lack qualities necessary for the work to which you are called. He who called you will not desert you, but the moment you are in need he will stretch out his saving hand.'" This is truly wise for we are beset by our own sins and failings, as well as adversities God allows to challenge us. We are called to persevere despite our weaknesses. She also wrote: "I ask you, Lord, to receive all my self-will that by the infection of sin is unable to distinguish good from evil. St. Angela, pray for us!
