Angela of Foligno (1248 – 4 January 1309) was an Italian Franciscan tertiary who became known as a mystic from her extensive writings about her mystical revelations. Due to the respect, those writings engendered in the Catholic Church she became known as “Mistress of Theologians”.
Angela was noted not only for her spiritual writings but also for founding a religious community that refused to become an enclosed religious order so that it might continue her vision of caring for those in need. It is still active.
The Catholic Church declared Angela to be a saint in 2013. Her canonization was an “equivalent canonization” (without executing the ordinary judicial process of canonization).
She was born around 1248 in Foligno, Italy to an aristocratic family, Angela grew up living a comfortable life. In time she became married and a mother. Her only goal was to enjoy the pleasures of life. The thought of the sinful ways she had often resorted to achieving her goal never left her with any remorse.
Then, in 1285, quite by accident, a divine voice rang out in her. It was the word of the living and active God. It was then that she clearly understood her miserable condition. She prayed fervently for deliverance from the bondage of sin. Ready for immediate corrections in life.
Then She became a member of the Third Order because the path of love suggested by Francis of Assisi seemed the most desirable. With that, she became a new person. Her mother and husband died before long. Angela was the only one left in the family. Convinced that she had no one to turn to but God when she was alone in the streets of life, she surrendered herself to the mighty arms of God with childish affections.
At this point, she felt the words “If you want to be perfect, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and follow me” ringing in her ears. She immediately sold her property one by one. Eventually, she sold the big mansion he loved the most. Thus Angelo abandoned everything and became a true disciple of Francis of Assisi. Angelo brought together men and women who wished to faithfully follow the Franciscan canons in their daily lives and enlightened them with heartfelt teachings and a noble way of life. He used to visit hospitals and orphanages and take care of the poor. They were particularly interested in caring for people suffering from major diseases, such as leprosy.
Angela realized that she has to go to her heavenly father near, about 1308. From time to time she had visions of God. Physical ailments increased day by day. She died peacefully on 4 January 1309, after blessing all those she ministered to.