The Vision of Saint Angela Merici
Vision of Saint Angela Merici
Angela Merici has returned to her native village of Desenzano, Italy.
Now there, without family and a place to live, she wonders what she is supposed to do. Is she to enter a monastery, or what?
She was both dismayed and appalled at the lack of education, she saw upon arriving there, the total ignorance which prevailed among the children of the poor! She discovered their parents wouldn’t or couldn’t teach them about their Faith. This ignorance would be perpetuated from one generation to the next, unless someone did something about it.
It was harvest time, and all the farmers were gathered under the trees, in Bruduzzo, where they would together round up the crop.
They were all eating and drinking, laughing and rejoicing because the yield looked good!
But off in the distance was Angela.
She chose to eat alone, as she was more hungry for the Word of God than the food of man, more focused on filling her spirit than her stomach. She was praying, entreating God to show her His Plan.
"You sent me back here, but what am I supposed to do? Enlighten me, please Lord!"
The Lord responded by filling the air with the sweetest perfume; the birds began to chirp happily in the trees; the sky opened up; the clouds disappeared; and low and behold Angela Merici saw a procession of a splendid celestial company of Angels and Virgins, descending two by two from Heaven, processing down a regal, magnificent staircase.
Angels were playing various instruments, accompanying the Virgins who were singing.
Then who passed the others, coming toward Angela Mericibut her sister who had died.
She looked beautiful and oh so happy.
She told Angela that the Lord wanted to use her; that it was His desire she form a Company of Virgins, with whom the task He had planned for her would come about, and that this Company was to be formed in Brescia! Now, Angela Merici preferred to join a contemplative order, and serve her Lord in the cloister, but it was obvious the Lord wanted her to be a religious in the world, serving Him through serving His children out in the world.
She discussed this with some friends, mostly other tertiaries. Now they were in the same boat she was; they had little money and less resources, but what they lacked in material assets they excelled in love and willingness to make a difference. What could they do? They rallied around her; if she would lead the way, they would follow.
Angela Merici was a born leader.
Their first step was to round up the young girls of the village and begin to teach them. Our Omnipotent God would work with humility!
The action which began with one small step grew and grew, and became so successful, the band of tertiaries were asked to open other schools in other villages. 
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