Monday, January 31, 2022

January 31 - Apparition of Mary to St. Angela of Foligno

 


St. Angela of Foligno was born in Italy in 1248. She became a wife and mother and was very involved in the trappings of secular life. Around the age of forty, she had a profound conversion experience and called upon St. Francis to help her reform her life.

In 1285, she had a vision of Mary and St. Francis. She wrote,

It appeared to me now as if they had compassion on me, and I felt the fire of divine love enkindled within me so that I could pray as I never prayed before. I had also received a special grace to contemplate the cross in which Christ had suffered so much for my sins. Sorrow, love, and the desire to sacrifice everything for Him filled my soul. (https://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/mary-appears-to-angela-of-foligno.html)

Soon after this experience, St. Angela suffered the loss of her mother, her husband, and all her children. She became a Third Order Franciscan and spent her life going door to door, begging for the needs of the poor. She suffered severe spiritual trials, but ultimately was filled with great consolation and was known as a mystic. She died on June 4, 1310 and was canonized on October 9, 2013.

Prayer

Blessed Mother, you kindled in St. Angela of Foligno the fire of divine love. Help us also to have a deep love for God and sorrow for our sins.

Reflection

Spend some time today contemplating how Jesus died on the cross to save you. Make a good Act of Contrition and resolve to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently.

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