Around the age of 40 she had a vision of St. Francis of
Assisi; after this experience, she began to lead a life devoted to God. It is
said she continued to have mystical revelations for the rest of her life.
Three years later, Angela lost her mother, husband, and
children in the span of a few months. She gave away her possessions and joined
the Third Order of St. Francis.
She spent much of her time dictating her spiritual journey
and her mystical revelations to a scribe.
Around 1296 Angela began gathering other Franciscan
tertiaries who followed her instructions on advancing in holiness. She
established a community in Foligno of women tertiaries; along with the Rule of
the Third Order, they made a commitment to common life so they could devote themselves
to works of charity. The community was not recognized as a religious institute
until the 20th century.
During Christmas 1308, Angela had a vision of Christ
promising to come personally take her to heaven. She died in her sleep a few
days later on Jan. 3, 1309. Her writings and example as a spiritual teacher led
to her being called “Teacher of Theologians” by Jesuit theologian Maximilian
van der Sandt.
St. Angela of Foligno’s feast day is Jan. 4 (Jan. 7 in the
United States). She is a patron of widows and those afflicted with sexual
temptation.
