Angela of Foligno
Angela of Foligno was an Italian Franciscan tertiary and mystic known for her extensive writings detailing her spiritual revelations. Her work earned her the epithet "Teacher of Theologians" within the Catholic Church. She is also remembered for founding a religious community dedicated to caring for those in need.
- Feast Day
- January 4
- Century
- 14th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Angela was born in foligno, umbria, into a wealthy family, likely in 1248.
- ›Around the age of 40, she experienced a conversion after a vision of francis of assisi.
- ›She joined the third order of st. francis, likely in 1291, and was guided by a franciscan friar named arnolfo.
- ›Her mystical revelations were dictated to a scribe and compiled in "IL libro della beata angela da foligno", comprising the memoriale and instructions.
- ›She founded a community of women tertiaries in foligno who committed to common life and works of charity without enclosure.
- ›Angela died on january 3, 1309, and her remains are in the church of st. francis at foligno.
Theologorum Magistra, Teacher of Theologians
About Angela of Foligno
Angela of Foligno (c. 1248 – January 4, 1309) was an Italian Franciscan tertiary and mystic, revered for her profound spiritual writings and her dedication to charitable works. Her mystical experiences and insights earned her the title "Teacher of Theologians" within the Catholic Church.
Life and Spiritual Journey
Born into a wealthy family in Foligno, Umbria, Angela lived a worldly life in her youth and was married with several children. Around the age of 40, a vision of Francis of Assisi marked a turning point, leading her to embrace a life of spiritual devotion. Following the deaths of her mother, husband, and children, she began to divest herself of possessions and live as a penitent. She joined the Third Order of St. Francis, likely around 1291, and placed herself under the spiritual direction of a Franciscan friar.
Mystical Writings and Community
Angela is best known for her mystical revelations, which she dictated to a scribe in the late 13th century. These accounts are preserved in two main works, commonly published as 'Il Libro della Beata Angela da Foligno.' The 'Memoriale' chronicles her conversion and spiritual progress, transcribed into Latin by a friar known as "Brother A." The 'Instructions' comprise thirty-six instructional texts reflecting her teachings. Between the late 1290s and her death, she gathered a community of tertiaries around her. Later, she established a community of women tertiaries in Foligno, who committed to a common life focused on charity without adopting enclosure, thus enabling them to actively serve those in need.
Veneration and Legacy
Angela was beatified by Pope Clement XI on July 11, 1701. Her veneration was extended to the entire Church by Pope Francis on October 9, 2013, through an "equivalent canonization." Her feast day is celebrated on January 4. Her remains are interred in the Church of St. Francis in Foligno. Angela's spiritual teachings, particularly her emphasis on prayer and divine light, continue to be a source of inspiration, and the community she founded upholds her legacy of compassionate service.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Angela of Foligno born and when did she die?
Angela of Foligno's birth date is not known with certainty but is often listed as 1248. She died on January 3, 1309.
What is Angela of Foligno famous for?
She is primarily known for her extensive writings about her mystical revelations, which earned her the title "Teacher of Theologians." She also founded a religious community dedicated to caring for those in need.
What are Angela of Foligno's main writings?
Her mystical revelations are compiled in "Il Libro della Beata Angela da Foligno," which includes the "Memoriale" detailing her spiritual progress and "Instructions" offering spiritual guidance.
How was Angela of Foligno canonized?
Angela of Foligno was canonized in 2013 by Pope Francis through an "equivalent canonization," which recognized the validity of her long-standing veneration without executing the ordinary judicial process.
What was the nature of the community Angela of Foligno founded?
She established a community of women tertiaries in Foligno who committed to a common life of charity without binding themselves to enclosure, allowing them to actively care for those in need.
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