Angela Merici, Ursuline Saint Medal, Patron Saint, Saint Angela, Saint Ursula

     Angela was the founder of the Ursuline Order in the 16th Century. She and her sister were orphaned, and her sister died early in life. Angela felt anguish over her sister's death. She had not received the Last Sacrament and Ursula worried her sister she would not quickly find her way to Heaven. On a journey to Crete, Angela was struck blind. The other Ursulines on the pilgrimage expected Ursula to retreat but she was undeterred by her disability. She remarkably experienced the pilgrimage much as though she had witnessed it with full sight, just like her Ursuline sisters. After the trip, Angela and her Ursuline sisters traveled back and in the precise spot where Angela lost her sight, it was restored. Many say Ursula lost her sight so she would be able to see. Afterward, Angela had visions and many Renaissance artists captured her vivid descriptions. Angela saw visions of a ladder or ladders with angels, saints, and virgins climbing to Heaven. In her visions, Angela saw her sister