Angela Merici

Angela Merici (1474-1540) was an Italian educator and religious woman. Born in Desenzano del Garda, she was drawn to a life of piety and service from a young age. In 1535, in Brescia, she founded the Company of Saint Ursula, a congregation of women consecrated to God but living "in the world" to educate young girls, especially the poorest. This innovation was revolutionary for its time, as most religious women then lived in cloister. Angela Merici is considered a pioneer of female education and active religious life. She was beatified in 1768 and canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII.