Saint of the Day: Bl. Ana of the Angels Monteagudo

(1602-1686)

Her life

+ Ana was born in Arequipa, Peru. Educated by the Dominican nuns at Santa Catalina da Siena convent, she decided to join the community in 1616.

+ Her family dismissed to her desire to follow her vocation. Although she was tempted to give in to her parents’ objections, she experienced a vision of Saint Catherine of Siena showing her the Dominican habit, inspiring her to persevere in pursuing her vocation. She entered the community and received the religious name “Ana of the Angels.”

+ Sister Ana served as her community’s sacristan and was later named to serve as novice mistress; in 1645, she was appointed to serve as prioress.

+ Honored for her contemplative spirit and gifts for leadership, Blessed Ana of the Angels died in 1696 and was beatified in 1985.

For prayer and reflection

“One thing is necessary: she has chosen the better part, which shall not be taken away from her.”—Luke 10:42

Spiritual bonus

On this day, the Church also honors Saint Peter Orseolo. Appointed Doge of Venice in 976, Peter distinguished himself for his service to the city, including beginning construction for what would become the Basilica of St. Mark in Venice. In 978, Peter left his post and, having provided for his wife and children, he entered monastic life. Inspired by the example of Saint Romuald, founder of the Camaldolese Benedictines, Peter eventually became a hermit and spent the rest of his life in solitude. Saint Peter Orseolo died in 987 and devotion to him was officially approved in 1731.

Prayer

O God, who called your handmaid blessed Ana of the Angels to seek you before all else, grant that, serving you, through her example and intercession, with a pure and humble heart, we may come at last to your eternal glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal—Common of Holy Men and Women: For a Nun)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.