Blessed Anna of the Angels Monteagudo

Dominican Nun – (1602-1686)

Her life

+ Anna 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 objected to her desire to follow her vocation. Although she was tempted to give in to her parents’ desires, a vision of Saint Catherine of Siena encouraged her to persevere. She was known in religious life as “Anna of the Angels.”

+ After her profession of vows, she served as her community’s sacristan, until being appointed novice mistress. In 1645, she was appointed to serve as prioress.

+ Honored for her contemplative spirit, Anna had a special devotion to the Augustinian Saint Nicholas of Tolentino and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

+ Blessed Anna of the Angels died in 1686 and was beatified in 1985 when Pope Saint John Paul II visited Peru.

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.

Quote

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

Prayer

O God, who called your handmaid blessed Anna 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, one 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.