Angela Merici (1474-1540) was a devout Italian Catholic nun. Dedicated to educating young girls, she established the Order of St. Ursula in 1835. She was canonized as St. Angela in 1807.

Based on an engraving on the statue at Desenzano, Italy, Angela Merici's birth is set at March 21, 1474 in the province of Venice. Most biographers believe she was born on a farm two miles outside of Desenzano. The size, condition, and location of the farm, called Grezze, indicate that Merici came from moderate wealth, not from a peasant family as was traditionally believed. In addition, she was said to have a command of language characteristic of good breeding. In fact, Angela's mother came from a successful merchant family in Salo. Her family was pious and she was educated in religion. Her father read to her daily about the lives of the saints. It is believed that this is how she...