Angela of the Cross: The Angel of Seville
Enter the life and legacy of a saint who embraced Poverty to be rich in God's love, Angela of the Cross.
The Humble Beginnings
Maria of the Angels Guerrero Gonzalez, better known as Angela of the Cross, was born on January 30, 1846, in Sevilla, Spain. Born into a humble family, her father was a shoemaker and her mother a homemaker. Despite their financial struggles, Angela received an education deeply rooted in faith.
Our journey into her life begins with an anecdote that perfectly encapsulates her humble spirit. Once, young Angela was given a gold coin by a wealthy woman. Instead of using it for her own needs, she gave it to a poor man begging on the street, saying, "He needs it more than me." This was our beloved Angela of the Cross, a beacon of compassion and humility from her youth.
Mystical Experiences
Angela, from an early age, felt a distinct call to serve God. She aimed to enter the Daughters of Charity of Seville, but God had different plans for her. After several attempts to join convents, Angela understood that her mission would not be within the walls of a cloister. Instead, her vocation was among the poor, the sick, and the downtrodden - those who were most in need of love and care.
Anointed With His Love
Angela's devotion was not without trials. She suffered from mystical experiences, often wrestling with diabolical assaults for nights on end. Yet, her faith remained unwavering. Her spiritual journey led her to a deep encounter with Christ crucified, which marked her profoundly and inspired her to embrace the Cross. This divine encounter transformed Angela into **Angela of the Cross**.
Dear Lord, just as you graced Angela of the Cross with Your divine love, infuse us with the same spirit of selflessness and service. May we learn from her and strive to live out our faith in our everyday lives. Amen.
The Founding of the Sisters of the Cross
Her profound love for the poor and the sick found its pinnacle expression in the foundation of the Sisters of the Cross in 1875. The congregation was dedicated to serving the most impoverished and sick of Seville.
Oh gracious Angela of the Cross, inspire us with your compassionate heart. Teach us to see Christ in the faces of those we serve, and may our actions reflect His boundless love. Amen.
Living and Leaving a Legacy
Even in the face of dire poverty, Mother Angela and her Sisters were undeterred. They lived a life of absolute poverty, relying solely on providence for their survival. Angela's life was a testament to the power of a faith deeply lived, a love deeply felt, and a hope deeply held.
Mother Angela left this earthly life on March 2, 1932. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and canonized by him in 2003, recognizing her as a beacon of God's endless mercy.
A Saint For Our Times
In this era where material wealth and self-serving actions often take precedence, Angela of the Cross stands as a symbol of selfless service, poverty, and humility. Even centuries later, her life teaches us that our value is not defined by what we possess, but by who we are and how we love.
Prayer to Angela of the Cross
Saint Angela of the Cross, patroness of the sick and needy, guide us in our quest to live out the Gospel. Just as you found joy in suffering, teach us to find grace in our hardships. As you cared for the least among us, lead us to recognize the face of Christ in our brothers and sisters. Amen.
In this story of Angela of the Cross, we unearth a treasure trove of lessons. Inspiring us to love with a humble heart, serving without expecting anything in return, embracing suffering with a joyful spirit, and surrendering ourselves fully to God's will. As followers of Christ, let us take these life lessons to heart and stride forward in our faith journey, hand in hand with Angela of the Cross.
Your Journey Forward
Now that you know more about Angela of the Cross, how can you apply her teachings in your life? Whether it's through service, deeper prayer, or simply living with greater humility. Remember, each small step brings you closer to the heart of God.
Through the intercession of Angela of the Cross, may God bless us all with the grace to serve others selflessly, to love unconditionally, and to live our faith with unwavering conviction. Amen.
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What did Angela of the Cross do?
Saint Angela of the Cross, born as María de los Ángeles Guerrero González, is noted for her life of profound Christian faith and charity.
She was born in 1846 in Seville, Spain, into a deeply religious family and embraced a life of poverty from a very young age, epitomizing the virtues of humility and simplicity.
Her main contributions were based on her devotion to prayer, penance, and care for the sick and the poor. In 1875, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross, focused on offering help to the most needy, taking care of the sick at their homes when they didn't have anyone to look after them, and supporting those dying alone.
Angela of the Cross had an intense spiritual life marked by extraordinary experiences, trials, and tribulations. Her deep compassion, love for God, and selflessness inspired many followers, helping her congregation grow to include 23 convents by the time of her death in 1932.
The Holy See recognized her vocation to sanctity, and Pope John Paul II beatified Angela on November 5, 1982, and later canonized her on May 4, 2003. Her feast day is celebrated on March 2nd. Despite the numerous challenges she faced, Saint Angela of the Cross remained faithful to her calling, dedicating her life to serving God and the less fortunate, a commitment that remains an inspiration for many Catholics globally.
Is Angela of the Cross a saint?
Yes, Angela of the Cross, known in Spanish as "Santa Ángela de la Cruz" is indeed a recognized saint in the Catholic Church. She was born in Seville, Spain on January 30, 1846, and was known for her charitable works, including founding the Sisters of the Company of the Cross, an organization dedicated to helping the poor and the sick. Angela was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and was canonized as a saint in May 2003.
She is often called upon for intercession in matters related to the welfare of the sick and poor, due to her lifelong dedication to these causes. Her feast day is celebrated on March 2nd annually.
When was St Angela of the Cross born?
St. Angela of the Cross was born on January 30, 1846.
What is the significance of Saint Angela of the Cross in the Catholic Church?
Saint Angela of the Cross, also known as Mother Ángela de la Cruz Guerrero González, is a significant figure in the Catholic Church, primarily for her incredible commitment to serving the poor and the sick.
Born on January 30, 1846, in Seville, Spain, Angela was deeply religious from a young age. Despite her family's poverty, she turned down a marriage proposal and the opportunity for a less demanding life to join the Daughters of Charity. However, due to health reasons, she had to leave the institute.
Undeterred, Angela felt a strong calling to serve God by caring for the poor in her native city. In 1875, she founded the Sisters of the Company of the Cross, a religious congregation dedicated to assisting the destitute and ill people. Her selfless love and service earned her the nickname "Mother of the Poor."
Saint Angela of the Cross lived out her faith practically and sacrificially, responding to Jesus Christ's call to aid those most in need. She didn't just offer spiritual solace; she extended holistic care that considered both physical and spiritual needs.
Her sanctity and dedication were recognized by the Catholic Church when she was beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 5, 1982, and subsequently canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on May 4, 2003. Saint Angela of the Cross’s Feast Day is celebrated on March 2nd.
Through her life and work, Saint Angela of the Cross serves as a powerful model of Christian love in action and a testament to the Catholic Church's commitment to the poor and the marginalized.
How did Angela of the Cross contribute to Catholicism during her lifetime?
St. Angela of the Cross, born as Angela Guerrero Gonzalez in 1846 in Seville, Spain, played a significant role in Catholicism through her religious devotion and establishing an order that helped vulnerable women.
Angela’s poverty-stricken upbringing made her familiar with hardship from an early age. However, rather than becoming despondent, she started displaying remarkable spiritual maturity. She felt an early calling to be part of a religious congregation but was rejected by several due to her poor health. This, however, didn't dishearten her. Instead, it further solidified her commitment to serve the needy.
The defining contribution of St. Angela of the Cross to Catholicism began when she founded the Sisters of the Company of the Cross in 1875. This came about after having mystical experiences where she saw Jesus carrying the cross along with many women following him. Inspired by this vision, her congregation was dedicated to the assistance of the sick poor and those who were abandoned, especially women.
Under her leadership, the order grew rapidly and became widely recognized for its service to society's marginalized sections. The Sisters would go out into the city each day, finding those who were ill and alone, and brought them the love and assistance they needed.
By the time of Angela's death in 1932, there were 23 convents and 358 Sisters of the Company of the Cross in different parts of Spain and Latin America. Today, the order continues to operate around the world, maintaining Angela's legacy of love, sacrifice, and service.
In recognition of her contributions to the Church and society, Angela Guerrero Gonzalez was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2003, giving her the title St. Angela of the Cross.
Her contribution to Catholicism was profound not only during her lifetime, but also through the lasting effects of the order she founded and the compassion and care they continue to provide.
What miracles are associated with Saint Angela of the Cross?
Saint Angela of the Cross, known for her devotion to the poor and sick, is associated with several miraculous happenings. In fact, two miracles were officially recognized by the Catholic Church in the canonization process for her sainthood.
The first miracle was the healing of Sister Maria Luisa González-Robles Garcia, who suffered from an incurable disease. Doctors could not find a solution for her condition and she was declared terminally ill. After prayers seeking Saint Angela's intercession, Sister Maria was completely healed. This case was deeply investigated by the Church and was certified as a miracle due to the instant and inexplicable nature of the recovery.
The second miracle attributed to Saint Angela involves the sudden recovery of Ana-Maria Vela Rubio, who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in 2002. The doctors declared that Ana-Maria would remain in a vegetative state for the rest of her life. However, after her family prayed fervently to Saint Angela, Ana-Maria unexpectedly woke up from her coma and fully regained her health.
Aside from these, numerous other miracles have been credited to her intercession, including healings and answered prayers, although not all of them have undergone the rigorous scrutiny required for official recognition. Despite this, many people throughout the world continue to seek Saint Angela of the Cross's intercession, holding steadfast in their belief in her power to perform miracles.
Why is Angela of the Cross often referred to as the 'Angel of Sevilla'?
Angela of the Cross, born as Angela de la Cruz Guerrero Gonzalez, is often referred to as the 'Angel of Sevilla' because of her deep devotion and service to the poor and sick in the city of Seville, Spain. Born in Seville in 1846, she felt a calling to religious life from an early age. After several attempts to join monastic communities, she founded her own congregation, The Sisters of the Company of the Cross, dedicated to serving the needy in her home city.
Throughout her life, Angela of the Cross displayed an extraordinary commitment to self-sacrifice and charity, providing both physical care and spiritual comfort to those in need. She was revered for her humility, piety, and tireless efforts to alleviate suffering, which made her an endearing figure among the inhabitants of Seville, earning her the affectionate nickname of the 'Angel of Sevilla'. Her generous actions and unwavering faith left a long-lasting impact on the city, and she continues to be venerated as a symbol of compassion and love.
What was the process of Angela of the Cross’s canonization in the Catholic Church?
The canonization process of Angela of the Cross, also known as St. Angela of the Cross, born as Angela Guerrero Gonzalez, was a well-detailed and gradual procedure in line with the Catholic Church's norms for elevating an individual to the status of sainthood.
The process started with Angela of the Cross's death on March 2, 1932. Generally, the process of canonization can only commence after five years have passed since the candidate's death. However, this waiting period can be waived by the Pope, as it happened in the case of Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II.
The first phase is called the 'informative process'. This phase started in 1972 and concluded in 1976 for Angela of the Cross. During this phase, evidence regarding her life and virtues is gathered. Witnesses are called to testify about the candidate's heroic virtues and the veracity of miracles attributed to her intercession.
After the informative process, the next phase is the introduction of the cause at the Vatican, whereby she was referred to as a 'Servant of God.' The Congregation for the Causes of Saints (CCS) then steps in to review the candidate's life details about their exercise of Christian virtues. On obtaining the Papal confirmation, they proceed to the next stage.
An examination of potential miracles takes place in the next phase, with medical and theological experts scrutinizing alleged miracles. In the case of Angela of the Cross, two miracles were examined and approved: one involved the healing of a woman with a severe form of tuberculosis, and the other concerned a young woman miraculously cured of a malignant tumour.
Once confirmed and accepted by the CCS and the Pope, the candidate is beatified (a step before canonization). Angela of the Cross was beatified on November 5, 1982.
The last phase involves the recognition of one more miracle, following which the candidate can be canonized. For Angela of the Cross, another miracle was recognized, involving a 22-month-old girl who was freed from an oncological disease.
Following the necessary approvals, Angela of the Cross was canonized on May 4, 2003, by Pope John Paul II, thereby officially recognizing her as a saint in the Catholic Church.