Angela Merici 475 Years of Spirit, Vision and Presence Icon by Fabio Nones of Trent Italy With the new year, the Ursulines usher in the 475th anniversary of our foundation by Angela Merici. Angela founded her company in Brescia, Italy (more recently famous as the home town of Pope Paul VI) to enable women to live consecrated lives in their own homes and keeping their occupations. At a time when women were expected to choose between a husband or a cloistered life, it was a daring move! As the company required no dowry, it was open to women of all social backgrounds. Today we give thanks for those who have gone before us and ask the blessings of the Holy Spirit on our future.