A Life in AbundanceNovember 03, 2025

A Life in Abundance

“Have hope and firm faith in God, for he will help you in everything.”
~Introduction to the Counsels

St. Angela’s life in abundance begins with this statement of deep trust in the lover of us all.

Born in 1472 in a small town on the shores of Lake Garda, Angela’s life was simple and filled with beauty that literally surrounded her. The majesty of the Julian Alps and the calm blue of Lake Garda, the family farm and the family’s deep spirituality, the small Church of LeGrezze and the sacramental life of that Church all contributed to Angela’s faith and trust in God, lover and companion. Angela shared this love and companionship with her friends and family and always counted on the abundance of her life as God’s goodness. She was always confidant that her life would lead her and others to see wonders within the blessings of her faith if she but always lay her heart and soul at the foot of Jesus’ cross. Her life was one of contemplative prayer and active service to all God’s people. She responded to the needs around her in ways that brought the Gospel to life for the people of Brescia and beyond.

Angela’s life on the farm was enhanced by the spiritual lessons taught through her family. They spent hours together listening to Bible stories and learning about the lives of the saints. She loved the life of quiet service and treasured the moments together with her family. This changed with the deaths of her parents and sister but Angela pursued a spiritual life even in the home of her uncle at Salo. The Biancosi house was active and social, which prompted Angela to join the third order Franciscans to maintain her spiritual life and continue to thrive on the sacraments that this tertiary life opened to her.

Angela never doubted that her mission in life was the mission of Jesus. She confidently moved from place to place inviting the souls of the faithful, the Church suffering, to enter the sanctuary of God with her as she guided them into relationship with God.

Angela’s faith led her to continuing service to the Church sorely in need at this time in history. The Church of Brescia alone was without a shepherd as the Bishop was absent for many years in pursuit of his own affairs.

Angela saw the trials and doubts within the Church, yet she spent her life bringing hope into this suffering world.

Angela lived a life of abundance through the grace and blessing of a life in God. She was generous as she met and counseled friends and neighbors. She often spent hours in prayer and her close friends reported that her room was filled with her companions who sought to pray with her and to learn to pray as Angela prayed. Angela found ways to share God with everyone. She brought peace to Francesco Sforza whose family ruled Brescia. In miraculous ways she reconciled him with his family which enabled him to inherit the position of Archduke and hopefully bring peace to the land.

Angela could be seen praying with many of her followers in various Churches in Brescia. She believed that life was filled with blessings even in the midst of wars, invasions and tortuous situations. Her life brought abundance to every life she touched. She lived without doubt or fear. Her abundance was the gift of the spirit that transformed her world into one of peace and unity.

How can we live in abundance? What is the key to following Angela’s life in God? What guides our pilgrim journey today into the heart of Christ, placing all at the foot of the cross of the savior?

Angela left some very good advice in her writings. Her words lead us to her understanding and her fidelity. Spend some time with these promises from Angela to you. What can they mean to you, your pilgrimage in life, your mission in the world?

*Look forward to the great reward God has prepared for you if you strive to be faithful and full of concern for his spouses.

*Pray to God, humble yourselves under his great power, because, without doubt, as he has given you this charge, so he will give you also the strength to carry it out.

*Without doubt, you will see marvelous things, if you direct everything to the praise and glory of his Majesty and to the good of souls.

*For understand that I am more alive than I was when on earth and hold you more dear and want to help you even more.

*If God has planted this Company, he will never abandon it.

Moments of quiet can lead us into the heart of the savior. Let us take a little time to seek our way to God.

Sit quietly. Begin the time of prayer with any of these words from Angela that touch you. They lead to peace and love…they promise a future of hope and invite trust in Angela and the lover of us all.

LET US PRAY,

Holy Mystery source of all peace and trust, lead us to be peacemakers and lovers of the world. Teach us to move, act, believe, strive, and hope with all of the strength within us. Help us to be faithful followers of the charism we love. Open us to all the ways to bring others to this peace that only you can give us.

Angela, we ask, we beg for your guidance and the grace to be faithful. Amen.

Sister Mary Ellen Brinovec