In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Angela Merici, CSC
(Marie Pauline Madigan)
Birth: November 24, 1903
Profession: August 15, 1928
Death: March 4, 2004

Marie Madigan (Sister Angela Merici) was born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of four children. Her three brothers, Paul, Leo and Walter, have all preceded her in death. Her parents had emigrated from Ireland and moved to Chicago, where her father owned a dry goods business. She attended grade school with the Ursuline sisters, and high school with the BVM sisters.

After high school she worked doing secretarial and accounting work and continued her studies at De Paul University in Chicago. Her confessor, Father Foley, was the brother of Sister M. Philomena, CSC, and he encouraged many vocations to Holy Cross. When Father Foley realized that Angela Merici had a religious vocation, he suggested that she go to Saint Mary’s for a visit. So, Angela entered the postulate not knowing any other Holy Cross sisters.

As a postulant, Sister Angela Merici taught grade school children. This was just the beginning of her 50-plus years of working with students and parents either as a teacher or principal of the school. Her mission of education included Virginia, Michigan, Texas, Illinois and Washington, D.C.

My Holy Cross connection with my dear friend, Sister Angela Merici, goes back many, many years. When I graduated from high school in 1961, Sister was the principal of the high school in Flint, Michigan. That same year, I entered the Congregation of Holy Cross and she became my blackveil. She got much more than she bargained for, especially the first few months of my postulant years when all I wanted to do was leave because of a terrible case of homesickness. But she didn’t give up on me – and I’m glad that she didn’t.

We kept in touch over the years, and for 17 years I’ve been physically close enough to visit much more frequently. I have been privileged to assist her in her 100th birthday celebration, prepare her menu at lunch, keep her supplied with her favorite candy – homemade peanut brittle – write her Christmas greetings and just stop by for visits.

A few months ago, Angela received the Sacrament of the Sick. During that day, I had the chance to sit with her while many, many friends came in to bid her farewell. What was her response? “Just ask the Blessed Mother to pray for me so that I can soon be with her son.” Well, I always knew how close Angela Merici was to Mary, our Mother, so I knew it wouldn’t take long for her to have her request answered.

Our friends give us gifts and as I sat with my friend, I reflected on the gifts I had received from her:

Faithfulness: Recitation of the divine office, daily visit to the Blessed Sacrament, the rosary – all were her ways of keeping in touch with her God.

Dedication: Wanting to continue to be the best sister she could be and showing her support of others. Although, I must admit, she struggled to do all the theological reflection reading. She told me once she didn’t need to do it, as she already knew who her God was!

Friendship: I can’t begin to count the people who came in to say their thank yous and good-byes these past days.

Care and Concern: Always her first question to me was, “How’s your mom and dad?” She always knew where my heart was. Even on her sickest days, she cared about others.

Kindness: I don’t believe I have ever heard her speak an unkind word. She could only see the good side of people.

I’m sure, Angela, that your dear friend, Sister Matthew, was waiting for you with open arms. May you both now intercede for all of us as we continue our journeys. Thank you for the time you shared with us in this life.

One of the last things you said to me was, “Don’t you cry.” And I repeat now what I said to you then, “If I cry, and I will, it will be tears shed in joy that you have finally got your wish – to be called home to Mary’s son,” and for that, Ange, I cry out with joy to the Lord.

Written by Sister M. Rose Edward, CSC

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry With the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.