Angeline of Marsciano was a 14th-century Italian religious sister and the foundress of a congregation of Franciscan tertiaries. Born into nobility in Montegiove, she became a widow at a young age and subsequently dedicated her life to religious service. She is recognized for establishing the first Franciscan community for women living under the Third Order Regular rule, a group that eventually became the Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Angelina. She served as the congregation's first minister general, organizing its statutes and expanding its influence throughout Italy.
Life and ministry
After the death of her husband, Angeline chose to live as a Franciscan tertiary. Her early active preaching led to accusations of heresy and sorcery, causing her expulsion from the Kingdom of Naples. Following a vision in Assisi, she moved to Foligno, where she organized a group of women into a more formal religious community. Under her leadership, the group gained papal recognition and expanded into numerous houses across the region.
Veneration and legacy
Angeline died in Foligno in 1435 and was later beatified by the Catholic Church. Her community, which focused on serving the poor and educating girls, transitioned from an active apostolic life to an enclosed existence before later regaining the ability to serve externally. The congregation she founded continues to operate internationally, including in Italy, Brazil, Madagascar, and Switzerland.