Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, baptized as Sophia Camille, was born in Kalisz, Poland, on May 16, 1825.  From a young age, she was drawn to prayer and genuine concern for others. Sophia felt called to serve the poor and as a young woman, began to serve the abandoned children and homeless on the streets of Warsaw.

At the suggestion of her spiritual director, Capuchin Franciscan Father Honorat Kozminski, Sophia joined the Secular Franciscan Order, taking the name of Angela. On November 21, 1855, she consecrated herself totally to God and forged a new religious community steeped in the values and ideals pf Saint Francis of Assisi. The Felician Sisters would work to ensure that “in all and by all, God may be known, loved and glorified.” 

Just as Mother Angela integrated religious life with non-traditional female leadership and service-oriented roles, the Felician Sisters were one of the first contemplative-active communities. Mother Angela led and inspired her sisters to minister wherever there was a need and she personally blessed the five sisters sent to serve in America in 1874.

Mother Angela died on October 10, 1899. Her face, ravaged by years of suffering, in death took on an expression of peace and quiet dignity. She continues to inspire us today.