The Church celebrates this Thursday, November 5, the memorial of Saint Angela of the Cross, founder of the Company of the Cross and one of the most beloved figures in the religious history of Seville. The date coincides with the 44th anniversary of her beatification, celebrated by Saint John Paul II during his apostolic journey to Spain in 1982.
Born in Seville in 1846, María de los Ángeles Guerrero González, known as Sister Angela of the Cross, dedicated her life to caring for the sick and the most needy, from a spirituality marked by poverty and union with Jesus Christ crucified.
A vocation born in a humble family
Angela Guerrero grew up in a deeply religious family environment and began working at a very young age in a shoemaker’s workshop.
Her contact with the poverty and suffering of numerous Sevillian families influenced the development of her vocation.
After various experiences of religious discernment, she understood that her path consisted in founding a community dedicated to living among the poor and serving them personally.
In 1875 she founded the Company of the Cross, whose members committed themselves to living a simple, austere, and deeply religious life.
The new congregation distinguished itself by providing home care to the sick, especially those who lacked financial means and people who could assist them.
Poverty as a way of life
One of the most characteristic aspects of Saint Angela’s spirituality was her decision not to limit herself to helping the poor from the outside, but to voluntarily share their living conditions.
The Sisters of the Cross adopted an austere existence, based on prayer, penance, work, and direct care for those in need.
In his homily of beatification on November 5, 1982, John Paul II recalled that Sister Angela wanted to establish her institute within poverty.
The Pontiff highlighted that the religious sisters cared for workers without resources, homeless families, the sick, and people who needed education or material assistance.
He also recalled that their activity was inspired by charity exercised out of love for Christ and without distinction of persons.
The cross and Christian charity
Saint Angela’s spirituality developed around the mystery of the Cross.
The religious sister understood that union with the sufferings of Jesus Christ should be translated into generous self-giving to others.
Her work gradually extended beyond Seville and reached various Andalusian and Spanish towns.
She died on March 2, 1932, leaving behind a congregation dedicated to continuing her apostolate among the poor.
She was beatified by John Paul II in 1982 and canonized by the same Pontiff in Madrid on May 4, 2003.
Her memory remains especially rooted in Andalusia, where the Sisters of the Cross continue to carry out religious and charitable work inspired by the teachings of their foundress.