On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity my mind was drawn to Angela and the centrality of the Blessed Trinity to her writings. She opens the prologue to her rule with one sentence – In the name of the blessed and indivisible Trinity – a testament to her understanding that God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is at the heart of this new rule. The Trinitarian God is the author of this rule, Angela is merely the conduit God chooses to bring this rule to life in the world. Angela puts her complete trust in God as she gives birth to this new vision of a way of life for women in the world – The Company of Saint Ursula. She knows herself embraced in the circle of love created by Father, Son and Spirit – she feels herself drawn into their heart, embraced by them, inspired by them. She puts the Trinity first, before she names who this rule is for – that information comes second. This tells us that before anything else we must put the Blessed Trinity foremost in our hearts and minds.
As her rule moves into the Counsels, addressed to the Colonelle (the leaders of the Company) she ends this section with a Trinitarian blessing asking that “first I want you to blessed, in nomine, Patris, et Filli, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen” a poignant reminder to them that what comes first is God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – the Trinity is the authority on which their ministry as leaders is based. It is from them that it flows, not from any human appointment or election. This same prayer is echoed again at the conclusion of the Testament (Legacies) written to guide the Lady-governors of the Company in their role saying to them “I embrace you…begging God to bless you. In nomine, Patris, et Filli, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen”. From beginning to end of her writings the focus is not on herself as the author but on the Blessed Trinity.
When I read these words of blessing framing all of Angela’s writings to us as daughters of Angela, I find myself drawn into this circle of love in which there is space for all people without exception. The love of the Trinity is open and shared with each and every person. If one looks at the icon of the Trinity by Rublev one can see this openness depicted as there is space from anyone to come to the table and join with the three persons of the one God. And so every time I bless myself in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit I am reminded of God’s great love for me and for everyone and also of Angela’s absolute trust in God’s will as she prepared this rule, counsels, and testament for the Company of Saint Ursula.
Karen OSU