Astorch, María Angela, Bl.

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ASTORCH, MARÍA ANGELA, BL.

Mystic, virgin of the Poor Clare Capuchins; b. Barcelona, Spain, Sept. 1, 1592; d. Murcia, Spain, Dec. 2, 1665. María Angela was professed as a poor clare in Barcelona. Because of her spiritual maturity she was appointed novice mistress and formation director for her sisters. She was especially successful in these positions because she readily accepted the individuality of those in her care. Later she was elected abbess of the community. Blessed María Angela is often called the "Mystic of the Breviary" because her identification with the liturgical life of the Church led her to mystical union with God. Pope John Paul II beatified her at Rome, May 23, 1982.

Feast: Dec. 9 (Capuchins).

Bibliography: m. a. astorch, Mi camino interior, ed. l. iriarte (Madrid 1985). l. de aspurz, Beata María Angela Astorch, Clarisa Capuchina, (15921665): la mística del breviario (Valencia 1982). Acta Apostolicae Sedis (Rome 1982) 607. L'Osservatore Romano (Rome 1849) English edition, 24 (1982) 67.

[k. i. rabenstein]