St. Angela Merici was born in Lombardy on March 21, 1474. Angela's mother died when she was a young child, and was then raised by her uncle. Angela was brought up in the faith and soon became a tertiary of St. Francis. Angela recognized that a great need of her day was better instruction for young girls on the beliefs of Christianity. One day Angela had a vision in which it was revealed to her that she was to found an association of virgins, who would dedicate their lives to the religious training of young girls. This association came to be known as the Ursulines. Angela, and the Ursulines soon became widely known for their holiness and success. Five years after her association was founded, Angela Merici died on January 27, 1540. She was canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII. Her feast day is celebrated on May 31.