“Be gentle and compassionate towards your dear daughters...” Second Counsel
In St. Angela’s Second Counsel, she encourages a gentle and compassionate attitude toward others. We know from our own experiences that we achieve more and get better results with kindness and gentleness. Angela was wise enough to understand that genuine respect is the foundation of our actions. She reminds us to be motivated by love of God and to look for when it is right to advise, admonish, or confront others in the proper place and time.
The Italian word for gentleness is “piacevolezza,” which takes its root from the Latin “placere,” meaning to please. It is often associated with Angela and is a solid reason why so many were attracted to her.
St. Angela also had a true grasp of what it means to be human, and therefore, she saw that discretion is a guiding principle that accompanies gentleness in our actions. Sometimes, it is necessary to be firm and call someone to responsibility and accountability. An attitude of charity is embedded in Angela’s writings, and charity is a guiding force for us in our relationships. One can be firm and still be gentle and kind.
Compassion means to “suffer with.” When we are called to be compassionate, we are to be present, to listen, to offer comfort, and to understand. More often than not, when someone needs our compassion, all that is needed is a listening and understanding heart, not solutions and problem-solving. We need to keep in mind how we would like to be treated and thus treat others accordingly.
Sister Donna Frey, OSU
Ursuline and Catholic Identity