Angela Of Foligno’s Spiral Pattern Of Prayer

Abstract

This chapter examines the extrinsic and intrinsic patterns of the Memorial as crucial evidence to better understand the Trinitarian mysticism of this medieval Franciscan woman and its potential contemporary significance. Angela of Foligno's mystical path diverged from both medieval and contemporary patterns of hierarchical ascent to an originating divine person or monistic absorption into a primordial divine unity. She imaged divine and created reality in spiraling circles of dynamic mutual relationship that simultaneously intensify and expand, as they move in the Holy Spirit, through profound identification with the crucified Christ, into the very midst of the Trinity. Angela's spiral pattern of prayer articulated a dynamic consciousness of mystical communion among herself, the Triune God and all creation in which unity and distinction coincide. Thus, Angela's mystical participation in Trinitarian communion immediately opens out into the communion of the Church.Keywords: Angela of Foligno's mystical path; Angela's spiral pattern; Holy Spirit; mystical prayer; Trinitarian mysticism