Members of a number of Catholic religious institutes are known as Ursulines, the largest being an organization founded by Saint Angela Merici in 1535, largely for the purpose of educating girls and caring for the sick and needy. They are divided into two branches: the monastic Order of Saint Ursula, which includes the Ursulines of the Roman Union, and the Company of Saint Ursula, commonly known as the Angelines. Merici was a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis, who formed a religious group in service to the Church and of the poor, named the Company of Saint Ursula. Merici drew up a Rule of Life for them, and the Company was formally recognized by Pope Paul III in 1546. After Merici's death, the Company became an enclosed religious order, placed under the Rule of Saint Augustine by Pope Gregory XIII. The Ursuline nuns were strongly supported by Saint Francis de Sales and, over the next century, they became distinct from the federated Ursulines of the Company, who followed the original way of life. One group became known as the Order of Saint Ursula, while the other remained the Company of Saint Ursula. Other groups within the Ursuline Family include the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, also known as the Grey Ursulines, who were founded by Ursula Ledóchowska in 1920; as well as the Society of the Sisters of Saint Ursula of the Blessed Virgin, founded in 1606 by Venerable Anne de Xainctonge; and the Ursulines of Quebec, which was founded by a missionary group of Ursuline nuns in 1639 under the leadership of Mother Marie of the Incarnation. It is the oldest institution of learning for women in North America. Today, the Ursuline Monastery of Quebec City serves as the General Motherhouse of the Ursuline Sisters of the Canadian Union, and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1972. The Ursuline Sisters were the first Catholic nuns to land in the New World.
Recommended Resources
Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry
The Ursuline Sisters collaborate with community resources to empower and affirm adults and children who have been touched by HIV or AIDS. Featured are its cafes and pantries, Casa Madre, its Comprehensive Care Center, Ryan White Consortium, and other programs and facilities. A history of the Order and its work are set forth, with an overview of its services, and a promotional video.
http://www.ursulinesistersaids.org/
The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland are part of the Company of Saint Ursula, founded in 1535. The Ursulines of Cleveland were established by the Congregation of Paris in 1847, when Father Amadeus Rappe, the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Cleveland, invited the Ursulines to begin a foundation in Cleveland and to start the Catholic school system in northern Ohio. Their history, spiritual outreach, social justice issues, tutoring, and other missions are discussed.
http://www.ursulinesisters.org/
Ursuline Sisters of Louisville
Active in Louisville, Kentucky since 1858, the congregation of women religious ministers in three states, including Kentucky, Iowa and Nebraska, as well as in Peru. General and historical information about the Ursalines are set forth, its leadership are introduced, and a list of schools founded by the Order are featured, along with facts about the group, announcements, and contacts.
http://www.ursulinesisterslouisville.org/
Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Headquartered in Maple Mount, Kentucky, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph are a group of Catholic women who minister to the needs of communities in eight states, Washington, DC, and in Chile, South America. Its history, a gallery of photographs, career opportunities, and a list of publications are presented, along with recruitment information, its formation process, and contacts.
https://ursulinesmsj.org/
Ursuline Sisters of the Central Province
Based in Saint Louis, Missouri, the Ursaline Sisters of the Roman Union, Central Province, are part of an international Order of women religious founded by Saint Angela Merici. A history of the Order, a biography of its founder, and an overview of its global reach, ministries, and leadership are set forth. Other resources include prayer requests, information about vocations, and a blog.
http://www.osucentral.org/
Committed to education, justice, peace and the integrity of creation, the Ursalines are inspired by the life and goals of Saint Angela Merici and Father John Lambertz, who are introduced here, along with an overview of the Order’s locations and work in the United States province, the Blue Point Convent, and Saint Ursula Center. An appeal for membership is featured, along with its formation process and contacts.
http://www.tildonkursuline.org/
Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, Ohio
The Ursaline Sisters came to Youngstown in 1874, when a priest at Saint Columba Parish requested his sibling, and Ursuline Sister of Cleveland, to help in the Church’s ministry in Youngstown. Its ministries and programs are defined, and information on becoming a nun is offered, including the process of formation, and several articles and videos on various topics by the Sisters of Youngstown.
http://www.theursulines.org/
Ursulines of the Chatham Union
The Ursuline Sisters are a community of Catholic women imbued with the charism of its founder, Saint Angela Merici. A history of the Order and the Ursulines today, including its missions, vowed life, and activities are put forth. Other resources include presentations, articles and other documents, financial information, and a gallery of photographs. A members only area is included.
http://www.ursulines.org/
With the foundation of the Company of Saint Ursula in 1535, Saint Angela Merici offered young women of her day an alternative to religious life in the cloister. Although they were consecrated as spouses of the Son of God, they were without vows, living within their own homes, and continuing their work. The General Council, Generalate Community, and General Chapter are introduced, and a history of the Order is presented.
https://ursulines-ur.org/
