The Ursuline Order
St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursulines, was born in 1470 at Desanzano, Italy on Lake Garda. At a young age this daughter of a farmer suffered the loss of her parents and sister. She then lived with different family members until, 1516, as a Third Order Franciscan, she was sent to the bustling city of Brescia to comfort a bereaved widow.
Soon well known as a woman of wisdom and a peacemaker, Angela was sought out by many for counsel in difficult situations. She gathered together young women who wished to live the gospel more fully. On November 25, 1535, 13 of these women attended Mass together and then signed the book of the Company of St. Ursula. When Angela died in 1540, there were 150 in the Company.
Today Ursulines serve around the globe, across the United States and from Australia to Canada, in Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Botswana, France, Spain, England, Poland, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan.
To learn more information regarding the Ursulines of the Eastern Province click here.
"Act, besir yourselves, have faith, make efforts, have hope, cry aloud to God with all your heart; then without any doubt you will see marvels." - St. Angela Merici (Counsels)