Today
we celebrate the 482nd anniversary of the Foundation of the Ursuline Order. On
this day St. Angela Merici gathered with 28 of her companions and after
attending Mass they signed their names or made their mark in the Book of the
Company. This humble gathering signaled
the foundation of the Company of St. Ursula.
The Ursuline community has grown since that early foundation and today
spans the globe. There are now some 40
branches of Ursulines. St. Angela’s
message is alive and well today in her many followers. As we honor St. Angela this day we also honor
the reality that dreams can continue to grow.
Let us take to heart Angela’s message:
“Do something, get moving, risk new things...My last word which I urge
upon you to the last drop of my blood, is that you remain in harmony, united
together, all of one heart and one will. Be bound one to the other by the bond
of charity, respecting each other, helping each other and bearing with each
other in Jesus Christ… See how important is this union and concord; long for
it, pursue it, embrace it, and hold on to it with all your might. (Last
Counsel)
Happy Anniversary to all those who claim Angela as their foundress!
Pat Schifini, OSU