Ursulines celebrate significant anniversaries

GUYANA

The Ursulines of the Roman Union in Guyana celebrated three important anniversaries: the 490th anniversary of the founding of the Ursulines, 125 years of the Roman Union, and 500 years of St Angela’s pilgrimage to Rome.

Tuesday, November 25 marked the 490th anniversary when St Angela Merici and 28 companions formally consecrated their lives to God in a small oratory near the Church of St Afra in Brescia, Italy in 1535, according to a Catholic Standard report.

“This event marked the official founding of the Company of Saint Ursula, today known as the Ursulines,” said the diocesan weekly.

On Friday, November 28, the Sisters celebrated 125 years since the formation of the Roman Union in 1900 and, in this Jubilee Year, 500 years since St Angela’s pilgrimage to Rome in 1525.

The Ursuline Sisters dedicate their lives to education, counselling, and pastoral work, empowering women and promoting justice and peace. The Ursulines have been serving in Guyana for the last 178 years, beginning on July 1, 1847, with the arrival of six Sisters and two Postulants.

The three special anniversaries were celebrated with Holy Mass at St Joseph Ursuline Convent, Camp Street, Georgetown, on November 25.

Frs Ronald Fernandes SJ and Joel Thompson SJ concelebrated the Mass. In his homily, Fr Fernandes said “that as we reflect on these anniversaries, we are invited to enter St Angela’s contemplative gaze, to slow down, and to listen for God’s voice in the quiet place of our hearts.” He encouraged the faithful to carry St Angela’s spirit “within us, that is, her courage, her clarity, her contemplative trust and to allow God to guide our steps with the same quiet strength that guided St Angela.”