Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Angela and Freedom


It has been said that:  "True freedom is found when we recognise and accept our need for unity and for separateness." (Sr Stanislaus Kennedy). In her Rule for the Company of St Ursula, Angela respected the uniqueness of each person and their need to freely make their life choice.  At the same time she provided them with the support of the other members of the Company. She urged the members of the Company to value unity. In her Last counsel she wrote:
"Live in harmony, united together, all of one heart and one will.".

Monday, October 29, 2012

Prayer to St Ursula


At a recent meeting of our English Province we were given a prayer  to St Ursula which had been composed by one of our sisters.I would like to share it with you.

Dear St Ursula

Unite us,
Renew us,
Shine on us.
Urge us away from comfort,
Lead us into the Deep
And to a fresh surrender to Jesus.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Courage to be True


"To know what you prefer,
 instead of humbly saying amen
 to what the world tells you
 you ought to prefer,
is to keep your soul alive."

Angela would certainly say amen to these words of Robert Louis Stevenson. She had the courage to go against the expectations of her day, that a woman should be married or enter a convent, by founding "The Company of St Ursula".This provided the space where a woman, who so wished, could be consecrated for life to Christ yet remain in her secular position and employment. Angela refers to the Old Testament character Judith, as an example of the courage needed to withstand contemporary opposition to this new way of life for women.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Feast of St Ursula


Memling: St Ursula and Companions

Last  Sunday, 21st October, was the feast of St Ursula and her Companions- a special day for Ursulines throughout  the world. St Angela chose Ursula as the patron of the Company she founded in 1535 in Brescia. Ursula was a suitable patron as she embodied the qualities of virginity consecrated to Christ and virginity lived and died for in companionship with others.Ursula was a popular saint in the Middle Ages and venerated as a patroness of youth. She is often depicted in art sheltering a group of young women under her cloak.  

Friday, October 19, 2012

On the move ...


Today I moved to our community in Wimbledon. 

Mansel Road
I will be living in the Jesuit parish of the Sacred Heart and will be continuing with vocations ministry.To see more about my new parish click here

Friday, October 12, 2012

Monthly reflections: Our Lady of Tenderness


Did you know that the website for the English province includes a monthly reflection?  Last month I posted a reflection on Our Lady of Tenderness, which I hope may be helpful to you.  As you contemplate on the picture below what thoughts or inspirations come to you?

Our Lady of Tenderness

For details of my reflection on this icon and other meditations written by the Ursuline community please click here.


Monday, October 1, 2012

Prayer of the Heart: October


Our "Prayer of the heart" for October is a line from Ps 42 "Deep is calling on deep". The whole Psalm is worth a read.It is entitled "Lament of a Levite in exile" but can be read as a personal spiritual journey with which one can identify in places. Have a read.