Ursulines

Ursuline Convent, Lancaster

Ursuline Sisters first came to Lancaster in October 1993; but Ursulines have been in England since 1862. Our story, however, goes back even earlier, to sixteenth century Italy. Angela Merici founded the Company of St Ursula in Brescia on 25^th November 1535. Since then it has spread all over the world.

Angela was very daring in the way of life that she established for her Company. In an age when women were considered permanent minors and the family would choose for them marriage or the cloister, Angela’s first companions lived their consecration to Christ in the world. She also insisted that the decision to live perpetual celibacy, poverty and obedience should be freely and joyfully undertaken out of love for Jesus.

Since Angela’s day her original vision has found expression in various ways according to historical and cultural situations. She herself authorised such changes when she wrote:

“And if, according to times and circumstances, the need arises to make new rules or do something different, do it prudently and with good advice. And always let your principal recourse be to gather at the feet of Jesus Christ, and there, all of you, with your daughters, to offer most fervent prayers. For in this way, without doubt, Jesus Christ will be in your midst, and as a true and good master, he will enlighten  and teach you what you have to do.”

(Last Legacy)

Clearly, for Angela, the focus is to be on Jesus Christ. The way of life that she provided centred on consecration to Jesus.  She did not found a group to do some specific work but gave it the spirit with which to work. saying:

“direct everything to the praise and glory of his Majesty

and the good of souls.”

(Prologue to the Counsels)

Today there are two main types of Ursuline: Secular and Religious.

The Secular Ursulines are still mainly known as “The Company of St Ursula” and are recognised by the Church as a Secular Institute:

Brescia, Crypt of St Afra with picture depicting foundation of the Company 

For more see the page on this blog and also  www.istitutosecolareangelamerici.org

Religious Ursulines are found in autonomous convents, or in local, national or international unions.

The Ursulines in Lancaster are part of the English Province of the Roman Union of the Order of St Ursula, an international religious family “in which contemplation and apostolic life are so inter woven that each gives life to the other”. (R.U.Constitutions)

For more about

our international family see www.ursulines-ur.org

our English Province see www.ursulines.co.uk

For more on Ursulines in Lancaster see below

Sisters Zela, Maureen and Jayne having a day out on Windermere

Three Ursulines live on a council estate in Lancaster on the River Lune, formerly a thriving industrial city and port. In Penal times it was staunchly catholic and the scene of martyrdom.

Sisters Zela, Jayne and Maureen at Martyrs Memorial

The Sisters are responsible for many activities in the life of the vibrant community of St.Thomas More Parish on the Marsh Estate: preparing for Mass and the Sacraments, hosting Drop-In Days for Prayer, giving retreats, talks on spiritual life and prayer, welcoming groups who use the Centre. These include a Club for elderly people, an Impact Youth Group, a Relaxation Group, a History Group, the Trefoil Guild and the Lancaster Churches Together. Our Church is shared with the Anglican parish of St. George. Sisters are involved in the formation programme for Permanent Deacons and for the secular Institute of the Company of St. Ursula. The Sisters’ interests range from Icon writing to Justice, Peace, wildlife and the environment.

Life is never dull in Lancaster!