International
In 1900 for a variety of reasons, Pope Leo XIII suggested to Ursuline groups around the world that they could be combined for mutual help and unity. Many communities, with the approval of the local bishop, joined the new institute.
Ursuline Generalate in Rome
The new group which responded to the call of Pope Leo XIII took the name of the Roman Union of the Order of St. Ursula. Provinces were created along national, cultural, or geographical lines. The Roman Union spread throughout all the continents. The communities in the Roman Union live according to a common Constitution as an apostolic institute headed by a Prioress General, with its Generalate in Rome.
They have indeed found strength in unity, with a vision that crosses nationalities, cultures, creeds and ethnicities.
The Ursulines of the Roman Union can be found in thirty-nine countries.
Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa
The Americas: Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Guyana, Mexico, Peru, United States, Venezuela
Asia/Pacifica: Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor, Vietnam
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, England, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine
The Soli Deo Gloria Crest
The Soli Deo Gloria crest was adopted by the 1947 General Chapter as the Coat of Arms for the Institute.
“‘Soli Deo Gloria’ - For the glory of God alone.”
On the left, the serene blue heaven, Angela's simplicity and openness. A fire of love surrounds the signs of the Passion and the interlaced initials of Jesus and Mary with a halo of glory.
Above it, three lilies flourish in the deep blue of eternity: virginity, maternity and charity.
On the right, against a shining silver summer sky, a laurel rooted deeply in the green mountain of God, symbol of glory and immortality, evokes for us Ursula (Laurus, anagram of Ursula).
Above, in the gold of charity, a white dove, Spirit of the love of the Father and Son, covering with its shadow the branches which the laurel spreads throughout the world to make them bearers of life
General Chapter
Once every eight years, representatives of all the Provinces of the Roman Union of Ursulines gather at the Generalate House in Rome for a General Chapter. The purpose of the meeting is to make decisions and set directions for the Institute for the eight years ahead. Those gathered at the Chapter are also responsible for electing the team of women who will provide leadership for the International group for that period.
The last General Chapter was held in October 2019. England was represented by Sr Kathleen Colmer, Provincial and Sr Jayne Horswill elected delegate from the Province. Sr Felicty Young and Sr. Theresa Canty attended as members of the Secretariat and Liturgical Teams.
The new Leadership Team which was elected at this Chapter is comprised of the Prioress General, her five Councillors, the General Treasurer and Secretary General as listed below
PRIORESS GENERAL
Sr Susan Flood
GENERAL COUNCILLORS
Sr Agatha Linda Chandra
Sr Ann-Marie Gardiner
Sr Benigna Kania
Sr Neusimar Marques da Silva
Sr Claudine-Marie Ndione
SECRETARY GENERAL
Sr Elisabeth Binet
GENERAL TREASURER
Sr Mery Malisan
The Schools’ Serviam Badge
The Serviam badge was introduced in 1931 by Mère Marie de Saint-Jean Martin, the Prioress General. It was her wish:
“that all pupils of schools and colleges belonging to Ursulines of the Roman Union should wear the same badge. Pupils all over the world will thus easily recognise one another and unity of heart and mind will thereby be increased.”
The Serviam badge bears a cross reminding us of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was committed to serving the dignity and worth of all.
The group of stars above the cross represents The Little Bear Constellation - a constellation found in the Northern Hemisphere pointing towards the Polar Star. This constellation was chosen because of the play on the Latin word Ursa which means Little Bear. It recalls St Ursula, patroness of Christian Education and special patroness of Ursuline schools.
Just as the light from the Little Bear leads up to the brighter light of the Pole Star, so our Ursuline Education helps us on to the knowledge of Truth, here symbolised by the Pole Star, and it is this Truth that will guide us on our path through life.
The green represents the virtue of hope and silver reminds us to be genuine and sincere in all we do.
We wonder whether the creators of the badge envisaged how great a symbol it would become. The badge today connects Ursuline students worldwide and never fails to send a wave of animation through the young people when they spot their badge, worn by students from another school or another country.
The motto ‘Serviam’ is one that students carry with them long after they have left education. It is a tradition and a value that is instilled in every student and one that they never forget. ‘I am an Ursuline, today, tomorrow and always ’ is a saying that is not purely reserved for the religious sisters but something that past pupils are very proud to acknowledge themselves.
“How much must you pray to God to enlighten and direct you and teach you what you have to do for love of Him in his work”