Sr. Maureen Welch, OSU, provincial, and Silvia Cuono '25 read from the Counsels of St. Angela in English and Italian during the feast day mass on Monday, January 27, 2025.

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The Ursuline School community gathered on Monday, January 27, to celebrate the Feast of St. Angela Merici, the foundress of the Ursuline Order and a pioneer in education for girls and young women. The all-school liturgy, with celebrant Father Paul Fagan, was a beautiful mass attended by Ursuline sisters and members of the school's Board of Trustees. 

The day's events centered on honoring St. Angela's commitment to serving others and promoting the Ursuline charism—a contemplative love of God that results in an openness and eagerness to serve others' needs. Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president, noted, "We are committed to teaching and living Ursuline's Core Values of academic excellence, faith and spiritual development, development of the whole person, respect for all, Serviam and social justice, and global citizenship."
 

St. Angela Merici, born in Italy in 1474, founded the Ursuline Order in 1535. The Order quickly spread throughout Europe and beyond, dedicated to educating young women and caring for the sick and needy. St. Angela's teachings inspired the Ursuline charism, emphasizing education, compassion, and service. Her feast day is a time to reflect on her legacy and the values she instilled in the Ursuline Order. It reminds us of the importance of compassion, service, and education in creating a better world for all.
 

In line with these values, Ursuline students, faculty, and staff participated in International Serviam Day on Saturday, January 25, alongside their sister school, the Academy of Mount St. Ursula in the Bronx. This day of service exemplified the Ursuline mission of faith, service, and unity. Participants celebrated mass together, volunteered at Part of the Solution (POTS) food bank in the Bronx, made sandwiches for the hungry, and created cards for the sick or infirm.

International Serviam Day strengthens the bonds of the global Ursuline family, uniting schools in a shared mission of service and compassion. The day also inspires lifelong service in students, encouraging a mindset of helping others and making a difference in the world.

 

Both events took place amid Catholic Schools Week, a week-long celebration of Catholic education ​​​​​​with the theme "United in Faith and Community," students held a clothing drive, seeking donations of gently used clothing for those in need. Later in the week, a group of Ursuline students traveled to John Cardinal O'Connor School in Dobbs Ferry to help celebrate students in grades 1-8 on Student Appreciation Day. In the weeks and months ahead, various service projects and initiatives are available to students and the school community.

Both the Feast of St. Angela Merici and International Serviam Day provide opportunities for reflection and service. They also celebrate our foundress and the values she imparted. Through acts of kindness and generosity, Ursuline continues to honor her legacy and make a meaningful impact on the world.