Ursuline Sisters remain vibrant

The Ursuline Sisters, the first order of Roman Catholic nuns to land in the New World four centuries ago, celebrates its 140th birthday in the Mahoning Valley this year. But judging by the vitality of its membership, its commitment to state-of-the-art education and its expanding role in the contemporary social fabric of our community, its age is hardly showing.

Since their arrival in the Valley as elementary school teachers for St. Columba Cathedral in 1874, the Ursuline Sisters have placed a high premium on education. In 1905, the order founded the all-girls Ursuline Academy, which became co-ed in 1931 and continues to stand out proudly in academics and athletics as Ursuline High School.

Since their arrival, too, the Ursulines also have placed a high premium on ministering to some of the most needy around us. Today, that tradition continues with such programs as its prison outreach ministry, its HIV/AIDS ministry, its Beatitude House shelter, its Potter’s Wheel programs for the disadvantaged and its projects to ease hunger.

The Mahoning Valley has been blessed and continues to be blessed by the compassionate service of the Ursuline Sisters.