- October 20, 2023
- Posted by: Patty Coenen
- Category:
Dear Sisters and Friends,
There’s probably no greater example of the power and influence of story and myth than that which surrounds our Patron, Saint Ursula. One only has to look at the amazing array of artistic and musical works depicting or devoted to this legendary woman to appreciate her enduring presence in the religious and cultural imagination. Of course, we Ursulines the world over have played no small part since the mid 1500s in keeping St. Ursula front and center as the patron of female empowerment through the education of girls and women.
St. Angela’s inspired choice of a patron for her new company of women demonstrated her profound understanding of the place of popular devotion in the spiritual lives of the women of her time. St. Ursula was already legendary throughout Europe and in particular in Northern Italy. Her patronage ensured this radical new approach to women’s religious life would be accessible to ordinary women and afforded a degree of protection and acceptance in ecclesial and political circles.
Although her feast day has been struck from the official church calendar since 1969, Ursulines everywhere continue to observe and celebrate St. Ursula’s feast day on October 21st. We invite you to browse through some of the websites mentioned below to enjoy the art and music inspired by her storied life of pilgrimage and courage.
Loving feast day greetings,
Jean Ann for the Leadership Circle
A few websites to enjoy:
Hildegard of Bingen composed many chants in honour of Ursula. See link:
https://youtube/BwfFRunPQK4?si=RagWqV5WOkPzgUUZ
The Venetian artist Carpaggio lived and painted during Saint Angela’s time and even today his paintings about St Ursula are still revered. Check this link:
https://www.savevenice.org/project/saint-ursula-cycle
35 paintings of St. Ursula in the public domain at link: