| .Anne
established a new way of living religious life, refusing the cloister,
insisting her Sisters have the freedom to go out to serve, a daring and
prophetic idea for that era.
Celebrating 400 years, the Sisters of the Society of Saint Ursula have lived
out her vision, adapting themselves to the demands of each new age, being
supported and challenged by life in community.
Rooted
in Jesus Christ and in the spirituality of Ignatius Loyola, they have shared
Anne's mission for the human and spiritual development of those whom they
are called to serve.
Today, the Federation
of the Society of Saint Ursula, numbering 600 Sisters, is present on four
continents: Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. Their ministry focuses
on the areas of education, social justice, spirituality and pastoral ministry. |
|
The
crest of the Society of St. Ursula gives us some additional insight into
the life and belief of the founder of the Society, Anne de Xainctonge.
Anne's own words are inscribed in Latin above the crest: "For me, to live
is Christ, to die is gain." The central role of Mary, the mother of God,
in the Society is evident throughout the rest of the crest. The letters
in the center of the crest represent Maria, or Mary. The star and the crown
call to mind titles which the Church confers on Mary: Star of the Sea and
Queen of Heaven. The lilies on the side of the crest are also a symbol
of Mary. The letters SNS, on the bottom of the crest are the first letters
of a Latin phrase which translated means "Hail our hope."