“It is humbling and daunting, a privilege and a pleasure, to be standing before you, the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, representing Bishop (Edward) Malesic and the entire Diocese of Cleveland in order to say to God and to you today: Thank you. Thank you. Once again, we give thanks and praise to God for 175 years of grace and blessings. And once again, we offer our thanks and heartfelt gratitude to you, sisters, and to those who have supported and collaborated with you, for being a sign, a source and an instrument of God’s grace and blessings over the past 175 years,” Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost said.
The bishop celebrated the closing Mass for the 175th anniversary of the Ursuline Sisters’ ministry in the diocese. They were the first congregation of religious women invited to minister in the diocese. He told those gathered for the June 28 liturgy at Church of the Gesu in University Heights that he wasn’t going to “attempt to summarize what you have allowed God to accomplish in and through you during these years,” noting that was done in the recently published book, “Bonds of Charity: The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland – 175 Years – 1850-2025,” a pictorial history by Richard Osborne.
(See photo gallery above.)
Bishop Woost reflected on St. Angela Merici, who founded the Ursuline Sisters, noting she was a woman ahead of her time who wasn’t afraid to carefully discern and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He said she invited women “to imagine and embrace a way of life beyond the societal and ecclesiastical restrictions of their day.” She told the sisters that if “the need arises to make new rules or do something differently, do it prudently and with good advice.”
The bishop said those words are as familiar as their mission: “to transform lives through contemplation, justice and compassion.”
He said the sisters’ ministry has affected him personally and had a profound impact on his life.
“You have ministered to me, contributing to the formation of my life and my relationship with God and God’s people. You have ministered with me, shaping my collaboration and discernment … And you have welcomed my ministry to and among you,” he said.
Although Bishop Malesic was unable to be at the event, he sent his best wishes and thanks to the sisters for their many contributions. Previously, he enjoyed dinner and conversation with many of the sisters at Merici Crossings, their home in Pepper Pike.
Sister Laura Bregar, OSU congregational president, recalled how Bishop Amadeus Rappe, a native of France and first bishop of Cleveland, invited the sisters to minister in the new diocese. Four sisters and a laywoman traveled from France with few possessions. Within three weeks of their arrival, they opened Ursuline Academy and were serving 300 students. Since then, they have been active in many ministries in the diocese, especially education. Beaumont School, Ursuline College and Villa Angela Academy, now Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, and Urban Community School, which are among their educational institutions, were represented in the offertory procession.
“This anniversary year may be ending, but faith in God and the love of God’s people will live on in those who follow us. The Ursuline story will continue wherever women and men give themselves to the work of the Gospel and the reign of God,” she added.
A reception in the Gesu Family Center followed Mass.
