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History & Heritage

Founded in 1727 by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula, Ursuline Academy of New Orleans enjoys the distinction of being both the oldest, continuously-operating school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States. Convinced that the education of women was essential to the development of a civilized, spiritual and just society, the Ursuline Sisters, the Academy's early educators, influenced culture and learning in New Orleans by providing an exceptional education for its women. Ursuline Academy has proven that the education of women is essential to the development of a civilized, spiritual, and just society. 

An Ursuline education is rooted in a tradition of formation and innovation. It provides a nurturing environment for the learning and development of the whole person, based on a sound foundation of values drawn from the vision and philosophy of Saint Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline Order in Brescia, Italy in 1535. Ursuline Academy is dedicated to the moral, spiritual, intellectual and social growth of each individual, and these values are validated by our educational approach.

Trailblazers

The Ursuline tradition holds many United States firsts in its dedication to the growth of individuals, including the first female pharmacist, first woman to contribute a book of literary merit, first convent, first free school and first retreat center for ladies, first classes for female African-American slaves, free women of color and Native Americans. In the region, Ursuline provided the first center of social welfare in the Mississippi Valley, first boarding school in Louisiana and the first school of music in New Orleans.

Today, Ursuline’s legacy continues to inspire girls of every type to confidently blaze their own trails. Students matriculate from Ursuline having developed resilience, self-awareness and a curiosity and passion for learning that will stay with them for life. Ursuline girls remain pioneers in their field. From the inventor of the world's first glow-in-the-dark swim goggles; to the first female law professor at Loyola University New Orleans; to a U.S. Senator; to a U.S. Army colonel. Ursuline women lead fearlessly.

Philosophy of our Foundress

St. Angela Merici founded the Company of St. Ursula in Brescia, Italy, in 1535. In 1612, the Order of St. Ursula began in Paris. In her life, she reached out in service and love to rich and poor alike. In her writings, she developed a philosophy of personal formation, a commitment to justice and a promotion of self-discipline through encouragement rather than compulsion in an atmosphere of unity, mutual love, and respect.

With foresight and courage, Saint Angela challenged the conventional limits imposed on women of her era -- marriage or the convent -- and created a new way for them to lead active, independent lives in their communities, addressing the most urgent needs of others. In doing so, she significantly expanded the sphere of action and influence afforded to the women of her time. For centuries, the Ursuline Sisters have built on this powerful legacy, bringing their caring attention and educational expertise to generations of girls of all races and backgrounds, across the globe.

The Founding of the Company of St. Ursula

It was November 25, 1535, when St. Angela Merici and 28 of her companions founded the Company of St. Ursula. In a simple ceremony, members attended Mass and each wrote her name in the Book of the Company - consecrating themselves to God.

From its inception, this Company began the trailblazing spirit that is still alive today in all Ursulines and their lay associates. These women lived in a time of war, civil strife, and violence; a time of great progress in science, travel, the arts, and agriculture; a time of great holiness and great corruption; a time of church reform and church oppression and scandal. Angela, a product of that time, continually allowed the Holy Spirit to transform her life.

Living most of her life in Brescia in northern Italy, Angela became well-known for her ministry of service to the marginalized: the displaced, the poor, the orphaned, the sick, and especially women. St. Angela saw women as significant agents of change in a world longing for love, unity, and When she was a teen, Angela received a vision instructing her to form a “company of women” to further the work of God.

At a time when women were given two choices - married or cloistered life - Angela and her companions made a third. Members lived in their own homes or with one or two other members of the Company. They were to be women of prayer and virtue with a simple rule, and they had spiritual leaders to whom they would be accountable and who would strengthen and direct them. St. Angela only lived five years after the founding of her Company.

In that time, she dictated to her male secretary, Gabriele Cozzano, what is referred to as her “writings” - the first rule counsels, and testament. In her writings, St. Angela developed a philosophy of personal formation, a commitment to justice, and a promotion of self-discipline through encouragement rather than compulsion in an atmosphere of unity, mutual love, and respect. Her words were a guiding light for the members who were left to carry on her Company.

Those same words continue to guide her modern-day company as they are passed down to students, staff, alumnae, and families. After Angela’s death on January 27, 1540, the Company of Saint Ursula spread rapidly. Ursuline communities were quickly established in France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. Today, thousands of Ursuline Sisters work to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ on six continents, in schools, and in ministries for the poor and oppressed. Angela’s company was the first group of consecrated women to work outside of a formal cloister or convent in her day and became the first teaching order of women in the Catholic Church.

The community existed as what is called a "secular institute" until years after Angela's death. Nearly 500 years later, the same Ursuline spirit and charism continue to thrive throughout the world.

St Angela and her First Companions - Artist
Sanctuary of St Angela Brescia, Italy.

St. Ursula

According to legend, St. Ursula, a British princess of the fourth century, and a group of young ladies embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage. When their boat docked at Cologne, Germany, they were attacked and martyred by the Huns because of their Catholic faith. St. Ursula and the companions she attracted touched the deepest aspirations of St. Angela by their faith, their virginity, their courage, and their fidelity. In St. Ursula, St. Angela chose a patron for her Company, who embodied the ideals by which she and her companions would try to live. Her feast day is celebrated on October 21st.

Rally Tradition

Our beloved Rally tradition began as a way of celebrating St. Ursula's Feast Day. Click below to watch a video of Rally Foundress, Sr. Marie McCloskey C'36. Sr. Marie passed away at 105 years young in 2019.

Our Timeline

Founder

St. Angela Merici,

Company of

St. Ursula