On Friday, March 6, 2026, the Ursuline Academy community was blessed to have the newly instated Archbishop of New Orleans, Most Reverend James F. Checcio, preside over the Women's History Month Academy Mass in the Shrine. The beautiful Mass included music celebrating female songwriters, a homily by the Archbishop reminding us about the presence of God during Lent, and a chance for the students to take a photo with the archbishop.

After Mass, Archbishop Checcio joined Academy President, Laurie Leiva, on a tour of Ursuline, stopping by to visit our smallest Lions in Lily House and ECLC and praying for each student he encountered along the way. 

"The vision of the Ursuline Sisters - to form young women of faith, integrity, and service - remains alive in the life of the school today. It was inspiring to witness how this mission continues to shape the hearts and minds of your daughters as they grow into leaders who will serve both the Church and the world," Archbishop Checcio wrote to the Academy in a letter.

Click here to read more of his touching letter to the families of Ursuline Academy!