Welcome to Ursuline Sisters of Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky (November 6, 2008) – The Sudanese man whose family will benefit from the building of a Habitat for Humanity home in honor of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville’s 150th anniversary joined Sisters, volunteers and Habitat for Humanity staff on Thursday, November 6, for the first day of work at the site of the home. The Ursuline Sisters, Sacred Heart Schools and other donors are helping to fund the project. The house is going up in the same area the Ursuline Sisters lived when they first arrived in Louisville in 1858. (Photos from the first day of work are below.)

Majok Reth Chuol and his family will live in the home once it’s completed. He is one of the “lost boys” of Africa you may have heard about in recent news stories and books. Majok left his village when he was just seven years old. He lived in camps for years before Catholic Charities helped him come to Louisville in 2001. Since then, he has helped members of his family including his mother leave dangerous areas for the safety of our city.

This week, Majok and his wife are celebrating the arrival of a baby girl even as they remain thousands of miles apart. He’s working to bring his wife and newborn baby to Louisville but red tape and issues regarding the differences in marriage traditions between his native country and the United States are holding up the move.

The Habitat home will provide a place for this family to live and grow as they deal with recovering from these hard circumstances. On Saturday, November 8, an official blessing ceremony of the construction site will take place at 11:30 a.m. It will involve both the Ursuline Sisters’ leadership as well as Majok’s family members who are now in Louisville.

How you can help:
To volunteer on construction - call Mary Ann Hubbs at 491-8794
To contribute food or to help serve lunch - call Karla Blain at 429-6496

The site at the beginning of the first day of construction

The site just before work began on the first day of the "Raise the Roof" events

volunteers start building the Habitat Home

The work begins with volunteers putting up the walls on the perimeter of the home

Majok Reth Chuol is interviewed by the media

The future homeowner (above) and Sister Ruth Ann Haunz (below) is interviewed by a television reporter;
To see the television report click here.
Sister Ruth Ann is interviewed by the media

Sister Ruth Ann is interviewed by the media

Lunch was served by Sacred Heart Schools staff and Ursuline Sisters (above);
Progress is made at the work site thanks in part to the Louisville Metro Firefighters who showed up to help (below)
Louisville Firefighters Help at site

Finally, as the day winds down, volunteers can see some real change at the construction site (below)
habitat home site

Our thanks to everyone who volunteered - if you'd like to help with future dates, please call Mary Ann Hubbs at 491-8794

LOUISVILLE, Ky (November 3, 2008) – 150 years after three Ursuline Sisters arrived in Louisville, a Habitat House will sit near the place they once called home. In 1858, Mother Salesia Reitmeier and two other Sisters responded to a call for help at St. Martin’s Church, which was just five years old at the time. Within two weeks of their arrival, the Sisters were teaching 50 students with plans for constructing a convent and boarding school on Chestnut Street near Shelby.

Now in honor of the 150 year anniversary of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, Habitat for Humanity is building a home for a Sudanese family in the area the three Sisters lived. The Ursuline Sisters, Sacred Heart Schools and other donors are helping to fund the construction of the home. It’s in the spirit of the Ursuline Sisters’ mission to teach Christian living that this project is moving forward.

Work will begin on the home this week. It is located at 921 South Shelby. There will be a photo opportunity on Thursday, November 6, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. when co-workers, friends and associates of the Sisters volunteer at the site. There will be a second photo opportunity on Saturday, November 8, when the Ursuline Sisters show up at noon to feed and lend their support to the volunteers.

LOUISVILLE, Ky (November 3, 2008) – In 1964, four Ursuline Sisters from Louisville answered the call for help in Peru and left to minister to the people there. Now, 44 years later and thousands of miles away, there’s a way you can help by simply spending a little shopping money here at home.

As part of Just Creations’ Community Shopping Night, ten percent of the sales made from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, November 21, will be donated to the Ursuline Sisters’ Peru mission. In addition to taking part of the ministry in Peru, your purchase helps provide a fair wage for the artisans who create these treasures.

Just Creations, located at 2722 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville, is a not-for-profit store that features unique crafts by artisans in more than 35 countries in Asia, Central and South America and Africa. Beautiful décor, jewelry, toys, pottery, clothing and more are available just in time for Easter baskets stuffing or spring spruce-ups.

150th Anniversary: Closing Event for the Public
LOUISVILLE, Ky (November 2, 2008) - Sisters and donors attended a special Mass and brunch which marked the end of the 150th annivesary celebrations. The year long celebration included, among other events, nearly a dozen reunions, a concert and balloon glow, and a pancake breakfast. The closing event for the public was held on Sunday, November 2, at the Ursuline Motherhouse.

A special Mass was held on Sunday, November 2, in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Ursuline Sisters

It included a liturgy from Father Joe Merkt, who presides over mass at Marian Home, a place that cares for our ailing, retired Sisters. Ursuline Sisters' President Sister Lynn Jarrell also spoke addressing how important the role of the donors is for the Sisters. "Your support helps us care for our Sisters and carry out our mission to teach Christian living," she said. "Your courage and help parallels that of the courage Sister Salesia displayed when arriving in Lousiville."

Mother Salesia Reitmeier traveled across the ocean from Germany in 1858 to answer a call for help at St. Martin's parish. She lived just ten years in Louisville, but, in that time, she managed to set up schools and grow the number of Ursuline Sisters serving in Louisville.

"In those ten years, other people joined with us and her mission went on," said Sister Lynn. "Just as your support enables us to continue our mission today."

A brunch followed the Mass. Each donor was honored with a small gift. In addition, Jeanie and Mike Hendricks were given special acknowledgement for donating both their time and money to help the Ursuline Sisters continue their work.

Jeanie and Mike Hendricks and Sister Lynn Jarrell, President of the Ursuline Sisters (left to right)

Sisters and donors took time to come together at a brunch following the Mass in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Ursuline Sisters' arrival in Louisville

Mary, the Eternal Maternal
LOUISVILLE, Ky (November 2, 2008) - On Sunday, November 2, a special musical presentation was held at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on the Ursuline Campus. The piece called "Mary, the Eternal Maternal" examined Mary's life in song.

Mary was a woman, a mother and a believer. In a special musical presentation, that was open to all, the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville hosted Mary, the Eternal Maternal. This dramatic cantata for two voices is accompanied by a unique ensemble of cello, flute, harp and piano, composed by Kentucky native, Teresa Tedder.

Mary, the Eternal Maternal celebrates the life of the Virgin Mary and was inspired by Madeleine L’Engle’s The Irrational Season. This passionate and compelling work illustrates the universality of Mary’s life in and through the understanding of our own. The text, rich in tradition, tells Mary’s story as she realizes the miracle of divine motherhood and the fears, joys and irrational love common to us all.

LOUISVILLE, Ky (August 11, 2008) - The Ursuline Campus smokestack was demolished in a most unusual way on Monday, August 11. A demolition ball was attached to a special twin-bladed helicopter which then swung the ball into the tall building. The ball slowly chipped away at the smokestack until it was nearly three-fourths of the way gone. The bottom portion will be removed using land equipment.

Ursuline Sisters, campus employees and neighbors watch as the smokestack is demolished

The smokestack and maintenance shop it sat on were taken down to make way for a new gym as part of the Ursuline Campus Schools' construction project. The demolition was funded by the Ursuline Sisters.

The building was once used to heat the Motherhouse and several more buildings on campus and was later used as a maintenance shop. The helicopter used to take down the smokestack is one of only 23 in the world and can carry up to 6,000 pounds of weight.

To see Fox 41's coverage of the demolition click here and go to their news clips on the home page.

14 Balloons Take Flight From Ursuline Campus

LOUISVILLE, Ky (August 2, 2008) - Early risers were rewarded with a wonderful show the following morning. The weather had cleared overnight and it was a perfect morning for a balloon race. Right at 7:00 a.m. on August 2 nd, 16 balloon crews drove on to the Sacred Heart Hockey Field to set up their balloons. Just half an hour later, 14 balloons were in the air. It was incredible to watch a long piece of fabric grow into an eight story tall balloon and to watch the crews maneuver around each other to allow room for each one to take off.

Crews Prepare Their Balloons for the Saturday Morning Race

Balloons Begin to Take Flight

There was another treat for those who stuck around to watch the last of the balloons take off from the field. Stuart Crawford with Crawford Balloons didn’t take off, instead he tethered his balloon. He then offered to answer questions from the crowd about ballooning and to take the Sisters and children up for a quick ride. Most of the Sisters and children watching were lifted into the basket and taken up about 50 feet before touching back down.

Stuart Crawford Gives the Crowd a Lesson in Ballooning (upper left); Sisters get a boost while taking part in
tethered flights (upper middle); The crowd watches as children and Sisters prepare to go up. (upper right)

The Ursuline Sisters new President, Sister Lynn Jarrell, Takes a Tethered Flight

Crowd Fills Bellies With Pancakes

After everyone who wanted a ride, got a chance the crowd moved over to the Sacred Heart Gym where pancakes were hot and ready. Mrs. Kentucky, Ra’Tonya Willis-Friedman, was there to serve, dishing up pancakes as everyone came through the line. There was also sausage and drinks. The balloon crews were also fed after returning from their race. Each pilot was given a special gift as thanks for their participation in the event.

Balloon crews eat pancakes after finishing up for the morning (left); Mrs. Kentucky serves pancakes (right)

Our thanks to everyone who helped make the two-day 150 th event a rousing success. We saw lots of smiles and happy people all thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, committee organizers, U.S.A.E. staff and Sisters. We send our thanks to each and every one of you as we head into our next 150 years. The next big 150th event on the agenda is the Habitat for Humanity house. Look for updates here and in community messages.

Good Music, Good Food and A Glow

LOUISVILLE, Ky (August 1, 2008) -As part of our 150 th anniversary celebration, it was decided to culminate this year’s Community Days events with a balloon glow and race. It took more than two years of planning but, thanks to committee members, volunteers and Sisters, the two-day event was a success, despite a few “hitches.”

Just before 6 p.m. on Friday, August 1 st, people started setting up their chairs and blankets in front of the Sacred Heart Model School (Lexington Road side). A disc jockey started to plan some music to get the crowd warmed up for the main band, “The Monarchs.” It wasn’t long before people were doing a few line dances, including our district’s councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh. Tina was also responsible for giving the Ursuline Sisters the funding they needed to put on the two-day event.

WAVE-TV's Dawne Gee acted as Our "Mistress of Ceremonies"

Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh spoke to the crowd.
Tina secured funding for the Sisters' 150th celebration.

Inflatables were set up near the Motherhouse which the kids quickly started lining up for after learning they were free. The Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation Special Events Team soon showed up and started setting up games for all the children. In addition, they provided balloons for the kids as well as face painting. Pizza, pretzels and ice cream were also on hand for anyone graving a little snack during the event.

The crowd enjoyed the music from "The Monarchs" during the concert as the kids enjoyed the free games and inflatables

WAVE-TV anchor Dawne Gee acted as our mistress of ceremonies. She welcomed the crowd and helped get them ready for the fun to come. Dawne also introduced the new Leadership Team councilor Rita Ann Wigginton who explained to the crowd what our 150 th anniversary celebration was all about. Tina Ward-Pugh also said a few words before Dawne Gee introduced “The Monarchs.”

They played mostly classic rock-n-roll and had a few people up and dancing. After about an hour and a half, the band played their final song and Dawne Gee thanked everyone for coming before directing them to the area where the balloon glow would take place. A thunderstorm warning was issued just before the glow was set to begin so most of the balloonists were forced to pack up. However, several balloons set up and gave the crowd a little entertainment. Fortunately, the race on Saturday morning would prove even more rewarding for those in attendance.

LOUISVILLE, Ky (August 1, 2008) - The Ursuline Sisters are getting ready for one of the biggest events during the yearlong celebration of their 150th anniversary. The balloon glow will take place Friday, August 1 st. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a dj, food and inflatables for the kids. “The Monarchs” will play at 7 p.m. followed by the balloon glow featuring 16 balloons. The following morning at sunrise the balloons will race and a pancake breakfast will take place after liftoff.

To promote the big event, WAVE-TV did live shots for their morning newscast from the campus. They featured four of the balloons taking part and spoke with several of the Sisters about their ministries. Our thanks to all four balloon crews who took part. Below are photos from Friday morning's live appearance:

Sister Sue Scharfenberger talks with reporter Elizabeth Donatelli from WAVE-TV

Sister Brendan Conlon answers questions from WAVE-TV reporter Elizabeth Donatelli

Sisters Brendan and Janet Marie Peterworth got a chance to go up in a tethered balloon

WAVE-TV broadcast live shots from the Ursuline Campus

Roy McClinton, who pilots a football shaped balloon, decide to take a flight after the interviews were over

LOUISVILLE, Ky (July 30, 2008) - Nearly 200 people filled the Motherhouse Chapel on Wednesday, July 30 for the Transitional Ritual, the official transition from one leadership team to the next. It’s a day the Ursuline Sisters now experience once every six years.

As the first song began, the crowd, which overflowed into the balcony, stood as all five of the 2002-2008 Leadership Team members walked to the altar. Outgoing President, Sister Jean Anne Zappa, spoke to the crowd first, talking about the significance of the flames burning on the candles each of the five Sisters held.

The 2002-2008 Leadership Team
Sisters Anne Mary Lochner, Sue Scharfenberger, Jo Ann Jansing and Judith Rice (Left to Right)
(Missing: Sister Jean Anne Zappa who was speaking at the podium)

“[During the Olympic games] the source of the flame in Greece lights the torch that is carried around the world,” said outgoing President Sister Jean Anne Zappa, as Sisters Judith Rice, Anne Mary Lochner, Jo Ann Jansing and Sue Scharfenberger stood facing the crowd. “In 1535, the flame received by Angela Merici became visible in her life when she founded our [order]…. In 1858, the flame was brought to Louisville, Kentucky, and spread to South Carolina, Maryland, Nebraska, Peru and beyond.”

The incoming Leadership Team members were then asked to come forward, facing the outgoing team.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and have kept the flame alive, the flame that is the presence of Christ,” Sister Jean Anne continued. “Now, we pass this, the flame, to the new Leadership Team with our support and deep love.”

The 2008-2014 Leadership Team
Sisters Rita Ann Wigginton, Rita Dressman, Lynn Jarrell, Ruth Ann Haunz and Martha Jacob (Left to Right)

One by one, each member of the outgoing team spoke words of love and encouragement to another Sister on the incoming team, handing over their flame with care, passing the torch to the five women before them. In those few significant moments, Sisters Lynn Jarrell, Martha Jacob, Rita Ann Wigginton, Ruth Ann Haunz and Rita Dressman became the five women to serve in the ministry of leadership from 2008 until 2014.

Speaking to the crowd of Sisters, Associates, friends and family, Sister Lynn, now the President of the Ursuline Sisters, said her first official act was a simple one, to thank the previous team for their six years of service in leadership. “No words can express our gratitude for the gifts of yourselves.” She said, “May you be richly blessed.” Applause filled the room as everyone stood in honor of the outgoing team’s last six years of guidance and ministry.

LOUISVILLE, Ky (July 29, 2008) - Just about every row on the lower part of the Motherhouse Chapel was filled with Ursuline Sisters, family and friends on the night of July 28. Each one was there to honor a woman many have called a “modern day Angela.”

Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs was presented with the Angeline Award for 2008. The award is given every two years to a woman who possesses the qualities of Saint Angela Merici’s charism. Mary Ann has worked for decades to help others in her community and doing so through God.

“Her love for all of God’s creation helped her recognize the need,” said Sister Ruth Ann Haunz, who not only has seen Mary Ann in action but is also a longtime friend. “I’m rather certain she’s never stood on a street corner with a megaphone..But, I’m equally as certain that she has a disciple’s heart that has compelled her to help where there is need.”

Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs with her husband, Jerry, her father, George, and mother, Louise

A procession with ribbons, the globe and candles began the touching, heartfelt ceremony. Each one was carried by a grandchild of Mary Ann’s. She and her husband, Jerry, sat together in a pew at the front holding hands, often tearing up and smiling as words from her friends and family were read aloud about Mary Ann’s good works and how they’ve affected each of their lives.

When it was finally her turn to speak, after she accepted the award from outgoing President Sister Jean Anne Zappa, the words she clutched in her hand did not seem to cover her feelings. “I wrote down here that I’m honored and deeply touched but it doesn’t even get close,” she said, pausing to catch herself, “Where would I be today without my loving family, wonderful teachers and amazing friends. This is all your fault.”

Seven of Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs' 16 grandchildren

Mary Ann went on to thank her husband, her parents, her children and grandchildren and a very long list of Ursuline teachers who helped shape her. “You, daughters of Saint Angela, have been an influential part of my life… When you associate with good people, something good wears off,” she said. “Your amazing journey has helped my journey.”

Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Sacred Heart Home and “Christmas in July” are just some of the volunteer programs Mary Ann has worked with over the last three decades. She’s also established or taken part in programs like the “Giving Tree” for needy families, marriage enrichment courses, education enrichment programs for local students and volunteered to help refugees who are now living in Louisville.

2008 Angeline Award Winner Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs
To read more about Mary Ann's "good works" click here

LOUISVILLE, Ky (July 9, 2008) – Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Sacred Heart Home and “Christmas in July” are just some of the volunteer programs Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs has been involved in over the last three decades. She’s also established or taken part in programs like the “Giving Tree” for needy families, marriage enrichment courses, education enrichment programs for local students and volunteered to help refugees who are now living in Louisville. Her continued commitment to helping others is why Kopp Hubbs was chosen out of a dozen nominees to receive the Angeline Award. It will be presented by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville during a special ceremony on Monday, July 28 th at 7pm at the Ursuline Campus Motherhouse located at 3115 Lexington Road.

Kopp Hubbs humanitarian work locally exemplifies the spirit of Saint Angela Merici (Mur-ree-cee), the foundress of the Ursuline Sisters. The award is given every two years to a woman who possesses the qualities of Saint Angela, a contemplative love of God and a resulting openness and eagerness to serve the needs of others. The recipient addresses the needs and concerns of her time and displays Christian leadership by being actively involved with challenges that face women and families today, such as illiteracy, poverty, violence, abuse, prejudice and addiction.

Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs attended Mother of Sorrows, Holy Spirit and Sacred Heart Academy. She continued her education with the Ursuline Sisters, earning her Bachelor’s degree from Ursuline College in 1963. Her charitable work within the community began almost immediately. With the help of two others, Mary Ann started the PIE program at St. Martha’s school to challenge students in reading and literature. She went on to serve on the Nurture Committee for Habitat for Humanity.

In her nomination letter, Sister Ruth Ann Haunz wrote, “(Mary Ann) gives her heart to everything she does. She does not just volunteer with habitat families, she becomes part of them. She does not only volunteer in several different arenas, she mentors others who volunteer.”

Often called a “modern day Angela” by those who know her, Kopp Hubbs exemplifies what it means to be “open and eager to serve the needs of others.” As her husband wrote in his nomination letter, “I see her demonstrate the humble service and prayer spirit of St. Angela Merici and all the good Ursuline Sisters who taught her.”

LOUISVILLE, Ky (June 25, 2008) – More than forty Ursuline Sisters, associates and friends gathered at St. Michael's Cemetery in Louisville during the hot afternoon hours on Wednesday, June 25 for a special ceremony in honor of deceased Sisters. It was part of a year-long celebration marking the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville's 150th anniversary.

The half-hour ceremony opened with the song, "Be Glory to the Only God." Those in attendence were then asked to share a brief memory or story with their neighbor about those who've passed. A special litany of the Sisters followed and was lead by Sister Paula Klein-Kracht.

Jim Wagner with Bosse Funeral Home was on hand to accept a certificate in honor of Bosse's 138 year partnership with the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. The Sisters wanted to recognize the funeral home's support during most of the 150 years they've been in Louisville.

"It's a true pleasure and honor for us to assist the Ursuline Sisters," said Wagner moments after accepting the certificate from Ursuline Sister President, Jean Anne Zappa.

Sisters, Associates and friends of the Ursuline Sisters take part in a special ceremony for deceased Sisters

Jim Wagner with Bosse Funeral Home holds up a special certificate
of recognition presented to the funeral home by the Sisters

LOUISVILLE, Ky (May 29, 2008) – If you join an order of Sisters, you devote your life to God and the care and love of others. But, one Ursuline Sister from Kentucky found her faith and love tested to the extreme when she was tortured and raped while ministering in Guatemala.

Maple Mount Ursuline Sister Dianna Ortiz used her faith and love to turn her horrifying experience into a way to help others. She founded Torture Abolition and Survivors' Support Coalition (TASSC) and worked to abolish the use of torture while helping other survivors cope.

June is Torture Awareness Month. To help raise awareness, TASSC organized t he 10 th Annual Comemmoration of the UN International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors which is a 24-hour vigil that will take place in front of the White House from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28th until 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 29th. TASSC's supporters are invited to come to Washington, DC to spend an hour or more in vigil with them or to send messages of support.

The Ursuline Sisters of Louisville will host a one-hour “Say NO to Torture” prayer vigil on Saturday June 28 th beginning at 10:30 a.m. The vigil will take place at the Motherhouse Chapel, Building 10, located on the Ursuline Campus at 3115 Lexington Road. All are welcome to attend.

The hope is to demonstrate the religious community's resolve to end torture and provide a reminder of the shame of torture as government policy and about the role of religious people in speaking out on this issue. Sister Dianna has since moved onto other projects to raise awareness, including writing a book about her own experience. But, the group she founded continues its work with new members at its helm.

The official mission of TASSC is to end the practice of torture wherever it occurs and to empower survivors, their families and communities wherever they are. For more information about the organization and last year’s vigil, go to www.TASSC.org.

The Ursuline Campus Schools honored the outgoing Ursuline Sisters Leadership Team in early June with a special dinner and ceremony. All five leadership team members, Todd Allen, the current chair of the UCS Board of Trustees and Dr. Cindy Crabtree, the UCS president, all attended the special event.

The current team members will go through the transitional ritual on July 30th. They've served on the Leadership Team since 2002. The new team will serve until July 2014.

UCS President Dr. Cindy Crabtree (from right), Leadership Team: Sisters Sue Scharfenberger, Judith Rice, Jo Ann Jansing, Anne Mary Lochner, Jean Anne Zappa and UCS Board of Trustees Chairperson Todd Allen

Ursuline Leadership Teams
Take Part in Retreat

Leaders for several Ursuline groups came together May 7th through May 9th for a special Ursuline Society retreat. Sister Martha Buser of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville gave a presentation to the leadership teams during the retreat. It was followed by a similar event for vocation directors.

Sister Martha Buser talks with Ursuline leadership teams

Members of the Ursuline Society gather for a photo outside the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat

Ursuline Sisters at work...
We caught our own Sister Yuli Oncihuay in action as she worked with students at the Ursuline Montessori School. Sister Yuli usually does her mission work in Peru, but she’s in Louisville for a few months and is taking time to help teach in one of the classrooms.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 20, 2008) - The names of deceased alums, donors, Sisters and family and friends were read one-by-one in a touching ceremony at the Ursuline Motherhouse Chapel on Tuesday, May 20. The names of those who passed away in the last year were read one-by-one in small groups followed by the response "All you holy men and women, pray for us" sung by the crowd.

The ceremony was in honor of those connected to the Ursuline Sisters and Ursuline Campus Schools who passed away in the last year. Families and friends were invited to place a white carnation in vases at the front of the Chapel as their loved one's name was read. Each person in attendance was then given a small token in memory of their loss, a small blue rock to keep with them as they mourn and remember their family member or friend.

Attendees of a special Memorial Service remember friends, family, donors and alum who passed away in the last year

Two Sisters Among Delegates in Yankee Stadium for Papal Mass
By Sister Martha Jacob

NEW YORK, Ny (April 20, 2008) - The gathering of 60,000 or so cheered loudly and waved white cloths as Pope Benedict XVI entered Yankee Stadium on April 20 in the Popemobile! Many bishops and priests representing the 195 dioceses of the United States Church and several women and men who performed various functions during the service had already assembled on the platform near the altar. After exiting the Popemobile at the entrance to an area under the bleachers where he vested for Mass, the Pope re-entered the stadium preceded by the cross and candle-bearers and several Cardinals.

Because Louisville this year is one of the four dioceses celebrating the 200 th anniversary of their establishment, it received special recognition. Across the field from the bleachers hung large banners with the coats-of-arms of Archbishop Kurtz and the bishops of the other three dioceses and one for Baltimore, which was raised to the rank of Archdiocese in 1808.

In recognition of the many languages now spoken in the U.S., several were used during the Liturgy. The second petition of the Prayer of the Faithful read – “For the archdioceses of Baltimore, Boston, Louisville, New York and Philadelphia which are celebrating their bicentennial anniversaries: that they may be beacons of hope and light to the communities that they serve” - was prayed in Italian. Six different persons recited the other petitions in their native languages. The first reading was in Spanish, the second in English. The Kyrie, Creed, etc. were sung in Latin.

During his homily, Pope Benedict spoke of the great faith of the Catholics who settled these five dioceses and passed their faith to us today. He praised the United States Church for its work with the disadvantaged, and in education and in health care. He also expressed great sorrow at the failures of the U.S. Church. The Pope spoke English for most of the homily and then gave a message in Spanish.

At the end of Mass the Pope walked to the end of the extensive platform and around a portion of the stadium, shaking hands of those he passed and responding with a blessing and a wave to the loud acclamations of those at a greater distance.

Sister Jo Ann Jansing and I were privileged to be part of the official delegation of the Archdiocese of Louisville; we also represented the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. One-hundred and eighty people from Louisville traveled to New York on a plane chartered by the Archdiocese. During the flight, we received the non-transferable ticket that indicated our designated seat for the Mass. This and a “government-issued” photo gave us access to the stadium. Chartered buses took us from JFK airport to a parking lot about nine blocks from the stadium. Many other delegates representing parishes in the Archdiocese of Louisville made the trip by chartered buses.

At about four blocks from our destination, we joined the crowd and for nearly two hours inched our way to our assigned gate 4 into the stadium. Since each person had to go through security (similar to that at the airport, but we did NOT have to remove our shoes!), the process was very slow. We flew from Louisville to New York in less time than we traveled from JFK to the stadium! The trip from our seat in the stadium to the airport also took a couple of hours. We arrived back in Louisville about 11:30 p.m.

Uniting with brothers and sisters who had come to New York from all over the United States to pray with the Pope was an exhilarating and humbling experience. May the lasting effect of the Pope’s visit be a greater awareness of “Christ Our Hope,” who is always among us, and a renewed effort to bring peace to our world.

Everybody loves a parade....

Especially if children are involved.

On May 1st, the entire Ursuline Campus received a special treat courtesy the younger students, a parade. The kids made floats, hats and even costumes for the annual Derby Parade that winds through the campus. Marian Home residents weren't about to miss the fun. They lined up along the parade route to cheer the kids on as they marched in line. Here are just a few of the great snapshots from that day:

150 Years and Counting....

The Ursuline Sisters of Louisville took part in celebrations in two states in honor of their 150th anniversary. Alumnae, associates, family and friends joined them in April for reunions in South Carolina and Nebraska. For more on the fun and celebrations click here.

The celebrations in South Carolina

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 30, 2008) - “When I saw “Ursuline,” all the wind was taken out of me. For once I was speechless.”

Dr. Robert B. Cooter, Jr may have been speechless at the moment he learned he was being offered the position as the first Ursuline Endowed Chair of Teacher Education at Bellarmine University, but at a welcome reception on April 30, he was filled with words of praise and hope. Praise for the Ursuline Sisters, whose mission to educate and minister to people in need is in line with his own. And, hope for the future, as he begins work to tackle crime and social injustice in his own unique way.

Dr. Cooter will not only serve as a distinguished professor teaching Bellarmine students, but he also hopes to partner with the Jefferson County Public School system to develop reading improvement programs.

“Literacy is the gateway to social justice and, in essence, the American dream,” Dr. Cooter told those attending the reception to welcome him and his family to Louisville. It’s a statement he’s put to action by implementing urban literacy programs in Dallas and Memphis, by directing a $16 million federal research project called “Striving Readers”, which targets high-poverty middle schools and by writing bestselling books on how to address illiteracy and the social issues that surround it.

Dr. Cooter talks with Sr. Jean Anne Zappa,
president of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville

Education is something the Ursuline Sisters have long emphasized. Teaching Christian living is among the four vows they take when they enter the order, and it’s something all the Sisters use throughout their ministries. Before the job was offered to him, Dr. Cooter learned of the Ursuline Sisters and their history while exploring his own spirituality, a journey that led him to the Catholic Church.

“Clearly standing out was Ursuline Sisters teaching…particularly among the least among us.” Dr. Cooter said. “I can’t think of a deeper honor than to even be mentioned in the same breath with the Ursulines.”

A plaque fashioned from the above example will hang at
Bellarmine University in honor of the Ursuline Endowed Chair

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 2008) - The Ursuline Sisters were presented with a commemorative plaque during the 2008 Alumnae of the Year banquet and awards ceremony. It was part of an announcement about a new award meant to honor Sacred Heart Alumnae who have excelled in the teaching profession.

The Ursuline Teaching Legacy Award will be given out for the first time next year. Each year, it will be awarded to an alumna who has been in teaching for 20 or more years.

Sister Jean Anne Zappa Displays the Plaque Commemorating
the Inception of the Ursuline Teaching Legacy Award

2008 Alumnae of the Year

Sacred Heart alumna Sister Judith Rice was one of two people honored at a special ceremony. To learn more about the 2008 Alumnae of the Year award click here.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 2008) - In March, the Vatican released a list of new sins for modern times. Among them, damaging or polluting the environment. And, the Ursuline Sisters are already doing their part to ensure a clean and protected environment.

Going to the Legislature -
Sisters Terence Schmitt and Mary Catherine Vukmanic were among 1,200 people who shivered in the cold outdoors while showing their support for House Bill 164, also known as the Stream Saver Bill, and their opposition to mountaintop removal of coal which buries and permanently destroys Kentucky streams and other water sources.

According to a Federal Environmental Impact study removing the coal increased flooding and water treatment costs, altered stream chemistry and temperature and meant a loss of nutrients essential for downstream water quality and aquatic life. Already, the practice of mountaintop coal mining has destroyed 500 miles of Kentucky’s headwater streams.

Going Greener on Campus -
Campus Services Director Rick Raderer is making strides to ensure the entire campus goes green. "We will continue to pick up recycled paper as we have done in the past..." he said. Now, Raderer has added extra bins for bottles, cans and other recyclable materials throughout the campus. Most recently, containers were placed at Brescia Hall and at the Motherhouse for recycled batteries.

As we move into the coming months and years, the Ursuline Sisters will continue to work to protect our environment. What we do now can help ensure a safe and clean world for generations to come.