LOUISVILLE, Ky., (Feb. 27, 2004) - Sacred Heart Academy Convent has been home to Ursuline Sisters of Louisville for 40 years. On Thursday Feb. 26, the 13 sisters who lived in the convent over the past year moved to the Ursuline Motherhouse, the new St. Ursula Convent - which was formerly a chaplain's residence, or other convents in Louisville.

Since it opened, sisters have lived at Sacred Heart Academy Convent (SHAC) while working at schools on the Ursuline Campus, including, of course, Sacred Heart Academy. Many are now involved in other types of ministry such as parish work, social services and volunteer work.

"Closing a convent is always difficult because the people there have become very close," said Sister Jean Anne Zappa, president of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. "Closing this convent is really all about good stewardship. There are spaces available elsewhere so the Ursuline Sisters don't need the space anymore."

While the closing brings feelings of sadness for the sisters who have called it home, it also marks a step of growth for many.

"I'm looking forward to moving to the Motherhouse," said Sister Raymunda Orth, who has lived at SHAC for 13 years. "We started out at the Motherhouse and we currently have the privilege of going to Mass there every other week."

Sister Annalita Fox, an 18-year SHAC resident, feels very similar. "I'm looking forward to continuing my prayer life at the Motherhouse. I loved the community life at Sacred Heart, but I look forward to the Motherhouse and I'm grateful to be able to stay on campus.

"The campus has a wonderful atmosphere with the youth in the schools all around us."

"It (SHAC) has been a nice place to live," said 17-year resident Sister Dominica Widmer, who served as co-coordinator at SHAC and is moving to St. Ursula Convent. "I've got a lot of happy memories but it's always difficult when you split up a group."

The move of these sisters is another reason for the current Motherhouse fundraising campaign.

"We have room for these sisters elsewhere but in the case of St. Ursula Convent, we had to do some renovation work before they could move in," said Sister Zappa. "The campaign has covered those renovations as well as those to the Ursuline Motherhouse.

"In the Motherhouse, we are going to make some improvements that will allow the sisters to get around easier as they age, things like better lighting and handrails in the hallways."

Click here for more information on the Ursuline Motherhouse renovation campaign.

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