Ursuline Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SU)
Charism of the Ursuline Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (S.U.)
The charism of the Ursuline Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (S.U.) is the spiritual gift entrusted to the Church through Venerable Anne de Xainctonge (1567–1621). It shapes their way of living the Gospel, their community life, and their mission in the world.
At its heart, the charism is to make Jesus Christ known and loved, especially through education, pastoral presence, and compassionate service, inspired by Ignatian spirituality and lived in the midst of the world.
1. Making Christ Known and Loved
The primary aim of the Society is: “The salvation and sanctification of one’s neighbor.”
* Sisters witness to Christ through their life, words, and works
* Evangelization is carried out quietly, respectfully, and relationally
* Faith is shared through education, accompaniment, and daily presence
2. Marian Dimension – “Of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
Mary is the model disciple for Ursuline Sisters.
* Openness to God’s will
* Humble service
* Courage to say “yes” in faith
The sisters strive to imitate Mary’s:
Mary is the model disciple for Ursuline Sisters.
* Listening heart
* Trust in God
* Availability for mission
3. Education as a Gospel Mission
Education is not merely a profession but a missionary apostolate.
* Special commitment to the education of girls and women, especially the poor
* Holistic formation: intellectual, moral, spiritual, and emotional
* Education seen as a means of human dignity, freedom, and social transformation
This was revolutionary in Anne de Xainctonge’s time, as she insisted on free and public education for girls
4. Ignatian Spirituality
The Society draws deeply from the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Key Ignatian values include:
* Finding God in all things
* Discernment in personal and communal decision-making
* Reflection on experience (contemplation in action)
* Availability for mission, “to go wherever there is greater need”
5. Apostolic Life Lived in the World
Unlike cloistered life common in the 17th century, Anne envisioned sisters who would:
* Live among the people
* Be mobile and adaptable
* Respond creatively to changing needs of society
This apostolic openness remains a defining mark of the SU charism today.
Compassionate Presence and Service
The charism calls sisters to be:
* Women of compassion and hope
* Attentive to the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable
* Engaged in works of mercy, justice, and reconciliation
Service is not done for people only, but with them, respecting their dignity and culture.
6. Community as Mission
Community life itself is apostolic.
* Living together in simplicity, mutual support, and prayer
* Being a sign of communion in a divided world
* Sharing mission collaboratively with laity
Service is not done for people only, but with them, respecting their dignity and culture.
🕊️ Charism Expressed in Today’s Ministries
The SU charism finds concrete expression through:
* Education and formation
* Pastoral and catechetical ministry
* Social apostolates and women’s empowerment
* Youth accompaniment and vocation promotion
* Presence among the poor and marginalized
All ministries flow from prayer, discernment, and love for Christ.
The Charism of the Ursuline Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (S.U.) is: To make Jesus Christ known and loved through education, pastoral presence, and compassionate service, inspired by Ignatian spirituality, lived in the spirit of Mary, and carried out in the midst of the world for the salvation and sanctification of all.
