In 1898, Pope Leo XIII approved the revised Constitution of the Society of St. Ursula, officially adding “of the Blessed Virgin Mary” to its name to distinguish it from the cloistered daughters of St Angela Merici.

Beyond the patronage of St Ursula, the Society holds a deep and tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary—the perfect model of discipleship, humility, and availability to God’s will. Anne de Xainctonge placed the entire Society under Mary’s maternal protection, desiring that every Sister imitate her purity of heart, simplicity of life, compassion, and joyful surrender to God.

Thus, the official name “Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary” expresses the Society’s Marian identity. While St Ursula remains the patron and guiding figure, Mary is the spiritual Mother who accompanies the Sisters, shaping their lives of prayer, service, and fidelity.