On November 3, the U.S. Province of the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk celebrated its 95th Anniversary at St. William the Abbot Church in Seaford, NY. A gathering of over 200 Sisters, Associates, family and friends joined for Sunday mass celebrated by Most Reverend John C. Dunne, retired bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, and Rev. Msgr. John Tosi.
The Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk were founded in Belgium in 1818 by Father John Lambertz. The story of the U.S. Province begins in 1924 when four Sisters of Tildonk arrived in Ozone Park, NY to serve as educators in Catholic Schools. The Sisters have expanded ministries far beyond Catholic education to social justice, health care, and human services social and pastoral ministries. Inspired by the life of St. Angela Merici and Fr. John Lambertz, the Sisters are committed to the mission of the universal Church and have made God known and loved by responding to the needs of all people.
“As we look forward to our 100th anniversary we are reminded of words from St. Angela Merici,” said Sr. Joanne Callahan, Province Leader: “‘Do not be afraid of not knowing and not being able to do what is rightly required...Do something, Get moving. Be confident. Risk new things. Stick with it. Get on your knees. Then be ready for big surprises.’ Good words for all of us to live by. I’m sure there are many surprises for our Province in the days and years ahead. We ask God’s blessing on what will be for us and for all of you.”