The congregation which started as a pious association has grown to pontifical height. Today there are more than 128 Convents with 1,100 members. They take up pastoral ministry and run educational, social and vocational centres, orphanages, hostels, homes for the elderly, medical support and so on through 33 dioceses, he said and added that the sisters have opened their houses in rural areas and helped the poorest of the poor.
Presiding over the programme, Archbishop of Bangalore Rev Dr Bernard Moras said that though the missionaries have served a lot in the region, they are treated like outsiders.
“This means we have failed some where to be part of the community, state and our country. This is the opportunity to be a part of the suffering of the society and work even more,” he said.
“To be relevant in turbulent times is a real challenge. Do not ask what the society and church can do for you. Instead think what you can do for the world. If an egg is broken from outside life dies, but if it breaks from within a new life begins,” he added.
Superior General of Roman Union of Ursuline Rev Sr Cecilia Wang appreciated the charitable work taken up by the congregation. “You have continued the work of St Angela Merici, St Francis of Assisi, St Ignatius of Loyola and St Ursula,” she said.
Five books, which are connected with the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation were released on the occasion. The 'Formation Manual' was released by Bishop Peter Machado, 'UFLA Hand book' by Leon from Tanzania, 'In the land of the living,' by Bishop Thomas Vazhapilly, 'Social Grace' by Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza, 'A purposeful Journey' by Bishop Rogath Kimario.
'Tobia Payana' a project to help children was inaugurated by the Congregation Superior General Rev Sr Doreen D'Souza.
A dance drama 'Kannada Nrithya Roopaka', Life Story of St Angela Merici the Founder of the Company of St Ursula in Italy was presented. It was followed by a song, dance and drama show 'Dhonu' (Rainbow) highlighting the frontline ministries of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation and their future jubilee projects.
A short documentary 'Pilgrimage of Love' which showed the history, life and mission of the Ursuline Franciscan sisters was projected.
Fr Urban Stein motivated a few young ladies of Mangalore region to care for the suffering in the Old Bundar area. In the forefront was Nympha Fernandez, daughter of the Deputy Collector who became the first superior of the order. Initially the order was refereed to as “The company of St Ursula”.
This small dedicated band of local catholic maidens did exemplary work among the down trodden and were often called as the 'Angles of Bundar'.
On April 10,1887 the Association was formally formed and it obtained the seal of an integral religious congregation with its 'Canonical Erection' on May 13, 1934.
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