2 new Company members S479 years later ...

The first English members of the Company of St Ursula
Sr Zela, Marie, Canon Roscillo, Marie and Myia 

On Tuesday evening two women in the parish made their final vows and joined the secular Company of St Ursula. This was 479 years to to day when St Angela Merici had gathered 28 women together as the first members of the Company of St Ursula. The Mass was celebrated by Canon Luiz Roscillo who was joined by Fr Jim Burn and Fr Andrew Dawson and Deacon Jim Wood. The Ursuline sisters from St Thomas More were also joined by Myia from the Company of St Ursula in Slovakia. 

During his sermon Canon Liuz asked us to 'look at the leaves', whilst in autumn, we might look to the ground and the wonderful colours, in spring, we would look up to the green shoots and signs of new life. The evening we gathered to support two women whose wisdom and experience might be as rich and interesting as the autumn leaves, but whose commitment was a sign of new life, as consecrated women.

Blessing the rings they will wear

Prayers for Marie and Marie

 By making vows and dedicating their lives as consecrated women, the two Maries joined the secular Institute of the Company of St Ursula.  They promised poverty, chastity and obedience.  Unlike religious Ursulines, as members of the Company, they would live out these vows their own homes.  Canon Luiz, explained how their green leaves would be sprouting up in the world, and just like ivy in a wall might at times be a nuisance! it was important because it became part of the structure and made it stronger, and so too our lives were richer by what they did to show the presence of the Lord in their lives. 

Canon Luis Roscillo concelebrating
with Fr Jim Burns and Fr Andrew Dawson

Signing the register

Cutting the cake

After Mass the two Maries signed the register confirming the vows they had made.  They were witnessed by Fr Jim and Myia of the Company
After Mass there was a celebration organised by the Angelinas mothers who gather monthly and who are also inspired by St Angela Merici

To learn more about the Company of St Ursula please contact Sr Zela.  And just in case you are wondering, you do not have to be called Marie to join!