Founded in Brescia, Italy in 1535, the Company of St. Ursula grew quickly,first in Italy and then worldwide. Within 100 years the company had spread from Brescia through Milan, to Bordeaux, France and from there to Cologne, Germany.The Ursulines of Prelate were established through the Cologne foundation.

In 1912, sisters from three different German Ursuline convents, including Cologne, came to Winnipeg to work hand in hand with the Oblates.  But in 1919, due to the WWI, anti-German sentiments ran high, and the sisters looked to more rural settings for their work.  Fr. Joseph Riedinger, an Oblate newly posted to Prelate in south western Saskatchewan, invited the Ursulines to join him.  Four sisters responded to the invitation, and in 1924 the Act of Incorporation was received and in 1926, Cologne accepted Prelate as its foundation, making it autonomous.  Mother Clementia Graffelder became superior, very ably leading the congregation until 1942.Times were not always easy: a fire partially destroyed the first convent; the "dirty thirties" brought many hardships; poverty and illness often forced the sisters to rely on God's providence.  In spite of it all, the Ursuline Sisters of Prelate soon became known as outstanding teachers and educators, their services sought after in urban and rural areas alike.For many years, our special concern, like that of St. Angela, was the education of the young. Thus, St. Angela's Academy was established as a boarding school for girls.  Until June 2007, we offered a well-rounded program, educating young women toward a wholesome Christian life.

But teaching is no longer our only ministry.  Like St. Angela, we have chosen to go where the need is greatest, believing that "educating for life" takes many forms.  We are active in adult faith formation, pastoral care, native, parish and prayer ministry.  We do spiritual direction and retreat ministry, tutor immigrants, and serve in companion care, catechetics and campus ministry.  You can also find us working in wholistic ministry, virtual education and the fine arts.  We have also served in Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Brazil.