On June 1st, well over 300 people gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ursuline Sisters of Prelate. It was a truly joyous occasion. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mark Hagemoen with several bishops and priests concelebrating. The entrance procession was led by six young people carrying ribbon banners which lent a festive and cheerful atmosphere. Fr. Ephraim Mensah, rector of the Cathedral, welcomed the guests and then introduced Sr. Anne Lewans, General Superior of the Ursulines, who also welcomed and who thanked those attending for coming and for their continued support.

The diocesan choir and all those serving in a ministry were outstanding, making the liturgy beautiful and memorable. The three readings were chosen to reflect call, service and thanksgiving: Hos. 2:16-20; Phil. 1:3-1; John 15:9-17. Bishop Mark spoke on all three as well as quoting from the Vatican Document on Consecrated Life. He concentrated on call and how the Ursulines had followed a call for 100 years and continue to do so to this day. Mass was followed by lunch and a program. As guests entered the hall, they were greeted by a display that honored the history and the work of the Ursulines.

Andy Praksas and Bill Shumay, both Ursuline Associates, were the Emcees for the program. They started by asking various groups to stand: Sisters, family of Sisters, Alumnae of St. Angela's Academy, men and women who had been taught by Ursulines either in school or in summer catechism. Many people stood or raised their hands impressing upon those present how many lives the Ursulines have touched.This was followed by a short PowerPoint presentation, narrated by Sr. Teresita Kambeitz and created by her, Sr. Magdalen Stengler and Sr. Rosetta Reiniger. It was a snapshot of historic moments over 100 years and proved to be very interesting.

Fr. David Tumback was the guest speaker and touched all those present with his reflections on the Ursulines. He spoke with humor and great feeling about how his seven cousins, all Ursulines of Prelate, touched his heart and prompted his vocation. As he said, the Ursuline DNA is in him irrevocably.The program ended with Fr. Ephraim reading a letter of greeting and blessing from the Papal Nuncio and the the Ursulines sang their signature song, "Hail, St. Angela!" It was an afternoon to remember.

A big thank you is due to the planning committee, comprised of Sisters and Associates. A special thank you to the Associates who not only sponsored the lunch but also provided much of the elbow grease in the kitchen and in many other ways. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to Kip and Tim Yaworski for the use of many of their pictures in the gallery below.

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