The Ursuline Sisters celebrated their 100th anniversary in Thailand on Nov. 23 at Mater Dei School, the congregation’s first house and school in the country. The event marked a century of the Ursulines’ significant contributions to education and social development in predominantly Buddhist Thailand.
Mater Dei School, alma mater to two kings of Thailand and the current prime minister, served as a poignant venue for the celebration.
The event drew over a thousand faithful, members of the religious community, and Ursuline sisters from across the globe, including Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, France, and Slovenia.
Among the dignitaries present were Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, Bishop Francis X. Vira Arpondratana, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Bangkok, and Sister Pensri Horae, Provincial Prioress of the Ursulines in Thailand. A special message was delivered from Sr. Susan Flood, Prioress General of the Ursulines of the Roman Union.
Archbishop Wells lauded the Ursulines for their enduring mission. “This is indeed, especially for the Church here, a remarkable moment in our history and in your history and it gives witness to your unwavering dedication to serving the people of this beautiful nation,” he said.
Highlighting their dual focus on education and compassion, he added, “Your heartfelt dedication to promoting justice and peace, speak proudly of your commitment to better this world, not only for those in the past and present but for generations to come.”
Sr. Flood’s message underscored the significance of the centenary. “When we celebrate a centenary, we are offered the opportunity to look back and to look forward. We see the signs of God’s presence throughout the long history of the past 100 years, and for this we are grateful,” she said.
She emphasized the collaborative nature of the Ursulines’ mission: “On behalf of all the Ursuline sisters of the Roman Union, I want to thank each of you for your support of the sisters and of their mission. We know we do not achieve our goals alone, but we are in fact part of a network of support.”
Bishop Arpondratana expressed his gratitude for the congregation’s dedication to education and catechetical work. “I would like to express gratitude for the congregation’s work in education and in development in Thailand. And I must also thank the Ursuline sisters for opening the first Catechetical Center in Thailand after Vatican II,” he said.
In her address, Sr. Pensri Horae honored the legacy of the Ursulines. “To the Ursulines who came before us, we Ursulines of Thailand will continue your mission with your inspiration for ever,” she affirmed.
