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Casa Ursulina Update 2020

Ursuline Sister Mary Elizabeth “Mimi” Ballard, director of Casa Ursulina (Dianna Ortiz Ursuline Center for Women) in Chillan, Chile, was home for a visit at Mount Saint Joseph in mid-January 2020. She gave a presentation to the Ursuline Sisters and others who could attend on Jan. 15. The talk was an overview of the Ursuline Sisters’ ministry in Chile, including how their emphasis has changed over the years as the needs have changed. She also announced the transition of Casa Ursulina from an Ursuline-owned property to an independent not-for-profit. This was done for future legal purposes when there may not be an Ursuline Sister on the premises. A few of the Ursuline Associates in Chile were involved in the transition process. Casa Ursulina will be able to continue, especially with the help of volunteers (about 30 women volunteer there now).

Here are photos of the presentation:

Sister Mimi Ballard spent about an hour giving an interesting overview of Casa Ursulina in Chile. She has been the director there since 1997. She said she was motivated by Ursuline Sister Luisa Bickett who was still serving in South America when she arrived. (Sister Luisa was in the audience.)
Sister Mimi said that she still teaches weaving to the women who sign up at Casa Ursulina. They concentrate on teaching these skills, rather than spending time on selling the products.
Sister Mimi explained that Casa Ursulina used to help pregnant teenagers who were kicked out of school. Now the public health services in Chile meets those needs, and the girls can stay in school. She said Casa Ursulina is focusing more on helping lonely senior citizens and caregivers.
About 35 Ursuline Sisters and a few others gathered to hear Sister Mimi’s talk in the Ursula Room in Ursula Hall. At left, Dan Heckel, director of Mission Advancement and Communications, was videotaping the presentation.
Sister Mimi tells the Ursuline Sisters how Casa Ursulina gets referrals regarding women who may be lonely and depressed. Those who refer know the women will be welcomed and can socialize with others at Casa Ursulina. She said over 200 people are enrolled in classes there.
The Ursuline Sisters listen as Sister Mimi talks about recent social upheaval and protests in Chile, brought on by pensions that have been cut, increasing utility rates, and other hardships being faced by the Chilean people. She said the protests have affected everyone.
Sister Mimi tells the sisters that she plans to continue ministering at Casa Ursulina as long as possible because she feels called to do that work.
The Ursuline Sisters listen as Sister Mimi says Casa Ursulina has benefited greatly from the support of the Ursulines and other donors, including the Mount Saint Joseph Academy Alumnae Association.
The Ursuline Sisters listen as Sister Mimi says drugs have become a bigger problem in Chile than alcohol. Two of the people pictured in the audience, Sister Ruth Gehres, left, and Sister Luisa Bickett, center, also ministered in Chile.

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