The Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph welcomed back some of their former members on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, to encourage them to join in celebrating 150 years since the Sisters arrived at Maple Mount.

“I’ve always heard ‘once an Ursuline, always an Ursuline,’” Linda Rocco said.

Nine former members returned to the Mount for a special Mass and lunch, and an opportunity to visit with old friends. Another 30 former members responded to an invitation saying they wished they could attend, but were unable, said Sister Martha Keller, who organized the event.

The farthest to travel was Gia Mudd-Martin, who lives in Georgetown, Ky., with her husband Gary, who accompanied her. During an opportunity to speak to the Sisters following lunch, she said it was wonderful to be back at the Mount.

“This always feels like coming back home,” she said. “So much of who I am today is attributable to the Ursuline Sisters.”

She teaches nursing at the University of Kentucky.

“I do a lot of research with the Appalachian community,” she said. “It’s my way to continue to minister. I’m so blessed to carry the Ursuline mission in my heart. My husband Gary carries the Ursuline mission in his heart too. We’ve been married for 13 years.”

Nelda Flahardy replied on Facebook, “Thank you so much for the beautiful day of homecoming for those of us who were previous members of community life. Although I left religious life in 1994, I have continued to hold each of you in my heart as my sisters, and consider each of you as a blessing.

“I was fortunate to grow up in a family that prayed together, a family of deep faith. As the youngest of seven siblings, my parents and brothers and sisters were great role models to me, and they taught me the importance of family.

“When I responded to God’s call to community life, I was blessed to delve even more into God’s plan in my life. The Mount became Holy Ground for me – the place where I learned how to pray and how to discern, where l learned about God, and where I came to know God intimately.

“I am grateful to Mount Saint Joseph, Brescia, and Creighton (University) for preparing me to teach elementary children – a career of 36 years of getting a new group each year and watching them learn and grow. It was a joy and a privilege to be part of so many little lives!

“Thank each of you for welcoming me and the others who came today! Know that you are in my daily prayers, as I ask you to pray for me as well.”

The former members joined the Sisters for 11 a.m. Mass in the Chapel. The date was chosen as the closest weekend to the feast of Saint Ursula, a saint of the early church who inspired Saint Angela Merici, who in turn named her community the Order of Saint Ursula – today’s Ursuline Sisters.

Father Ray Goetz opened Mass by saying, “Welcome, or should I say, welcome back.”

Sister Sharon Sullivan, congregational leader, delivered a heart reflection on Saint Angela’s call from her Ninth Counsel to “Be bound to one another by the bond of charity, esteeming each other, helping each other, bearing with each other in Jesus Christ.”

“You don’t need to remind people to do something if it’s easily achieved without effort,” Sister Sharon said.

Following lunch in the Motherhouse dining room, Stephanie Warren said, “For 20 years, this was my special home. It’s a place I love. I still love my community, and love to celebrate my relationship with it.” She grew up just down the road from the Mount and recalls hearing the chapel bell toll from her house.

“I was formed, educated and brought to life by the Ursuline Sisters,” she said.

Rocco lives in Owensboro and especially enjoys joining Sister Margaret Ann Aull to do “holy moments” with the Sisters in Saint Joseph Villa.

“I became an Associate, which was a very holy thing,” she said. “Thanks for this day.”

Mary Danhauer said, “I progressed from being a Sister to a social activist. I work with the Poor People’s Campaign and NonViolent Owensboro. Who I am now was formed by the holy ground here. It’s a holy, holy place.”

Marilyn Terry said she always felt like an Ursuline. Her aunt was a Sister and Terry was taught by the Ursulines.

“I grew up with Ursulines. The Ursulines are a part of my life,” she said.

Carol Krampe said, “I came here when I was 16, and right away I was doing women’s work. I was in the first class of the juniorate,” an effort to allow the new Sisters to complete their bachelor’s degrees before they began teaching.

“I spent 23 years in the community, then I worked in the Church for 25 years in the Archdiocese of Louisville,” Krampe said. “The Ursulines are the kindest women I’ve ever met.”

Betty Moorman graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and returns for Alumnae Weekend every five years from her home in Meade County. Returning for this former member weekend was emotional. She was glad to see her classmate, Sister Cecelia Joseph Olinger.

“It’s been a very good day,” Moorman said.

Carrie Wieder sat with her classmate Sister Claudia Hayden at lunch enjoying the moment.

“I feel a part of all of us this,” she said. “I just want to see everybody, join in the celebration. I have a lot of friends and a lot of great memories here. It’s been a beautiful, touching day.”