Asia Pacific Ursuline Conference 2020

Ranchi India

In late January Australian sisters Leone Pallisier and Colleen Foley attended the Asia Pacific Ursuline Conference 2020 in Ranchi, India. The theme of the conference was “Angela Merici - a mirror of contemplative love for youth today.” There were about forty sisters in the group: representing Japan, the Canadian Union, the Roman Union, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.  The Mother General of the Tildonk Ursulines and her Assistant were present and twenty eight other Indian sisters. 

There are four provinces in India comprising of about 800 sisters who are involved in a variety of ministries. They work in schools, hospitals and social work with some caring for the trafficked women in Delhi and Kolkata. Six medical doctors, nurses and two lawyers work with the tribal peoples and wherever advocacy is required.

Leone and Colleen witnessed cultural performances in two schools and visited the Tribal Museum run by the Jesuits in Gumla. They also made a pilgrimage to Kolkata where they visited Mother Teresa’s tomb and one of her orphanages for disabled children. Colleen and Leone stated the love and joy they experienced throughout their journey was tangible. Wherever they travelled with the group they experienced beautiful warm hospitality. They were greeted with flowers, song and dance by both the nuns and the school children. They were most grateful to be able to participate in the Asia Pacific Ursuline Conference 2020. The spirit and energy encapsulated in the conference title was evident in the lives of those who shared their culture throughout the duration of the conference.

You may like to view the You-Tube clip from the conference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKWF7pisJdc