Archbishop of New York Timothy Cardinal Dolan visited The Ursuline School in New Rochelle to help celebrate the opening of its 125th academic year on September 15. The Cardinal offered an outdoor mass on the school’s Kelly Mac Field to a crowd of 1400 students, families, alumnae, and the entire school community.
In words of gratitude, The Ursuline School President, Dr. Colleen Melnyk, acknowledged the Ursuline sisters, “We proclaim our deep gratitude for the uniquely special community rooted in faith and service and committed to educating, inspiring and empowering young women for over 125 years!” The Ursuline sisters have served as living examples of the virtues of service, selflessness, and dignity.
“We were truly honored to have the Cardinal here to share this special celebration with the Ursuline community,’’ said Dr. Melnyk.
During his visit, the Cardinal blessed the cross hanging in the school’s newly constructed Kulsar & McCarthy Lobby and then toured its active learning spaces, designed for 21st century learning. Its new “Innovation Hub” and “Makerspace” areas provide a center for interactive learning where students work in teams and engage in design thinking tasks with an emphasis on developing a lifelong love of learning.
The Ursuline School was founded in 1897 by Mother Irene Gill, who was determined to establish a school for young women at Leland Castle in New Rochelle. Mother Gill and the Ursuline sisters embarked on their mission to educate young girls so that they could become informed, involved members of the community. The school moved to its present location on North Avenue in 1929.
