Dear SUA Community,

Last week, Sr. Mary Jerome Buchert sent Lelia and me an article about Pope Leo XIV’s recent meeting with students during the Jubilee of the World of Education.  I wanted to share it with you for a couple of reasons.  First, it is a wonderful reminder that Sister Jerome and our Ursulines of Cincinnati are always thinking of and praying for our students.  Second, when the Pope addresses the state of education, we should listen and learn!  I will be sharing these reflections with the students in the upcoming Sunday Message, and I wanted to take a moment to share them with you here as well.

The Pope first recalled the two mottos of recently canonized Italian student Pier Giorgio Frassati: “To live without faith…is not living but simply getting along,” and “To the heights.”   He stressed that young people should not settle for the fads and immediate gratification that are so much a part of our popular culture, but he challenged them to “long for something greater” and “have the courage to live life to the fullest.”  

Parents and guardians got a special mention from the Pope.  Reflecting on the stars, the Pope explained that throughout history the stars have been used as guides.  Parents, guardians, teachers, priests and friends are the stars that keep young people on track throughout the challenges of life so they can be “shining witnesses” - not as individuals alone, but as an even brighter constellation of people brought together by education.

The Pope recalled his predecessor Pope Francis, who began the Global Compact on Education project in 2020; this work is dedicated to engaging young people in global fraternity.  He highlighted three specific challenges in that project as they relate to education:

1. Focus on the interior life:  Knowledge is not sufficient if we do not know who we are or the meaning of life; we need to educate ourselves for the interior life.  Young people must listen to their restlessness and avoid fleeing from it or filling the void with fleeting things as they “are made for so much more.”
2. Humanize digital education:  Pope Leo recognized that young people live in a digital world, but he cautioned that they should not let technology write their story or use them.  He said, “... learn to humanize the digital, building it as a space of fraternity and creativity - not a case where you lock yourselves in, not an addiction or an escape.”  St. Carlos Acutis is a shining example of holiness in the age of technology.
3. Educate for peace:  Education has the power to change the future threatened by war and division.  Pope Leo called for an education that is “disarmed and disarming.”  He urged young people to be peacemakers in their everyday lives, looking towards Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of peacemaker.

At Saint Ursula Academy, we see Pope Leo’s message reflected in our daily mission - to provide a vibrant educational community founded on the strength of our Catholic faith and Ursuline values.  His words remind us that education is not only about developing the mind, but also about shaping the heart and spirit. 

As we prepare for our Open House this Sunday, I hope you will help us share this mission with prospective families. There is no better way for others to understand the strength of the Saint Ursula community than through the stories and experiences of our students and parents.  Thank you for helping us continue this legacy of educating young women who lead with faith, integrity, and courage.

Go Bulldogs!

Kathy

This Week at SUA:  Reminders and tips to help your Bulldog in the week ahead

• There is an early dismissal on Friday, November 7.  Classes will end at 2 pm in order for us to prepare for the Open House.
• Open House is Sunday, November 9, 1-4 pm.  Please help spread the word to prospective families!  
• There is a late arrival on Monday, November 10.  Classes will start at 10:15 am.
• As you anticipate the December minimesters, please plan that classes will start at 8:15 am on the two Fridays of the minimester:  December 5 and 12.  There will be no late start on Fridays during both the December and May minimesters.
• Looking ahead:
  • The Fall Show, Once Upon a Mattress, opens on Thursday, November 13 and runs through Sunday, November 16.  You don’t want to miss it!  You can order tickets HERE.