Ursulines to reach out to other religions

(Aug.27,2009): In southern India’s Karnataka State, the Ursulines of Mary Immaculate congregation concluded its 64th general chapter in Bangalore, with a call for improving dialogue and relations with other religions. As the Indian Church faces several threats from communal forces, the Rome-based congregation has decided to promote inter-religious dialogue through their institutions and communities.
The Order founded by Blessed Brigida Morello at Piacenza, Italy in 1649, has some 800 members. They are engaged in teaching, healing and socio-pastoral ministries in Africa, Brazil and India, besides Italy. Thirty three delegates from these countries attended the chapter that addressed the theme, “Ursulines of Mary Immaculate as prophetic Leaders bringing Hope and Life to all.” A statement the congregation issued at the end of the Aug. 1-25 chapter said - “As Ursulines, we live our prophetic mission in accordance with our unified vision and mission irrespective of our ministries”. The Congregation elected Sister Elvira Mattapally, an Indian nun, as its new superior general.