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Lives of the Saints:

How They Changed the World

Saint Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939)

Saint Ursula Ledóchowska (1865–1939)

Patron saint of Polish girls as well as orphans and educators.

Feast day: May 29




Today’s saint began life as Julia, but took the name Ursula after becoming an Ursuline nun. She founded the Ursulines of the Sacred Heart, or Gray Ursulines, in 1906. Ursula translated and published a Finnish catechism, and relocated to Rome at the request of Pope Benedict XV. She was a noted presenter and was asked to speak before national leaders and royals. She strove for, and defended the right of, Polish independence. Her order continues its work today across the globe. Saint Ursula Ledóchowska famously said: “Holiness does not demand anything great, beyond the ability of the person. It depends on God’s Love; every daily act can be transformed into an act of love.” (Image via Wikipedia)