Pictured are four brochures of Mount Saint Joseph. These were designed to help perspective young women attain a deeper understanding of the Ursuline order and discern a calling to religious life. COURTESY OF ARCHIVES

BY EDWARD WILSON, ARCHIVES

Mount Saint Joseph is one of the most cherished institutions in the Diocese of Owensboro. With generations of Catholic children being taught by Ursuline Sisters and numerous schools being raised by them, one would be hard pressed to find a Catholic in the area that has not been affected by the reach of the Ursuline Motherhouse. So, with access to the Mount becoming more available, and with the year of its namesake, St. Joseph, being declared, let us turn our attention to some archived items from the Mount.

These brochures are the first look that many young women had at Mount Saint Joseph. They were designed with visual appeal in mind and their primary function was to help prospective young ladies discern a call to a religious vocation.

The pamphlets make no effort to deceive the reader. It is made quite clear that the life of an Ursuline is rigorous. The vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, as well as a focus on instruction of the youth, are stated to be at the very core of what it is to live as an Ursuline Sister. Though the brochures do assure the young women that a deep sense of community is to be found at the Mount, it stresses the importance of prayer, work, and study.

The pamphlets, once used to assist in the discernment of a religious vocation, now stand as a testament to the truly awe-inspiring faith and sense of service of the women that entered the convent and went on to earn the title of Ursuline. Included in one of the brochures is a schedule that details the daily activities of a sister, novice or postulant at the Mount. The schedule has a detailed hour by hour description of the young woman’s duties throughout the day, starting with rising at 5 a.m. and finishing with lights out at 10 p.m. One section of the booklet goes into detail about the true extent of the vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity that the sisters take. The section notes all of a sister’s temporary possessions are subject to disposal, if deemed by a lawful superior. Stating that “even a box of candy from home,” is not to be had unless permitted by a superior.

The brochures are not dated but it can be assumed that they are pre-Vatican II, or shortly thereafter, based on the style of the habits, as well as the depiction of ceremonies that ceased to be practiced in the years following the Second Vatican Council.

There is a wealth of information in these brochures. But perhaps the most valuable thing that can be gleaned from them is the deep appreciation that we, as a diocese, should have for the Ursuline Sisters. Each woman who has the honor of that title has endeavored to totally dedicate her life to Christ and his flock. May we truly appreciate the great blessing that God has bestowed upon us in that holy place located in Maple Mount, Kentucky. 

Edward Wilson is the director of the Diocese of Owensboro’s Archives and the Archives of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Comments and questions may be sent to [email protected].

Originally printed in the April 2021 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.