Brescia University College in London, founded by the Ursuline Sisters of the Chatham Union in 1919, just one year after women received the right to vote federally in Canada, celebrated its centennial on January 27th, the feast of St. Angela Merici, the Sisters’ foundress. From its humble beginnings, Brescia grew and flourished throughout the decades until today, a century later, amid continued growth and development, it is time to pause and celebrate Brescia’s centennial. Brescia’s longevity and prominence are the result of dedicated, far-seeing women religious who believed that anything was possible.
The centennial festivities began with the Brescia Choir and Brescia Chapel Choir. Dr. Susan Mumm, Principal, welcomed the lively guests who crammed the St. James Auditorium to pay tribute to the Ursuline Sisters who “founded Brescia to educate women to respond with wisdom, justice and compassion in a changing world”. A special highlight was the presence of the Sisters who labored tirelessly throughout the decades to make Canada’s only women’s college the fine institution of learning for which it is known. Although the Ursuline Sisters no longer work at Brescia, their presence and values are alive and evident in the daily life that exists on campus and indeed in the lives of the alumni, many of whom were present for the celebrations.
Fittingly, Bishop Ronald Fabbro, Bishop of the Diocese of London, presided at the centennial celebration of the Eucharist. At the beginning of mass, the Ursuline Sisters, together with staff and student representatives, presented symbols representing gratitude and specific values of the Ursuline charism which have held fast in Brescia throughout the years. In his homily, Bishop Fabbro paid tribute to the Ursuline Sisters. He noted the friendship that developed between Mother Clare and Bishop Michael Fallon who had issued a call to establish a university in London for women. He praised the remarkable women who founded and staffed Brescia College over the decades. They worked together through good times and often challenging situations to make the dream for a women’s college a reality.
The event included a celebratory mass; Art Exhibition & the unveiling of a painting of Ursuline Hall by Group of Seven artist, A.J. Casson. Following the conclusion of the Centennial Mass, a reception was held in the large St. James Living Room. It was a joyous time for congratulations and renewing long time friendships and meeting present day staff and students.
On display in the Beryl Ivey Library, was a remarkable centennial art exhibit. The exhibit titled, “Compassion and Right Relationship Lead to Justice and Peace”, reflected the values of Brescia now and into the future. The Curatorial Statement explains, “The exhibit is created to engage the community and to invite dialogue as we celebrate Bold Women Leading Justice with Compassionate Voice. We invite you to explore the interplay of wisdom, justice, and compassion, to consider Angela Merici – a woman for all times and to uphold the value of women’s education”.
Today the college has 1,500 full and part-time students. The women who attend Brescia University College are blessed indeed and poised for a future full of hope!
- Sr. Jean Moylan, csj
