Celebrating Catholic Community

On saturday, April 21 at the Old Ursuline Convent on Chartres Street in the French Quarter, Ursuline Academy, the oldest, Catholic girls school in the United States, celebrated the 285th anniversary of the arrival of the Ursuline nuns from France in 1727.
The event was held to celebrate the 15-year countdown to the tricentennial of the arrival of the Ursuline nuns. The event was also held as reminder that 2012 is the bicentennial of both Louisiana statehood and the start of the War of 1812.

Cocktails and jazz entertained guests inside the convent and gardens. Informal tours of the convent museum guided by Ursuline Academy student docents were also given. In addition to various music performances, a program in St. Mary’s Church included a brief narrative slide presentation on the history of the Ursuline nuns in New Orleans and their impact. The presentation also provided additional information about the Ursuline nuns and told the story of the 12 Ursuline nuns who arrived in New Orleans from Rouen, France 285 years ago and whose legacy has continued ever since. The event also featured a seated dinner in the convent garden. Antoine’s provided dinner and Meade Wenzel added her special touch of elegance to the event through her floral decoration.


Event at a Glance
What: Ursuline Academy’s 285th Anniversary and Tri-Centennial
Where: Old Ursuline Convent
When: Saturday, April 21

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