Sisters Jean Hopman and Elisa Ryan are members of the Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union. Our international religious Order, founded by Saint Angela Merici, has a rich tradition of more than 475 years of service. Ursulines serve throughout the United States and in 36 countries on six continents. We are the Vocation Directors for our U.S. provinces.
Sr. Jean has a background in pastoral ministry, retreat work, and educational publishing. She enjoys reading, slow cooking, and tending the earth. Sr. Elisa has served as a high school educator, in leadership for the Ursuline Sisters, and loves music, the outdoors, and Italian cooking.
Backlit With Joy will help you get to know the Ursuline Sisters, our life and ministries in this country and throughout the world. To learn more, visit our vocation web site www.usaosu.org our province web sites www.osucentral.org and www.osueast.org and our international web site www.ursulines-ur.org
Backlit With Joy 
Welcome, Sisters!! I treasure you all as I was fortunate to have received 12 years of Catholic education from the Ursulines! — 8 years at SS Peter & Paul, Alton, Il and 4 years at Marquette Catholic, Alton, Il. I will be forever grateful for those 12 years of service they gave to me! They were a big part in molding my life! God Bless!
Mary Ann Bray – Godfrey, Illinois
Thanks, Mary Ann! I once taught at Marquette Catholic and it is very dear to my heart.