Inspired by the life and charism of Angela Merici

Since 1978 the Congregation of Tildonk has had an international congregational government, composed of members from the various provinces. With a view to fostering the internationality of the congregation, the 1978 General Chapter mandated the General Government to apply for Pontifical Status, which was granted on October 18, 1982. The General Constitutions and Directives, Fullness in the Life of Christ, were approved on September 15, 1983, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.


Inspired by the life and charism of Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline tradition, and of our founder, John Lambertz, we are committed to the mission of the universal Church. Our specific mission is to make God known and loved by responding to the needs of the local Church wherever we are. In responding to these needs, our congregation accepts a diversity of ministries while it gives priority to education in its broadest sense. The 1996 General Chapter mandated that the Indian Province be divided because of the large number of sisters and great distances between houses. Thus, three provinces and a district were created in 1997. Vocations are flourishing in India and gradually increasing in the Vice-Province of DR Congo. All Ursuline throughout the world trace their roots to Saint Angela Merici. In 1818 Reverend John Lambertz, the parish priest in Tildonk, Belgium, founded a new branch the Ursulines of Tildonk. From Belgium the Ursulines of Tildonk expanded into other parts of Europe and Indonesia. Today they minister in Belgium, India, Canada, the United States, the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire and most recently Guyana.