Founded by St. Ursula Ledóchowska, and also known as the Grey Ursulines, the Congregation is one of the numerous branches of the Ursuline family brought into being in 16th century by St. Angela Merici.

The special mission of the Congregation is to proclaim Christ – the love of His Heart – by educating and teaching children and young people, by serving the needy and those suffering from discrimination and through other activities which seek to evangelise the world.

The Congregation seeks to fulfill its mission under the direction and motherly protection of Our Lady, venerated as the Star of the Sea. The words of Mary: Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word – are the motto of our Congregation. (The Constitution of the Congregation)

Teaching and educating as well as helping the poor are the main apostolic activities in all the countries in which we live.

At present, the Congregation consists of about 800 sisters in almost 100 communities in 14 countries on 5 continents.

According to the needs of the country we serve as catechists and teachers, as teachers in orphanages, kindergartens, boarding schools, students' hostels and day rooms, as developers of young people (groups and communities, retreats and spiritual accompaniment), among emigrants as well as on missions in Latin America and Africa.