Canonical Sponsorship
On February 26, 2020, Brescia University College established a canonical sponsorship relationship with The Mother St. Anne Lachance Society. This sponsorship marked a bold next century and a momentous turning point for Brescia, Canada’s only women’s university.
Over one hundred years ago, the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham, Brescia’s founders, developed a post-secondary education experience for women, rooted in the Ursuline values of wisdom, justice, and compassion. To continue Brescia’s mission of educating future women leaders, the Ursulines, Brescia, and the Diocese of London created a canonical sponsorship arrangement that will continue to support Brescia as a leader in women’s post-secondary education.
The Mother St. Anne Lachance Society is named to honour Mother St. Anne Lachance’s significant contributions to the University’s history. As the first Principal, who led the University for more than 20 years, Mother St. Anne left a lasting mark on Brescia.
The sponsorship preserves two of Brescia’s traditions – the charism of our founders and our mission to empower women. The Ursulines continue to provide insight through The Mother St. Anne Lachance Society, where the Ursuline’s Community Leader, Sister Theresa Campeau, is participating as a member. The membership of The Society is at least 50 per cent women, as a sign of respect for the University’s woman–centered mission. The sponsorship allows the University to reaffirm its Catholic identity while continuing to embrace students of all faiths and backgrounds.
Brescia is grateful to the Ursulines for their dedication, time and commitment in ensuring the University preserved its identity, and to Bishop Fabbro for approving this arrangement.
The Mother St. Anne Lachance Society was chosen as the name of the Society based on
the significant contributions Mother St. Anne made to Brescia’s history and mission
of educating young women. As the first Principal, Mother St. Anne made a lasting mark
on Brescia’s community.