St. Angela, founder of the Ursuline Sisters, encouraged her followers to be “like a piazza,” open and accepting of others. Her analogy refers to the piazzas in Italy, places where people gather—places of acceptance and joy.
During the summer of 2012, I began volunteering with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, Ohio. I served as a Companion in Mission, living at the Motherhouse with the sisters. I participated in the life of the community, attending mass, meals, and prayer, and also spending free time with the sisters. My role as a companion also involved helping with their ministries and serving people in the area.
In May 2016, I received my MFA in Creative Writing from West Virginia University. As someone who is introverted, writing has been my primary way of connecting with the world and expressing how I feel. As I develop my connection with the Ursuline community, writing has continued to be an important tool for reflection.
As I encounter new experiences and meet new people, I remember St. Angela’s words: be like a piazza. Be open to change and surprise.
During the summer of 2012, I began volunteering with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, Ohio. I served as a Companion in Mission, living at the Motherhouse with the sisters. I participated in the life of the community, attending mass, meals, and prayer, and also spending free time with the sisters. My role as a companion also involved helping with their ministries and serving people in the area.
In May 2016, I received my MFA in Creative Writing from West Virginia University. As someone who is introverted, writing has been my primary way of connecting with the world and expressing how I feel. As I develop my connection with the Ursuline community, writing has continued to be an important tool for reflection.
As I encounter new experiences and meet new people, I remember St. Angela’s words: be like a piazza. Be open to change and surprise.
- Maryann
Siate Piazzevole...Be Like a Piazza
