Dream of Ursula

21/10/2026

 

We know so well the story of St Ursula and her companions, whose feast we celebrate today. The legend is depicted in such detail in the work of the 15th century Venetian artist, Vittore Carpaccio. Of this cycle of nine paintings, my favourite is this one depicting the Dream of Ursula. Here the young princess is depicted peacefully at rest, as she is visited by an angel in her dream. It was her inspiration from the angel that led to Ursula’s plan to embark on pilgrimage with her companions, and which led, ultimately, to their death by martyrdom.

We know that there are two types of dreams. They can be real – the activity of our minds during our sleeping hours. Or they can be symbolic – our hopes and deep longings for our own lives, for the lives of those people we care for, or for our world and its future.

Perhaps the Dreaming Ursula has some wisdom to offer us as we celebrate her feast this year. On what beliefs are our dreams based? Do we have the courage to ‘dream big’, not only for ourselves, but for our world? Can we, like Ursula, dream peacefully, knowing that an invitation from God is embedded in every dream, in all our hopes and longings?

In these days of celebration we hold each other in prayer, that our courageous, faith-filled dreams will allow us to witness a little more clearly to the Gospel message of peace, compassion and love.

From the Feast of St Ursula Letter by Susan Flood OSU, Prioress General

 

(pictures: Dream of Saint Ursula, Vittore Carpaccio, Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice, via Wikimedia Commons)

View high-quality photos in the Gallerie dell'Accademia page ►