The Education of Children and Youth to Service According to the Pedagogical Approach of Saint Ursula Ledóchowska

Abstract

This article deals with the system of education established by Saint Ursula Ledóchowska (1865-1939), the founder of the Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of the Agonising Heart of Jesus, the major mission of which is educating and teaching children and youth. The intention is to present one aspect of her pedagogical thoughts – the education of children and youth to service – which is understood as shaping attitudes such as goodness or dedication, overcoming selfishness, sharing time and talents, as well as ensuring the acceptance of good received from others and shaping the attitude of gratefulness. The text consists of four parts. The first part shows the understanding of service according to Ursula Ledóchowska. Next, her childhood is presented as inspiration for her further life and her educational care work. The third part deals with the concepts of educating children and youth to service, starting with the most common and accessible forms before examining those that are more difficult and require some greater involvement. The final section demonstrates that, according to Saint Ursula Ledóchowska, the source of service is the experience of God’s love and the willingness to share it while doing good.