Sister Carolyn Brockland Remains Last Ursuline in City
The 85-year-old nun carries on the legacy of the order that arrived in New Orleans in 1727.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Catholicism
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Sister Carolyn Brockland has become the sole remaining Ursuline sister living in New Orleans. Her presence marks a historic transition for the order that first established its mission in the city nearly three centuries ago.
Why it matters
The Ursuline order is actively training laypeople to assume spiritual leadership roles as the community faces a declining population. This shift ensures the continuation of the traditions tied to the oldest continuously operating school for girls in the U.S.
Sister Carolyn Brockland is currently 85 years old and joined the Ursuline order at age 16. The order continues to oversee more than 12 secondary schools across the United States.
The players
Sister Carolyn Brockland
She is an 85-year-old nun and the final remaining member of the Ursuline order living in New Orleans.
Helena Moreno
She is the Mayor of New Orleans who presented a key to the city to Sister Carolyn Brockland.
The details
Sister Carolyn Brockland, who joined the order in the 1960s, intends to remain in New Orleans as long as possible. The sisters have a deep history in the city, with nine sisters famously residing at the order's local location during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Timeline
Ursuline sisters first arrived in New Orleans in 1727.
Sister Carolyn Brockland joined the Ursuline order in the 1960s.
Nine sisters stayed in the residence during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Mayor Helena Moreno presented a key to the city to Sister Carolyn Brockland in September 2026.
Culture Shift
The transition from a religious-led community to one managed by laypeople reflects a broader societal movement toward secular leadership in historic institutions. This evolution marks a departure from the traditional model that defined the Ursuline mission since its 1727 arrival.
Residents may notice shifts in the management of local educational and spiritual institutions as laypeople take on increased responsibilities. These changes will impact how traditional community traditions are maintained and celebrated in the future.
The takeaway
The transition to lay leadership highlights the importance of institutional adaptability in preserving long-standing cultural values. Residents interested in the history of the order can engage with local programs that support the continuity of these traditions.
Further reading
Learn more about the history and future of the order by visiting our Catholicism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTBS.
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