Holy Family Sisters of Bordeaux...

The Congregation of the Holy Family of Bordeaux was founded in France in 1820 by Father Pierre Bienvenu Noailles.   The Sisters of The Holy Family, in their various commitments, continue the mission of Christ. They may be found in towns, the country, villages or in the middle of the bush, in shantytowns and slums. Each apostolic community lives a common mission, which inspires the undertakings of its members education, care of the sick, promotion of women, service of the poor and the handicapped.

In 1853, the first community of Holy Family Sisters was established in England, in Leeds. This first foundation was in response to a need to provide education for a large Irish immigrant population. From there other houses were established in Britain and in Ireland. The apostolate of the Sisters also extended to include, as well as education, social work, nursing the sick, and other forms of pastoral ministry.

In 1999 the Sisters requested the services of The Hospital Management Trust to assume the management of the Home. The Sisters however remain very much involved with the day to day life of the Home and several elderly Sisters are residents.

A Pastoral Care Team, led by Sister Margaret, provide pastoral care and support to anyone who wishes to receive it at The Hope. There is also a Chapel within the Home in which Mass is celebrated three times a week. Services are usually led by a priest from the local parish, but when he is not present a Sister of the Holy Family leads the services. The pastoral care Sister also visits every resident on a regular basis.

The local Anglican priest comes to the Home once a month to give Holy Communion and many residents are visited by their own parish priest. Residents, staff and families are all welcome to attend services.

Although the home has Catholic roots accommodation is available to people of all denominations and faiths, and everyone is welcomed equally.

For more information please see: www.holyfamilybordeaux.org