Who we are
In keeping with the Monastic tradition, the Bridgettine sisters' chief obligation is liturgical prayer, the regular daily Divine Office. The sisters take part daily in Holy Mass and there is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every day. Central to the sisters' work is the "Guest House" which is part of the activity of Bridgettine sisters. The sisters welcome to their house all who seek stillness and quiet. The sisters' "Hospitality" is an answer to the needs of many pilgrims. The Bridgettine Order has a special mission in furthering ecumenical work and the sisters are happy to receive guests from other churches and study visits from schools or other groups. They also arrange meetings and retreats. The Bridgettine sisters are established in three continents, in 65 houses. In all these countries there is growing interest in ecumenism. Chiefly through prayer but also action, the sisters share in the missionary work of the Church, in co-operation with the needs of the local Church. The sisters teach catechism, run nursery schools, care for the sick, and provide homes for students and old people.
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St Bridget was born in Sweden at Finsta on 14th June 1303. She is best known for her revelations, for her devout life of prayer and self-denial and for the monastic order she founded. In many ways, her life is a model for the religious life, and indeed for all Christians. Because of her great love for Christ and His Church, she became a fearless tutor of the Church and secular leaders of her day. She was generous to the poor and to those who were suffering, and as a strong mother; she may stand as a model for all women. She died on 23rd July 1373. Her daughter St Catherine became the first Abbess of the Bridgettine Monastery in Sweden. On 1st October, 1999 Pope John Paul II proclaimed St Bridget Patron of Europe.
Born in Sweden ion 4th June 1870 to Lutheran parents, She became a Catholic with the help of a holy Jesuit priest Rev Fr J Hagan, while she was working as a nurse in the USA. She refounded the Bridgettine Order on 8th September, 1911.
She is called 'the second Bridget' because of her efforts in making St Bridget better known and for having revived the Order, in this way continuing St Bridget's work in our own day. Mother Elisabeth died on 24th April, 1957 in Rome. Pope John Paul II beatified her on 9th April 2000, and was canonised 5th June 2016 in Rome by Pope Francis. |