The
first foundation of the Marist Sisters outside of France began in Spitalfields,
a socially and spiritually deprived area in the East End of London, in
1858. Five Sisters formed the pioneer community and although their main
work was teaching, faithful to the founding charism, they soon involved themselves
"where the needs were greatest". This involved parish visiting,
running soup kitchens and work with orphaned children. Other foundations
followed and in addition to the work of education in both the State and
Independent sectors, a variety of additional ministries focussing on the needs
of the time were undertaken.
With the outbreak of World War 2, the Sisters, with
the
children for whom they were responsible, were evacuated to isolated and
rural areas of the country, areas where the good news of the Gospel had
been largely forgotten and neglected. Thus began a glorious tradition of
seeking to be a 'Mary presence' among the people closest to us and working
for the furtherance of God's kingdom wherever we find ourselves.
Today we continue, with Mary at Nazareth and in the early
Church as our model, to respond to the most pressing needs of our time in a
spirit of faith and joy. We strive to be a discreet presence among the
people whose lives we touch, enabling them to take up their role in the Church
and in society. Communities of Marist Sisters can be found in ten dioceses
throughout England from Hallam to Plymouth.

For some ten years sisters from the province of England lived and worked in the Diocese of Magdeburg, among the people of Stendal and
Seehausen, formerly in East Germany. Recently, with regret the sisters left
there but it is hoped that something of the Spirit of Mary remains.
Sisters at Seehausen and visiting in Stendal,
Germany
A retreat Centre at Nympsfield in Gloucestershire and a Centre
of Marist Spirituality in Walsingham, Norfolk, each under the direction of the
Sisters, offer
opportunities for spiritual renewal to lay people, clergy, religious,
youth and school groups. The Marist Youth Centre in Manchester caters for
the needs of young people in the area, their teachers and associated
groups. The work of catechesis, hospital and school chaplaincy, nursing,
teaching and social work are all ministries in which the Sisters remain
involved. We aim to make the best possible use of the energy available for
mission in our members, to make a difference wherever we are located for as long
as we are able and needed.



Lead us to form communities of mission and joy with others.
Our most recent project was launched during Easter 2000, when
in response to an invitation form Bishop Mullins of Menevia to establish a
Marist Religious Community in Carmarthen, a team of
Marist Sisters and Marist Fathers took up the
challenge. This is a call to work
for the needs of evangelisation in the town and area, particularly among
people alienated from the Church; those on the margins of Church and society.
In forming a Marist community for mission, living and working after the manner
of Mary in the early Church, quietly, sensitively, attracting no attention to
itself but only to Mary's Son, this Marist community seeks to follow in the
footsteps of our founding Marists.
If you wish to know more about the Marist Sisters in England,
please contact:
Sr
Mary Frances Boyle SM
Marist
Sisters,
55 Thetford Road,
New Malden
Surrey
KT3 5DP
ENGLAND

or any Marist Sister, who will
be happy to help you. We ask you to join with us as we daily pray:
"Create in each of us Lord, a silence and
space to hear your call.
Ask of us, O Lord, more than we would ever dream of giving.
Live through our risk-taking,
as present as you were with the first Marists,
Lead us to form communities of mission and joy.
Ceremony of Reception as a Candidate
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