Holy Union Sisters

The Holy Union Sisters are a congregation of religious Catholic women who trace their origins to 19th century France. Today the Holy Union Sisters are an international congregation on four continents. Faithful to our heritage, we are engaged in ministry within the mission of the Catholic Church. Service to those who have been made poor, and especially to women and children, is at the heart of our ministry.

The Gospel challenges us to be open to the needs of the Church and of our times. Nineteenth century France was marked by the French Revolution and the turmoil and pain which followed. In 1826, in Douai, France, John Baptist Debrabant, curate of St. James Parish, joined with a group of women who lived and prayed together. Sharing these women's compassion for the poor, he guided the group as they grew in number and established schools in Douai and the surrounding area. Our religious congregation was born in response to human deprivation and social upheaval.

The Holy Union Sisters ministry in the United States began in 1886 when ten women from Ireland, France, and Belgium arrived in Fall River, Massachusetts. From this small seed, sisters now minister in Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

Our mission is to foster unity and reconciliation. Holy Union Sisters also live out the charism and spirit of Holy Union in England, Ireland, Argentina, Tanzania, Cameroon, Benin, France, Belgium, Scotland, Wales, Italy and Haiti.