Sisters of Our Lady of Sion

The Catholic order of Notre Dame de Sion ("Sions of Sion" for short; Latin : Congregatio Nostrae Dominae de Sion ; order abbreviation : NDS) was founded in 1843 by Théodore Ratisbonne , who converted from Judaism to Catholicism . She has an apostolic and a contemplative sister branch, as well as a male branch, namely the Brothers of Notre Dame of Sion . His original and primary commitment is Christian-Jewish understanding. Today the community is represented in 24 countries around the world, including Germany ( Halle / Saale ) and Austria ( Vienna ).

Order founder

The founder Theodore Ratisbonne was born in Strasbourg in 1802 into a Jewish family. According to his own account, religion did not play a significant role for him in the first years of his life . It was only when he had to deal more and more with the biblical God while studying philosophy that he decided to be baptized. He was baptized by Louise Humann at the age of 24 . Later he was ordained a priest .

Founding of the order

After his brother Alphonse Ratisbonne , who had an apparition to Mary , also converted to the Christian faith, he founded the congregation of sisters "Our Lady of Sion" in 1843 . Our Lady in Jerusalem is the patroness of the Congregation . In 1852 the Brothers of Notre-Dame of Sion were founded .

Sion (or Zion ) is the name of the biblical Jerusalem . According to Theodore Ratisbonne, it is also the family name of Mary.

engagement

The apostolic life is determined by a threefold commitment:

for the church
for the Jewish people
for a world of justice
of peace
of the love.

The areas of responsibility are:

Bible and Theology
Encounters between Christians and Jews
Ecumenical and interreligious conversation
European cooperation
Catechesis and Pastoral
Upbringing and education
Social and medical services
Meeting places
Mass media

The communities of the contemplative branch ( Notre Dame de Sion - La Solitude ) are at the service of the same mission through praise and intercession .

distribution

The order has offices in all five continents.
Europe: Belgium , Germany , France , Great Britain , Ireland , Austria , Poland , Romania , Spain , Turkey
America: Argentina , Brazil , Costa Rica , El Salvador , Canada , Nicaragua , USA
Africa / Middle East: Egypt , Tunisia , Israel , Palestine
Australia
Asia: Philippines

Web links