“Devotion to Sion.” Does that phrase spark curiosity? Here, before us, stands the Couvent de la solitude des sœurs de Notre-Dame de Sion. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith and a unique calling.
The Congregation of Notre-Dame de Sion began in Paris in 1843. Marie-Théodore and Marie-Alphonse Ratisbonne founded it. Théodore, a sub-director, sought permission to work among Jewish people. He wanted to encourage their conversion. Gregory XVI granted this permission.
His brother, Marie-Alphonse, shared his passion. Together, they established a congregation of sisters. They placed it under the patronage of Our Lady of Sion. The mother-house was established right here in Paris.
The new congregation received encouragement. Important figures like Mgr Affre and Cardinal Fornari supported them. In 1847, Pius IX showed his approval. He granted many indulgences to the institute.
Foundations soon spread. They reached the Holy Land. A convent, orphan asylum, and school were established near the Ecce Homo arch in Jerusalem. Another foundation was made at St. John’s in the Mountains. The orphanage in Jerusalem included schools for art and manual training. These were under the patronage of St. Peter.
At the Ecce Homo location, there were 170 pupils. They included Jewish, Mohammedan, and Greek Schismatic children. There were also 100 day scholars.
The Congregation of Notre-Dame de Sion expanded. Foundations appeared in London and Rome. They reached Vienna, Prague, and Constantinople. The Sisters of Notre-Dame de Sion numbered 500. Fifty were at the Ecce Homo and St. John’s. Seven were at St. Peter’s.
Priests of Notre-Dame de Sion spiritually directed them. This congregation of secular priests included lay brothers. The German settlement of Tabgha was also under their care. It was on the Lake of Genesareth. A priest of Notre-Dame de Sion, assisted by a Lazarist, was in charge.
The Ratisbonne brothers were originally Jewish. They converted to Christianity. Théodore’s conversion came through friends and study. Alphonse’s conversion was more dramatic. In 1842, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him in Rome. This vision changed his life. Both brothers felt called to bring their fellow Jews to Christianity.
Alphonse joined the Society of Jesus. However, he later left to join his brother. Together, they established the Congregation of the Fathers of Our Lady of Sion in 1852.
The sisters initially focused on education in France and the Holy Land. They later expanded to the British Isles and Australia. The Sisters of Sion define themselves as women who heal a fractured world.
Since the Second Vatican Council, their work has evolved. They focus on improving Catholic-Jewish relations. They witness to God’s faithful love for the Jewish people. The congregation now has sisters in 22 countries. Their motherhouse is in Rome.
So, as we stand before the Couvent de la solitude des sœurs de Notre-Dame de Sion, remember its history. It is a story of faith, conversion, and a commitment to building bridges between communities. It is a story that continues to unfold today.