Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

sisters, lay (Greek: laikos, of or from the people) Found in most of the orders of women. They seem to have been instituted earlier than the lay brothers, according to a life of Saint Denis written in the 9th century in which they are first mentioned. They originated through the same necessity as that of … Continue reading “sisters, lay”

Sisters, Dominican An order of women founded at Prouille, France in 1205, by Saint Dominic. Many monasteries were established in Europe, a number of which were suppressed during the revolutions which affected Catholic countries from the close of the 18th century. The nuns are strictly cloistered; they recite the Divine Office in choir, engage in … Continue reading “Sisters, Dominican”

Sisters, Chaplains of Priests appointed by the bishop to say Mass and preach in convent chapels. According to Canon Law (canon 464) such chapels are under the spiritual care of the pastor in whose parish they are situated. For a grave reason, however, the bishop may appoint chaplains to convents which are independent of the … Continue reading “Sisters, Chaplains of”

Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood A cloistered contemplative order, founded at Saint Hyacinthe, Canada in 1861 by Aurelie Caouette, in religion Mother Catherine-Gurelie of the Precious Blood, with the cooperation of Monsignor Joseph La Rocque. The sisters maintain perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and conduct retreats. The institute subsists on alms and the … Continue reading “Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood”

Sisters Adorers of the Most Precious Blood (Ruma) A branch of the congregation founded at Gurtweil, Baden in 1857 under the direction of Father Herman Kessler. In America Mother Clementine, mistress of novices, established in 1876 a novitiate in the diocese of Bishop Baltes (Ruma, Illinois). This branch includes academies, hospitals, an orphanage, a working … Continue reading “Sisters Adorers of the Most Precious Blood (Ruma)”

Sisters Adorers of the Most Precious Blood (Gurtwe Founded in 1857 under the direction of Father Herman Kessler at Gurtweil, Germany, to care for destitute children and to train religious teachers. Schools and academies were subsequently opened and in 1870 a number of the sisters came to America and were established in what was then … Continue reading “Sisters Adorers of the Most Precious Blood (Gurtwe”

Sisters Titles used to designate the members of a community of religious women, devoted to spiritual and charitable work, usually dwelling in communities, and bound by vows. In the older orders a distinction is made between choir sisters, who are obliged by rule to say the Divine Office in common, and lay sisters, who are … Continue reading “Sisters”

Sisterhoods, Protestant In the Church of England, several communities of women devoted to works of charity have been organized in the present century. 1. Sisters of Mercy were founded at Devonport, about 1845, by Miss Lydia Sellon, and were at first under the visitorial control of the bishop of Exeter. The society is composed of … Continue reading “Sisterhoods, Protestant”

Sisterhoods associations of women, in the Roman Catholic Church, devoted to the attainment of ascetic perfection and works of charity, and bound together by religious vows. SEE NUNS. Some of these congregations devote themselves exclusively, or in a very special manner, to hospital work, and the care of aged or infirm poor, orphans, and penitent … Continue reading “Sisterhoods”

Sisterhood Titles used to designate the members of a community of religious women, devoted to spiritual and charitable work, usually dwelling in communities, and bound by vows. In the older orders a distinction is made between choir sisters, who are obliged by rule to say the Divine Office in common, and lay sisters, who are … Continue reading “Sisterhood”