Date of foundation
1824

Place of foundation
Bordeaux

Members
Consecrated laywomen

Ecclesiastical approbation
1 May 1988

In the image of the Holy Family of Nazareth they live a simple life turned towards God at the heart of the world, according to their particular vocation in the diversity of their situations and commitments. Their apostolate is an apostolate of presence in order to sanctify the world from within and work to evangelise it in communion with Christ.

HISTORY and AIM

The Association that Pierre Bienvenu Noailles founded in 1820 is a Family open to all, consecrated seculars and women religious, lay and priest associates, living for all and ever one in their diversity. Since the foundation there has been a group of laywomen consecrated by the profession of the three evangelical counsels and living in the heart of the world. After years of research in response to the call of Vatican ll this group evolved into a Secular Institute.

It was erected as a Secular Institute of consecrated life of Diocesan Right by the Right Reverend Marius Maziers, Archbishop of Bordeaux, on 1 May 1988.

The aim of the consecrated Seculars is to live the charism of Pierre Bienvenu Noailles in complementarity with the Religious Institute and the lay and priest Associates of the Holy Family of Bordeaux.

They live it according to their own vocation in the diversity of their situations and their commitments at the heart of the world, in order to sanctify it from within and to work for its evangelisation in communion with Christ who is present to all people today as he was at Nazareth. (cf. Const. E)

Countries where it is present

The Institute is present in: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Cameroon, Canada, DR. Congo, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Spain and Sri Lanka.

MEMBERSHIP

Women not less than 25 years of age and not more than 50 at their first commitment are welcome.

The period of Formation lasts 3 to 5 years before first commitment followed by 5 years before final vows.

For further information contact:

Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux
10 Rue Jeanne d'Arc
94160 Saint Mandé
France