Our Life

BRIDGETTINES IN INDIA
The Bridgettine Sisters, formally known as the Order of the Most Holy Savior of St.Bridget (O.Ss.S.), trace their origins to the 14th century through the life and mission of St. Bridget of Sweden. The Order experienced a significant revival in the 20th century under the leadership and inspiration of St. Maria Elisabeth Hesselblad.

The Bridgettine mission in India began in 1937, with the establishment of its first community at Marikunnu, in the Diocese of Calicut (now Archdiocese). Since then, the Order has steadily grown and expanded its presence across the country. Today, the Bridgettine Sisters have 24 communities throughout India, with establishments in several states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra (Mumbai), Goa, Delhi, Haryana, and Bihar.

Today, the Bridgettine Sisters remain steadfast in their universal mission, faithfully living the spirit and values handed down by St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Maria Elisabeth Hesselblad. Their life and ministry are firmly rooted in prayer, ecumenism, hospitality, and service, with a particular commitment to the care of pilgrims, education, pastoral ministry, the promotion of Christian unity, and outreach to marginalized and vulnerable communities.

At the heart of their spirituality are prayer and contemplation, Eucharistic adoration, devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a spirit of warm and welcoming hospitality. All these dimensions of their life are beautifully expressed in their motto:
“Amor Meus Crucifixus Est” – “My Love is Crucified.”

The Sisters dedicate themselves to a life of liturgical prayer, daily celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Divine Office, and perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Inspired by the vision and example of St. Maria Elisabeth Hesselblad, they extend a spirit of genuine and inclusive hospitality, welcoming people from different Christian traditions as well as those belonging to other faiths through their guest houses, retreat centres, and spiritual centres.

A distinctive aspect of their mission is the promotion of Christian unity. The Sisters prayerfully and actively seek to heal divisions within Christianity by fostering understanding, dialogue, mutual respect, and communion among Christians. Through their life of reparative consecration, they offer themselves in prayer and service for the healing and unity of the Church.

CHARISM
- A profound life of prayer and contemplation
- Eucharistic adoration and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament
- Deep devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary
- A spirit of hospitality with a strong ecumenical dimension
- Prayer and active commitment towards the unity of Christians

MISSION
- To live a harmonious and balanced contemplative-apostolic life
- To bear witness to the love of Christ through prayer, service, and hospitality
- To foster Christian unity through hospitality, dialogue, and mutual understanding
- To welcome all people with charity and respect, regardless of their faith or tradition
- To provide places of prayer, rest, renewal, and compassionate care for those in need

SPECIFIC MINISTRIES
The Bridgettine Sisters engage in a variety of ministries according to the needs of the Church and society. Their apostolic services include:

MINISTRIES OF COMPASSION, SERVICE AND MISSION
- A Home Away from Home
Hostels for working women and students with care, safety and warmth.

- Nurturing Young Lives, Building Brighter Futures
Children’s homes and orphanages with love, protection and hope.

- Honouring Age, Cherishing Lives
Caring for the elderly through senior care homes with dignity, respect and tenderness.

- Inspiring Young Minds, Shaping Tomorrow
Teaching in schools and kindergartens with dedication.

- Walking with Families, Serving the Parish
Engaging in pastoral ministry through family visits, prayer services and compassionate presence.

- Forming Hearts in Faith
Guiding children and families through catechism, faith formation and sacramental preparation.

- Reaching Out, Building Communities
Serving through parish and community outreach programmes, bringing hope where it is needed.

- A Ministry of Welcome and Communion
Welcoming and caring guests and retreatants while fostering friendship and ecumenical communion.

- Serving the Church Beyond Boundaries
Providing dedicated support to the Apostolic Nunciature and other theological centres in their mission of service and collaboration.

Through these diverse ministries, the Bridgettine Sisters seek to make Christ’s love visible in the Church and in society, remaining faithful to their call to prayer, unity, hospitality, and compassionate service.