Our Life
BRIDGETTINES IN INDIA
The Bridgettine Sisters, formally recognized as the Order of the
Most Holy Savior (O.Ss.S.), trace their origins to the 14th century
with the life and works of St. Bridget of Sweden. The order
experienced a revival in the 20th century, led by St. Elizabeth
Hesselblad. The Bridgettine mission in India commenced in 1937
with the establishment of its inaugural community in Marikunnu,
situated within the Calicut diocese. Currently, the Bridgettine order
has expanded to include 24 communities throughout India, with
establishments in multiple states, including Karnataka, Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, Haryana, and
Jharkhand.
Today, the Bridgettine Sisters remain steadfast in their global
mission, embodying the principles instilled by Saint Bridget and St.
Maria Elisabeth Hesselblad. They maintain a strong commitment
to prayer, ecumenism, and care for pilgrims, as well as education,
pastoral care, the promotion of Christian unity, and outreach to
marginalized communities.
Their spirituality centers on prayer, Eucharistic adoration, devotion
to the Passion of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and
hospitality—encapsulated in their motto “Amor Meus Crucifixus
Est” (“My Love is Crucified”)
The sisters live a life dedicated to liturgical prayer, daily Mass, the
Divine Office, and the perpetual adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament. Inspired by the vision of St. Elizabeth Hesselblad, they
offer warm and inclusive hospitality, welcoming individuals from
various Christian traditions and other faiths through guest houses,
retreats, and spiritual centers. Their mission is centered on healing
divisions within Christianity, as they actively pray and work for
Christian unity while living lives of reparative consecration.
Charism
- Deep life of prayer and contemplation
- Eucharistic adoration
- Devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Hospitality with an ecumenical focus
- Working toward Christian unity
Mission
- Live a balanced and contemplative-apostolic life
- Witness Christ’s love through prayer, service, and hospitality
- Promote unity among Christians through hospitality and dialogue
- Welcome all people in charity, regardless of faith
- Provide spaces for prayer, rest, and caring for those in need
Specific Ministries
Running hostels for working girls and students, managing
children’s homes and orphanages, operating senior care homes,
teaching in schools and kindergartens, engaging in pastoral work
in parishes (visiting families, leading prayer), conducting catechism
and sacramental preparation, participating in parish and
community outreach, welcoming guests at hospitality houses and
retreat centers as part of ecumenical mission, and providing
services to the Apostolic Nunciature and other theological centers.