Convent of the Sisters of Zion

The Catholic Congregation of the " Notre Dame de Sion " (in short " Sisters of Sion "; Lat: Congregation nostrae Dominae de Sion; Order code:. NDS) was founded in 1843 by the baptized Jew Théodore Ratisbonne. She has an apostolic and a contemplative sister branch, as well as a male, namely the Brothers of Our Lady of Sion. His original and primary commitment is the Christian-Jewish understanding. Today the community is represented in 24 countries around the world, including Germany (Halle / Saale) and Austria (Vienna).

Order Donors

The founder Theodore Ratisbonne 1802 was born in Strasbourg to a Jewish family. According to information from the first years of his life, religion played no significant role for him. Only when he had to deal more and more with the biblical God while studying philosophy, he decided to be baptized. He was baptized at the age of 24 years of Louise Humann. Later he was ordained priest.

Founding of the order

After his brother Alphonse Ratisbonne who had a Marian apparition, had converted to the Christian faith also, he founded in 1843 the congregation of sisters " Our Lady of Sion". 1852 "Brothers of Our Lady of Sion " was followed by the establishment of the.

Sion (or Zion ) is the name of the biblical Jerusalem. According to Theodore Ratisbonne it is also the name of Mary.

Commitment

The Apostolic life is governed by a three-fold commitment:

  • For the Church
  • For the Jewish people
  • For a world of justice
  • Of peace
  • Of love.

Areas of responsibility:

  • Bible and Theology
  • Encounters between Christians and Jews
  • Ecumenism and interreligious dialogue
  • European cooperation
  • Catechesis and pastoral
  • Education and Training
  • Social and medical services
  • Meeting Places
  • Mass media

The communities of the contemplative branch are through worship and intercession in the service of the same program.

Dissemination

The Order has branches in all five continents. Europe: Belgium, Germany, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Austria, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey America: Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Canada, Nicaragua, United States Africa / Middle East: Egypt, Tunisia, Israel, Palestine Australia Asia: Philippines

Marie-Alphonse Ratisbonne
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