From the beginning the Sisters stayed wherever suffering was, the norm was to stay with the sick person until they were no longer needed. This could mean the Sister staying in the sick person’s home for months at a time, thus being separated from the other sisters and the support this offered.

Bon Secours means "Good Help", and today there are Bon Secours Sisters present in France, Ireland, USA, Peru, England and Scotland, still striving to bring this Good Help to all who suffer. Our mission is one of Healing and our works vary in all areas of Health and Social Care.

Origin - Purpose- Spirit
"Led by the Holy Spirit, a small group of young women came together in Paris…." (Constitutions #1).

The movement of the Spirit is always first, the first sisters came together because they felt this prompting of the Spirit, each, in her own way felt drawn to do what they did at that time in history. Throughout the history of the congregation this listening to the prompting of the Spirit has been evident through the many changes in circumstances and different ways the sisters have performed their ministries, the sisters have always been innovative in their care of the sick and suffering.

"Animated by a desire to bring into the homes the Good News of salvation and its message of joyous hope." (Const. #1)

The prompting they felt was evangelical in nature, to bring the Good News, the message of God, and the joy and hope this message offers. The Spirit always calls us to go out from ourselves, not with our own news, but, with the love and joy the Spirit has given us. We see this in the Gospel when Jesus calls His disciples, he calls them to Himself in order that they can be sent out with His message.

"They nursed the sick in their homes, whatever their social situation, especially in their last moments, revealing to them the charity of Christ" (Cont.#1)

The call of the sick and suffering took precedence over other circumstances. When someone is suffering, regardless of their position in life, they need healing. This has always been paramount to the life of the Sisters of Bon Secours, especially in the care of the dying.

"Since the origin, availability, loving devotion and courage in the face of suffering and death have been the traditional strength of the Sisters of Bon Secours." (Cont. #3)

These extracts from the Constitutions of the Sisters of Bon Secours of Paris, sum up very well the Charism of the Sisters, the spirit, which since the beginning has permeated the ministries and good works performed by the Sisters throughout the 175 year history of the Congregation. It is not what we do that is extraordinary, but that we do it in a spirit of Healing, Compassion and Liberation.

Our Reality
Bon Secours presence in Great Britain is concentrated in London, England, the main headquarters of the Sisters in Britain, Bourne End, Bucks, England, and Glasgow, Scotland..

Vocation Prayer
God, you desire that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of your truth, send we pray you labourers into your harvest, grant them grace to proclaim your work with confidence, that your message may be received and glorified, and all may come to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent, we ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Further Information
If you would like to know more about the Sisters of Bon Secours and our way of life, please  contact us.