Our Founder

Mother Emily Ayckbowm, pictured above, founded our Community in 1870 to proclaim the Love of God to the People of God. She was a pioneer who challenged Victorian Society for the sake of all who were seen as marginal. She offered dignity as well as practical help, and was a controversial figure in her day for doing so. She put us under the patronage of St. Michael and the angels to remind us that our calling is both to prayer and active ministry. She gave us the motto Pro Ecclesia Dei (for the church of God) and named us the Community of the Sisters of the Church to remind us of our concern for the whole human life, women, men and children, and the reconciliation and redemption of all God's creation.

Jesus said, Those who lose their life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

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