Founder Father Christoph Bernsmeyer and the History of Our Religious Community
Europe in the early years of the 19th Century was invaded by Napoleon. In the Autumn of 1811, his army seized Münster, Gemany and destroyed the Franciscan Convent there. The Fathers all had to leave.
Christoph Bernsmeyer, one of the members, had lost his home, his companions and his community. He was 34 years old at the time.
Having loved, above all, helping in the parish, he went toward Telgte. There he found a small house, and began ministering to the pilgrims. He also walked among the farm folk of the surrounding villages, visiting the elderly and sick. Finding the poor who were abandoned, he would share the little he had received, pray with them and bless them. In this way while praying devotedly, 40, 50, and 60 years passed. Through caring for the troubled, the sick, and those in need he witnessed to the love of God.
About history
When he visited the sick and tried to help them in their loneliness, making up for the lack of nursing care, a number of young ladies asked to be of help. He learned that they were thinking of spending their whole life in this service.
July 2, 1844
Therefore, on July 2, 1844, he received these four women as novices, and founded our Community. At that time he was 67.
1848
In 1848, when a typhus epidemic broke out in Silesia (presently the southern part of Poland in the area of the Odel River), a number of Sisters went there to help.
1853
In 1853, the Motherhouse was moved from Telgte to St. Maurtz in Münster. Even today our General Motherhouse is in Münster.
June 2, 1858
On June 2, 1858, Father Bernsmeyer died at the age of 81. His humble and simple life was rooted in the love of God and neighbor.
In front of the founder’s grave
1875
In 1875, 21 Sisters crossed the ocean to America, and settled in Springfield, Illinois.
1878
In 1878, 3 Sisters began home nursing in Holland.
1948
In 1948, missions were started in Himeji and Nagasaki.
1973
In 1973 a German Sister was sent to India.
The present
Thus, 181 years after its foundation, our Congregation became international.
At the present time, Sisters are bringing the presence of the Healing Christ to Germany, Poland, America, Japan, India, Holland, Kazahstan and Vietnam.
In Japan, too, we take part in the works of the Healing Christ in hospitals, facilities for severely disabled children and the elderly, and where necessary.In particular, we provide support in both life and death through Pasrtal Care so that each individual can be loved and cherished and can respond to the invitation from this life to eternal life.
Generalate
