Europe - Delegation
Brief history of the Province
European Delegation “Mater Ecclesiae”
The name itself expresses the reality of this small portion of the Church, in fact the Delegation includes the communities that are located in Portugal, Albania, Poland, Ukraine and Vimercate – Italy.
5 states, 5 languages, 5 different cultures, 8 communities, all international and…. all this broadens the horizon of the mind and heart. We continually learn to welcome and share the richness of different history and cultures, different customs, food and life and to harmonize everything in the Charism of Charity of the Crucified Lord.
Our Communities:
- Portugal: in Porto, and in Queluz De Baixo – Lisbon, they provide their service in the Nursery and Kindergarten, in pastoral animation and in catechesis in the parish. With the mandate of the Eucharist they visit the sick and the elderly and give the comfort of Jesus.
- Albania: a community near Durazzo, in Shen Vlash. Here the sisters are involved in the Nursery School, in catechesis for children and adults, in the formation of parents and adults and in youth ministry.
- Poland: in Krakow the community is part of the parish run by the PP. Salettini. The sisters visit the elderly in a retirement home and the hospital on a weekly basis.
In Goslawice – Spirituality Centre the Community is involved in welcoming the priests of the Diocese who have their formation here and the groups who ask for hospitality for retreats, exercises, training and religious courses.
- Ukraine: in Vinnitsa – Centre for Life, in addition to training in respect for life from conception to its end, the sisters are involved in the boarding of Ukrainian and Asian students, animate the pastoral care of foreign university students and take care of families in difficulty.
- Vimercate: Once a place of formation for missionaries, it now welcomes those who return from the mission for health or old age.
The Holy Family Community is present in catechesis, family pastoral care and in the hospital chaplaincy.
The Nazareth Community takes care of the health of the Sisters of the two communities and also of those who come for medical visits or operations.
News
VII International Congress of the Canossian Lay Association: “With Magdalene, Pilgrims of Hope in the World” Rome, 12–20 July 2025 – General House of the Canossian Daughters of Charity
From 12 to 20 July 2025, the General House of the Canossian Daughters of Charity in Rome will graciously host the Seventh International Congress of the Canossian Lay Association—a long-awaited and deeply meaningful gathering that, though deferred due to the Covid-19...
The Canossian wind on Terra Rossa: Mother Josemary’s visit to Giardino América and its big-hearted community”
A true passing of the Lord and of St. Magdalene through the red soil. From June 3rd to 5th, the Canossian Mothers’ community of Giardino América had the grace of welcoming the General Visitor, Mother Josemary Keelath. With her serene, humble, and joyful presence,...
Behind the Veil: the spiritual Journey of the Canossian sisters in Timor-Leste
Becora, June 3–11, 2025 – In an atmosphere of prayerful silence and deep communion, the second of five spiritual retreats planned for this year took place at the Provincial House in Becora, Dili, gathering the Canossian Sisters of the Province of São José,...