​Our charism: synthesis of monastic and apostolic life

​The apostolic life, through which the sisters of the Order of Saint Bridget engage in the modern world, has diverse forms. Central to its apostolic charism is hospitality, traditional to all monasticism, which in its Bridgettine form translates into the provision of guest houses where individuals and groups from all Christian traditions or none are warmly welcomed and looked after. Our sisters also work with youth, evangelise, have nursery schools, to name but some of their other activities.
 
The heirs of the spiritual teaching of St Elizabeth, the 'pilgrim of unity', have progressively developed the missionary ecumenical charism of the new Order, and non-Catholic religious services are regularly hosted in the convents of the Order. The Bridgettine centre in Farfa, Italy, is an international ecumenical centre where people of all different faiths come together for a serene interchange of ideas in search of the truth, as is the John Paul II Centre for Interreligious Dialogue on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
 
Inseparable from this apostolic life, and giving the apostolic life its source of power and energy is the Bridgettine prayer life which is deeply rooted in the Eucharist  daily Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - the singing of the Divine Office, special  devotion to the humanity of Christ, especially to the Passion (our family motto is My Love has been crucified: Amor Meus Crucifixus est), and an intense filial devotion to the Mother of God.

The happy synthesis of monastic and apostolic life characterises the Order of Saint Bridget, constantly attracts new postulants and novices, and reminds all of the need to live their Christian lives in the constant presence and remembrance of God our Saviour.