Sister of Our Lady of Sion

†

Sister of Our Lady of Sion  –  Sister Sophie Élise, N.D.S.                                                                                                                   Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Sion                                                                             Motto:  “In Sion Firmata Sum”  – ” I am established in Sion”                                                             ✡   Dedicated to keeping alive the consciousness of the Jewish roots of                                               Christianity and building bridges between Christians and Jews   ✡                            ☩  This Congregation came into being through Mary’s apparition and intercession   ☩                                                       

Founders:  Marie-Theodore and Marie-Alphonse Radisbonne (brothers and Jewish converts)

Place:  Paris, France

Year:  January 20, 1843 A.D.

Her Charism:  Sion – this word evokes all the hopes of this Sister’s vocation.  It is the Biblical name for Jerusalem, a city of peace, beauty, and stability.  It signifies being rooted in God’s promise – a dwelling place of peace.  This Sister is a woman who helps heal a fractured world by breaking down barriers to anti-Semitism by presenting a TRUE picture of Jews and Judaism through interfaith dialogue and social transformation.  At the same time, she shows the Jews the TRUE meaning of Christianity which sadly is so often distorted by misguided zeal and a lack of understanding.  It gives non-Jews a profound respect for the people from whom Christ Himself chose to come. She is called by a three-fold commitment to the Church, the Jewish people, and to a world of justice, peace, and love and is a witness to the Church and to the world that God continues to be faithful in His love for the Jewish people.  She views her mission through a Biblical lens, (cherishing both Old and New Testaments) seeking to hear and address the cries of the poor and marginalized, combat racism, and the imperative to respectfully promote peace and justice.  It is the gift of the Spirit that guides her mission.  With a heart “bigger than the world and on fire” this Sister ministers through balancing education, Jewish/Christian and interfaith dialogue, human rights advocacy, and social welfare programs, with a deep prayerful life.  Compelled to reflect on the tragedy of the Holocaust, this Sister challenges all forms of racism and is a witness (martyr) to God’s faithful love for the Jewish people and the Biblical call to “do justice, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”  (Micah: 6:8) ☩ Her first convent established in Jerusalem is named Ecce Homo. In Latin that translates to “Behold the Man” (Jesus) ☩