SSNJ Sisters in Namibia

The Congregation of Sisters of the Sacred Name of Jesus was founded in Warsaw in 1887 as one of many Franciscan institutions on the initiative of Father Honoratus Kozminski and Mother Francis Mary Witkowska. Its origin and character is closely connected with the abolition of religious orders and the persecution of the Church by the Russians after 1863. Under those circumstances our Congregation could be founded only in secrecy. For this reason the Sisters had partly renounced community life and the habit. The aim of the Apostolic Activity of the Congregation was and still is - the religious renewal of the community in which it is working. They do this through the holiness of their lives, prayer and penance, participation in the pastoral mission of the Church by working in many professions both in Church and Secular institutions, and missionary work in various continents of the world.
The first Sisters of the Sacred Name of Jesus arrived in Katima Mulilo, Namibia in August of 1987. They began work in the Parish School and Hostel for girls. Then in 1995, they added the Cheshire Home for Disabled Children to their work. They now number five Sisters from Poland and five Sisters/Novices from Namibia. Sisters Lucy and Margaret work in Cheshire Home. Sister Barbara works in St Kizito College and she runs the girls hostel. Sister Agnes is the Novice Mistress. Sister Jadwiga works with Catholic Aids Action and with youth. The Namibian Sisters/Novices all are in training and do various Pastoral Work.