From very humble beginnings in France, the DHS Sisters and Associates currently have an international presence in Europe, Africa, Chile and the US. The Sisters arrived to form the England and Wales Province in 1902. They came to Bedford in 1904 where for 120 years, their mission has included work in parishes, education, nursing and social work. Whilst there is only one Sister left in Bedford now, there is a thriving group of Associates who Zoom gather on the first Wednesday evening of the month. Drawing on Lectio Divina, poetry, literature, art, creation and encyclicals, we reflect together, attentive to the way the Holy Spirit is working in our lives. Many of us are active in parish work, with our families and within the wider community supporting Bedford’s homelessness projects, for example. Our gatherings this year include partnering with Associates from the Nigerian DHS Province. Our Laudato Si’ Action Plan focuses on supporting vulnerable villagers in Gayaza where one of our Associates comes from. Raising funds to buy a cow, over the counter medicines and other essential items at Christmas, Easter and The Ugandan Martyr Feast Day has been an incredible joy.
It is a delight to become more and more aware of the Holy Spirit present in our lives, often through smaller gestures without apparent significance. If you would like to gather with us to sustain the work you are already doing, please get in touch. For more information, please visit the website.
Daughters of the Holy Spirit Family website: www.fillesstesprit.org
For further information you are warmly invited to contact the DHS Associates via the Contact Form.
