Japan - Sœurs Auxiliatrices

Solidarity and Collaboration with Vulnerable People: a Priority for the Sisters of the Province

The Province of Japan currently consists of nine communities located in Tokyo, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Otsu.
The history of this province began in 1935 when the first community was established in Hiroshima. Over the years, the Helpers expanded their presence across the country. Upon their arrival in Japan, the Sisters were invited to serve children, the sick, and the elderly. In response to this call, they opened a rest home for impoverished children and a clinic for the elderly. Later, the rest home became a kindergarten, and the clinic was transformed into a retirement home.

In the 1970s, the Sisters began living in smaller communities, not in large institutional buildings but in houses or apartments close to the local Japanese population. Unfortunately, over the years, some communities completed their missions and had to close their doors.
Today, the Sisters remain deeply committed to numerous missions that support vulnerable people in the seven cities where they are based.

Sisters

Communities spread across 7 cities

“We believe that love knows no boundaries. We seek to live in communion with those who are suffering through prayer and action, always holding on to hope.”

Our missions

Since their arrival in Japan in 1935, the Helpers of the Province have focused on filling the “gaps” in society, their communities, and their country by prioritising those forgotten by both society and the Church. They dedicate themselves to restoring the dignity of those who have been marginalised and reaching out to those most in need of hearing the message of the Gospel.

Social Assistance

Most of the elderly Sisters live in retirement homes and contribute to the mission through their prayers while building meaningful relationships with other residents and the staff. Some Helpers are also involved in listening and counselling services for people with disabilities and those facing psychological challenges.

Service to the Church and Youth

The Helpers contribute to the mission of the ecclesial community by serving in dioceses, parishes, spiritual centres, and Catholic educational institutions. Several Sisters work with young people in high schools and universities.

Spiritual and Human Support

Through prayer and various actions, the Helpers support the suffering of society and the world around them. In particular they assist those with mental illness, the homeless, single mothers and children. The Sisters also work with refugee aid groups, provide disaster relief, and engage in issues of justice and peace. They see these collaborations as increasingly important in their mission.

1935

Creation of the first Helpers community in Hiroshima

1936

A community is established in Kita-Kyushu, 230 km west of Hiroshima

1939

The provincial house and novitiate are set up in Hiroshima

August 6, 1945

An atomic bomb is dropped on Hiroshima, completely destroying the Helpers’ building. Miraculously, all the Sisters survive and begin helping the wounded and those who have lost everything, alongside the Jesuits

1947

A new community is established, and the provincial house is relocated to Tokyo, where a dormitory for young female workers from the countryside operates from 1950 to 1980

1956

The community in Kobe is created