The first Helpers arrived in Switzerland in 1902, in Lucerne, in response to the situation in France. Religious congregations were at risk of being banned there, and all religious members were facing expulsion. The Helpers began to establish themselves in neighbouring countries to prepare for this possibility. At that time, it was also prohibited to found new communities in Switzerland, so the Sisters initially lived and worked incognito.
The Swiss Group currently consists of nine Sisters: one local community of three women in Biel and six women living individually in Lucerne, Bern, and Solothurn.
Two Sisters live alone in Lucerne, in small neighbouring apartments made available for aging nuns. Three Sisters share the same house in Biel, a bilingual city facing numerous social issues, including an underprivileged population and many refugees.
Other Sisters live alone in Solothurn, Bern and Lucerne but maintain regular contact with parishes and their neighbourhoods. Mutual support within the Swiss Group is provided as much as possible, and the Helpers meet four to six times a year for significant spiritual and thematic gatherings.
The Swiss Group is characterised by the multiplicity of missions and diversity in living arrangements, which are often linked to the activities carried out by the Sisters. Today, most of the Swiss Helpers are over 70 years old, but their strength lies in the way they perceive and support for everything around them. On a small scale, each contributes to fostering life.
“Inspired by the breath of God’s love, with hope, we go to meet the burning sufferings of individuals and the world.”
Our missions
The Helpers work alongside various institutions, particularly in end-of-life care. Their mission is expressed through numerous small, everyday encounters with neighbours or during visits. They also support those in need professionally or voluntarily in homes and community centres.
Arrival of the first Helpers in Switzerland, settling at Bruchmatt House in Lucerne
Establishment of the first small team outside of Bruchmatt House
Creation of the vice-province of Switzerland, which had previously been part of the Central Europe province
Creation of the Swiss Group