175th Anniversary of the Servants of Mary Ministers to the Sick
Celebration at St Bede's Church - Clapham Park
On 15 August 2026, the Sisters of the Servants of Mary Ministers to the Sick at Clapham Park gathered with parishioners, friends and members of the local community to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the foundation of their congregation by Saint Mother Maria Soledad.
The anniversary marks the foundation of the congregation on 15 August 1851. The celebration took place during the Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with Holy Mass celebrated by Canon Philip Andrews and concelebrated by the local parish priest, Fr Pawel Sobol.
During his homily, Canon Philip Andrews conveyed, on behalf of Archbishop John Wilson, the gratitude of the Archdiocese for the many years of faithful service offered by the Sisters to the local Church and the wider community. He reflected on the words of Mary,“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord,”which continue to inspire the Sisters in their mission of compassionate service, especially to the sick, the suffering and the dying.
The celebration was a joyful occasion of thanksgiving for 175 years of dedicated service and a reminder of the Sisters’ enduring witness of faith, charity and self-giving love.
We pray that God may continue to bless the Servants of Mary Ministers to the Sick and strengthen them in their vocation and mission for many years to come.
Story and photo kindly provided by St Bede’s - Clapham Park
