The Sisters of Christian Instruction, known as the Sisters of St. Gildas, were founded in Brittany after the French Revolution. The first Sisters made their Profession in 1820.
From the early years, the Sisters were meeting the greatest needs: the education of country children, the care of the sick and the poor, making the gospel available to all, especially the underprivileged. Communities were always situated in parishes and worked in collaboration with the clergy, with great apostolic zeal and openness as teachers, nurses and in other forms of service.
The presence of the Sisters of St. Gildas in England dates from 1903 – the founding of the first Community in Somerset was linked to the political events in France. However the Sisters envisaged their presence there as a missionary one, education being a priority.
In 1914, a Community was founded in the parish of St. Peter-in-Chains. Many Sisters taught in St. Gildas Independent School and in St. Peter’s Parish School. Gradually, the independent school was handed over to the Diocese but a few Sisters remained fully engaged in education and catechesis for many years.
The Sisters’ community is still very open to the parish, to its activities and to the people in their various needs. The Sisters are involved in R.C.I.A., Padre Pio Group, pastoral ministries to the housebound, the sick, the handicapped, the Ascent Group, the Parish Team, music, the Soup Run – and to other parish groups as needs arise. The Sisters’ house is always ready to welcome small groups requiring space and quiet for various meetings
Through all this, in the simplicity and spirit of faith which characterises their religious family,
“the Sisters of St. Gildas endeavour to be in the Church and in the world, humble and joyful witnesses of the love of God.”