Sisters of compassion
What is compassion?
According to the Sisters who live it out every day, compassion is ‘suffering with others’ (Sr. Anna Maria), ‘being where it hurts’ (Sr. Josephine Gorman), and ‘journeying with people’ (Sr. Sue Cosgrove).
I was scrolling through Instagram recently when this beautiful image by Leanne Bowen popped up. I was immediately reminded of the Sisters of Compassion, as I feel it sums up all they strive to be so beautifully.
The Sisters of Compassion are officially called The Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion and they have a special connection with Mary. When you explore the Home of Compassion in Wellington, you might spot a statue of the Pietà - Mary holding the body of her son Jesus - and the medal worn by the Sisters depicts Mary standing at the foot of the cross. If compassion is to suffer with, then Mary is the perfect example. As Sr. Margaret Anne explained to me, ‘she couldn’t do a thing to change [Jesus’] situation, all she could do was be there with him in his suffering.’
This ‘being with’ is characteristic of all the works of the Sisters of Compassion.
In Hiruhārama (Jerusalem), the birthplace of this congregation, foundress Suzanne Aubert and her Sisters cared for abandoned children, provided medical care, and ran a school, living alongside the local iwi.
The Home of Compassion in Island Bay used to be a home for children with disabilities, and a hospital for those with terminal or chronic illnesses, where all services were free.
The Compassion Crèche was the first of it’s kind in Wellington, offering free childcare and enabling single mothers and those without other support to be able to work to earn their living.
At the Soup Kitchen on Tory Street - still running to this day - volunteers serve meals to Wellingtonians in need, not just feeding people but creating a welcoming, loving, non-judgmental environment for all those who stop by.
The Sisters of Compassion don’t seek to change peoples lives in an instant, but simply to love all those they encounter and help them know they are not alone - to journey with them.
I loved soaking up all the rich history at the Home of Compassion - now containing a Heritage Centre, exhibitions, a cafe, chapel and spaces for personal retreat. This Congregation is particularly unique in that it is the only Religious Order in New Zealand that began right here on home soil, and it was very special to stay at one of it’s foundational sites!
And this great legacy is all thanks to Venerable Suzanne Aubert, otherwise known as Meri Hōhepa, an amazing woman on her way to becoming New Zealand’s first Saint. Leaving her family and all she knew in France to become a missionary in New Zealand, Suzanne dedicated her life to making a difference through compassion - loving all those she encountered regardless of creed, race or background. As Sr. Margaret Anne explained to me, she wasn’t the most attractive or imposing woman - yet her funeral in 1926 was the largest ever held for a woman in NZ, a testament to the impact she made through love.
In 2021, Kiwi author Fleur Beale wrote a book titled ‘The Calling,’ about a young girl, Molly, seeking to become a Sister of Compassion in the 1890’s. It paints a realistic picture of life in 19th century New Zealand, as well as Mother Aubert and missionary life in Hiruhārama. Something that particularly struck me was the way Fleur describes Molly’s first encounter with Suzanne Aubert;
…She looked up and a jolt went right through me. Could her eyes see into my very soul?…It was odd and strange, but as I told my story she stopped being just an old, dumpy woman. I was in the presence of something that felt like a holy kind of goodness. It had a force - love maybe…
Today, the Sisters continue to live in the Spirit of Suzanne Aubert, caring of the elderly, disabled, and needy, as well as educating people on the life and works of Mother Aubert. Although their numbers are declining, the Spirit of Suzanne lives on in the many people now working alongside the Sisters in their works of compassion.
I have really only scratched the surface of the story of this amazing women and an important group in New Zealand’s history! I encourage you to visit the Home of Compassion in Wellington, or use the resources below to do your own research, and learn all about it for yourself!
Further Resources:
‘The Calling’ by Fleur Beale - quoted in my post
Sisters of Compassion Website: https://compassion.org.nz/
Venerable Suzanne Aubert: https://suzanneaubert.co.nz/
Compassion Soup Kitchen: https://soupkitchen.org.nz/
Aotearoa’s First Saint in the Making - Newstalk ZB
Further DVD’s and books - including Suzanne Aubert’s biography - recommended at the Compassion online store or found at the Home of Compassion gift shop - https://compassion.org.nz/shop/