Little Sisters of the Assumption

The congregation of the Little Sisters of the Assumption was founded in Paris in 1865 to nurse the sick poor at home. In 1955 the congregation came to New Zealand at the request of the Catholic Bishop of Dunedin. The focus of the work changed only gradually as district nursing and home help services became available in this country. The Sisters work with the Church and the wider community to provide both spiritual and practical support to many poor and marginalised people. The congregation does not discriminate in terms of religion, gender or race but does have a preferential option for the poor. The work is done in a voluntary capacity and the Sisters also offer support to those who are bereaved, sick or troubled.