Care Provided by the Congregation of Sisters – 1826: A Village Within a City
Why We Still Call Out for a “Sister!” in Our Time of Need
In 1826, a solution was found to the healthcare problem: care was provided by religious sisters. The almshouse in Breda became the first hospital in the Northern Netherlands (present-day Netherlands). All sorts of activities took place on the grounds of this Roman Catholic hospital. There were buildings for the administration and the sisters, a chapel, kitchens and utility rooms, homes for the elderly, walking gardens, workshops, laundry rooms, and a farm. In principle, the entire organization is self-sufficient—just like a village.
What’s in a name?
Day care avant la lettre
Those who are able help out in the vegetable garden, in the fields, in the workshops, the kitchen, or with household chores.
Healthcare and education are pillars of our society. Without the Franciscan Sisters, many healthcare and educational institutions in Breda (and the Netherlands) would not be what they are today. In addition, other themes have remained the same over the years.
- How do we approach sustainability?
- What connects us as people?
- Can we work together to provide care to those who need it?
- How do we keep our education affordable and of high quality?
- Where do we find peace and reflection amid the hustle and bustle?
Visit the “Care Sisters” exhibition and delve into the history of our local healthcare.
We’re also visiting the Creabea Memory Group and the hobby workshop at Elisabeth. Will you join us? Read the full program at Elisabeth Residential Care Center by clicking the button on the right side of this page.