Poor Servants of the Mother of God

Poor Servants of the Mother of God

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History and Spirit | Apostolate | The Frances Taylor Foundation
Vocations | Associates | SMG Home Page

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HISTORY AND SPIRIT

'Oh that someone will rise up to plead the cause of the poor and to help them, not only by doling out alms of this world's goods, but by those words and acts which make them feel we have alike one hope, one end, one Master.

These words were those of Frances Margaret Taylor, a convert from Anglicanism and a former volunteer nurse in the Crimea, who was later to found the Congregation of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, as Mother Magdalen Taylor. In her day, it was fashionable among ladies of quality to go 'stumming' -- that is to give alms to the poor of London from the comfort of a well-sprung carriage, often with a maid to hand out the money. But she went further -- much further. For her, the poor were the social companions of Jesus and Mary, who shared in a special way the poverty and hiddenness of life at Nazareth. She believed that they were a striking image of Jesus himself, reaching out through them to an indifferent world, and offering, through their brokenness and misery, a challenge to the affluent society around them. Through a personal service, Frances Margaret Taylor sought to clothe the poor with the dignity of a person touched by Christ.

These were the ideals she passed on to the Congregation she founded in London in 1869, and today the Sisters working in three Continents try to carry them out as they serve God's People wherever there is need.

They live in community, sharing their prayer, their work, their companionship and the joys and sorrows inherent in the life of those who 'seek rather to serve than be served' in imitation of Christ.

APOSTOLATE

The Poor Servants of the Mother of God work in many areas including pastoral ministry in parishes, youth work, prison ministry, adult education, retreat work, work in schools, residential care for the elderly and homeless. Hospital work, group homes for children at risk and help for adults with physical diability and learning diability.

The order works in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, The USA, South America and Africa

THE FRANCES TAYLOR FOUNDATION

The Frances Taylor Foundation is the social, pastoral and health care service of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God. Established in Britain in 1869, The Frances Taylor Foundation is today responding to the challenges and needs of the next century. Our work is inspired by a belief in the dignity of all people and a commitment to senices of high quality.

Residential and nursing care for older people

Four residential homes in England and Ireland offer a high standard of care to older people, and a chance to live with maximum independence and fulfilment in a Christian environment. Nursing care is also available in some homes.

Heath Care

Hospitals in Bristol and Liverpool provide a full range of quality surgical and medical treatment, including palliative care.

Service for people with learning disabilities

The Foundation's 15 residential units and community housing projects provide accommodation in a range of settings for people with learning disabilities, including access to day services.

Family and Children's Service

Based in Liverpool and Suffolk, these services offer refuge, care and support to children and mothers in need.

Women's hostels

Two hostels in London offer safe and friendly accommodation to young women working or studying in the capital - mostly overseas visitors seeking accommodation for between six months and two years.

"In its 125th year, The Frances Taylor Foundation continues to be inspired by the spirit and vision of our foundress. The ideals which led Frances Taylor to begin her pioneering work last centuty remain as important as ever."

"As a modern service provider, we are committed to the highest professional standards. Our services are professionally managed by trained sisters or lay people, working with qualified nurses and care staff. If you would like to know more about any aspect of our work then please do not hesitate to contact us."

Sister Rosarii O'Connor (Superior General)

VOCATIONS

Do you feel called to our way of life? A single woman wishing to join us must:

• be a committed Catholic
• be at least 18 Years old
• be in good health
• have a good basic education
• have a fervent desire to serve Christ in all people, especially the poor
• have the ability to work and live community life

"Serve God always, but not always in the same way."
Mother Magdalen

For more information contact:

The Vocations Directress:

MARYFIELD CONVENT Mount Angelus Road, Roehampton, London SW15 4JA	ST GABRIEL'S CONVENT Knolle Park, Woolton, Liverpool L25 6HT
ST GABRIEL'S CONVENT Glenayle Road, Edenmore, Dublin 5	ST MARY'S CONVENT Balnakiel, Galashiels, Scotland TD1 1TQ

ASSOCIATES

The associates are Christian men and women who wish to be associated with the spirit and charism of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, and to share,as appropriate,in the mission of the Sisters. They are part of the extended S.M.G. family and share in our spirituality and ministry. Most Associates have come to know the Sisters through personal contact,through our various ministries in schools, hospitals,homes and parishes. They desire a closer bond through prayer and mutual sharing and by living Gospel values in the Spirit of Mother Magdalen in their homes, parishes and places of work.

Poor Servants of the Mother of God
©, Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, 1997
Created: 25/7/97, Last Updated: 21/8/2001
Please E-Mail comments to Tony Milner