Who we are

The Franciscan Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, manage “Santo Spirito” house of hospitality. The congregation was founded in 1883 in Rome by Mother Frances Streitel.

“Within this community, dedicated to apostolic service animated by a contemplative spirit, I will care for those in need, especially the poor; and in my own poverty seek the Lord above all.” (From Constitutions SSM)

The comunity members that dedicated themselves to prayer and loving service to others lived a simple and humble lifestyle. From this place the first sisters set out to various countries in the world. This house was the Mother House of the Congregation until 1925, when construction of today’s generalate on Via paolo III was completed.

When Pope Leo XIII (1888) on the occasion of the proclaimed Jubilee Year called the religious communities to give shelter to pilgrims, the sisters took in 30 persons although there was not much space. At that time the community already consisted of 30 sisters, novices and postulants. Twelve orphans live in the house as well.