Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien will erect the All Saints Sisters of the Poor, a formerly Anglican women’s religious community based in Catonsville, as a Catholic diocesan institute during a 4:30 p.m. liturgy Nov. 1 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore.
Diane Barr, chancellor, said the Holy See recognized the All Saints Sisters of the Poor as a diocesan institute – a religious community that reports to the local bishop – within the last few weeks. It is being established as a “priory under the law,” which means that it will be a priory with less than 12 members.
The sisters, who were received into the Catholic Church in 2009 and who took private vows at that time, will profess public vows during the Nov. 1 celebration. They have completed their constitutions and rule of life.
“They now can welcome new members,” Barr said. “They are formally able to do that.”
The American branch of a society founded in England, the All Saints Sisters of the Poor came to Baltimore in 1872 and have been at their current location since 1917.
In addition to devoting their lives to a rigorous daily prayer regimen, the sisters offer religious retreats, visit people in hospice care and maintain a Scriptorium where they design religious cards to inspire others in the faith.