St. Joseph’s Convent, Güssing
Austria Sector
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St. Joseph’s Convent
Bergstraße 12, 7540 Güssing, AUSTRIA - sjt.guessing2024@gmail.com
Office Address
Year of Foundation : 14th March 2024
The Foundation, Arrival, and Pioneers
“The Spirit of God blows where it wills.”
In 2021, Mysore province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes, began exploring the possibility of establishing a third community in the Sector of Austria.
Bishop Ägidius Zsifkovics of the Diocese of Eisenstadt strongly supported the initiative. He wished the foundation to remain within his diocese, saying, “I will find a place and support the project.”
After prayerful discernment and careful evaluation by the Sisters, Güssing — a town rich in history and spiritual depth — was chosen as the site for this new foundation. The proposal received approval from both the Provincial and General Governments. The Diocese committed to providing a temporary residence within the Güssing Hospital premises and, in due course, a permanent convent building in the Güssing area.
Fr. Thomas Lackner OFM also took great interest in the initiative and played a key role in facilitating the foundation by overseeing all legal and procedural matters necessary for its realization.
The Pioneer Sisters who were sent to Güssing on 26th February 2024 are:
- Sr. Marceline Ferrao
- Sr. Selvamary
- Sr. Rojina D’sa
The community was officially inaugurated on 14th March 2024 during a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Ägidius Zsifkovics.
Growth of the Mission:
As a newly established mission, the Sisters are committed to making Christ present through their dedicated works and compassionate service. They aim to grow in faith and outreach by touching lives through healthcare and other ministries, embodying the values of love, care, and hope in their daily mission.
Major Milestones and Mission Focus
14th March 2024: Official inauguration of the community
Mission Focus: “Rooted in the SJT Charism of Communion, we serve with compassionate presence in our ministries, to uphold the dignity and well-being of every person.
14th March 2024: Official inauguration of the community
Evolution of Ministries
Healthcare: Sr. Selvamary and Sr. Rojina D’sa serve as dedicated Diploma Nurses, delivering both professional medical care and emotional support to patients. Sr. Selvamary works at Güssing Government Hospital, while Sr. Rojina D’sa provides care at St. Franziskus Care and Nursing Home.
Pastoral Ministry: Sr. Marceline Ferrao offers pastoral care in hospital and nursing home settings, which includes providing spiritual accompaniment and emotional consolation to patients and families. She also distributes Holy Communion to patients and assists in liturgical services and other devotional celebrations. She prepares weekly prayer service in the care home and when possible, in the hospital.
The Sisters collaborate with the local parish, supporting liturgical celebrations, hospital ministry, spiritual outreach, and family visits. Their visible and prayerful presence significantly enriches the spiritual life of the parish community.”
Present-Day Vision and Mission
Vision: “In communion with God and with one another in the community for communion” — to be a living sign of hope, embodying the love of Jesus and our Holy Foundresses through a vibrant and compassionate presence.
Mission: We dedicate ourselves to compassionate care, pastoral accompaniment, and building bridges of faith, serving the vulnerable and fostering communion within Church and society.
We continue the legacy of our Foundresses by serving faithfully in a modern European context, witnessing to God’s love through holistic care and compassionate ministry.