St. Joseph's Convent - Eisenstadt

- Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder - Austria

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Year of Foundation : 18th October 2007

Present-Day Vision and Mission

Our Vision

To be a compassionate and prophetic presence in today’s world, witnessing to the charism of Communion by living the Gospel values of faith, respect, trust, humility, and openness after the example of Jesus and our Foundresses

Our Mission

Rooted in God’s Love, we bring healing and hope through compassionate care, serving the sick, comforting the suffering, and accompanying the dying with gentleness and mercy.

The Foundation and Arrival of Pioneers

Preparations for the second foundation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes in Austria began in July 2005, when Sr. Maria Goretti Martis, then Provincial Superior, visited Austria and expressed the desire to establish another community. During a meeting with the Bishop of Eisenstadt, she was encouraged to consider working at the Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder (Mercy Brothers Hospital), a Catholic institution rooted in compassion and care for the sick.

In January 2006, Sr. Maria Goretti returned to visit the hospital. At her request, Sr. Mercy Jacob, Assistant General, met with Br. Ulrich Fischer, the Provincial of the Mercy Brothers. He warmly welcomed the sisters, offering them accommodation and the opportunity to join their mission.

In July 2006, Sr. Marie Gabrielle (Superior General) and Sr. Mercy Jacob visited again to finalize legal and logistical arrangements. The foundation progressed steadily.

Pioneers of the Mission: Sr. Amalorpavamary and Sr. Wilma Lewis were sent for this new foundation. On 22nd July 2007, they arrived in Frauenkirchen, Austria, for cultural orientation and language training.

With deep faith and courage, they adapted to a new language, culture, and lifestyle while laying the foundation for future ministry. Their pioneering spirit remains the cornerstone of the Eisenstadt community.

On 18th October 2007, the sisters’ residence in Eisenstadt was officially blessed by Dr. Paul Iby, Bishop of Eisenstadt. Their ministry formally began on 5th November 2007, when they started working at the hospital run by the Brothers of St. John of God (Mercy Brothers).

Growth of the Mission

The Sisters initially worked as nursing assistants while completing the nostrification requirements mandated by Austria. After fulfilling these requirements, they were employed as diploma-qualified staff and began serving in various hospital departments. Since 2015, two Sisters also render their services in the palliative care unit.

Their presence soon became integral not only to healthcare but also to the spiritual life of the hospital. Through daily interactions, they provided not only medical care but also emotional and spiritual support to patients, families, and staff.

Major Milestones and Mission Focus

A significant milestone was reached in November 2011. During her canonical visit on 6th November, Sr. Maria Goretti officially established Eisenstadt as a canonically erected community. To strengthen the community, Sr. Lily D’Souza and Sr. James D’Souza were transferred from Frauenkirchen, with Sr. Lily appointed as Animator. Later, new members joined the community, enabling the sisters to extend their services to additional hospital wards and take up new responsibilities.

The mission’s core focus includes providing holistic care for patients, addressing their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Evolution of Ministries: Health, Pastoral, Social

Though healthcare remains their primary ministry, the sisters’ apostolate has gradually expanded to include various pastoral and liturgical services such as

Health care and nursing, including palliative care for the terminally ill
Pastoral care and emotional support, including distributing Holy Communion to patients
Liturgical assistance and spiritual ministry: assisting in preparation for Holy Mass and supporting chapel services and hospital liturgies
Providing spiritual and emotional care to patients and families
Close collaboration with the Mercy Brothers

Whenever possible, the Sisters also involve themselves in Prison ministry and Visit victims of substance abuse.

Collaboration with the Mercy Brothers is rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to holistic, Gospel-based care. Together, Sisters strive to address not just physical ailments, but also the emotional and spiritual needs of those they serve.