Society of the Sisters of Bethany SSB Founded 1866 7 Nelson Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 2AR, UK Tel: 02392 833498 Email: ssb@sistersofbethany.org.uk Registered Charity: No. 226582

By prayer and activity, the Sisters seek to share in the work of reconciling the divided Churches of Christendom and the whole world. At the heart of each Sister's vocation is a call to prayer. Praying in the Spirit which unites us all to Christ, for the wholeness of broken humanity, for the integrity of creation, for the peace of the world and for the Kingdom of God.
The Community prays daily for the unity of Christians. The intention of the Eucharist every Thursday is for Unity and is followed by the Offcie of Unity. On Fridays, a three-hour Prayer Watch is kept before the Blessed Sacrament, and in addition each Sister has her own special intentions.
Each Sister makes the offering of herself in the hidden life of prayer within the Community, in the belief that God desires and accepts the offering. They are encouraged to persevere by some words of Abbe Couturier with which he concluded one of his letters to the Community: "In Christ let us pray, pray, pray for Unity."
By simplicity of life-style, the Sisters try to identify with those for whom they share in Christ’s work of intercession in the power of the Holy Spirit. The work of the Sisters includes giving hospitality for those seeking spiritual or physical refreshment and arranging retreats and quiet days. They also extend their work to spiritual direction and helping in parishes. From time to time they are engaged in missions and cathedral chaplaincy work.

The Community motto is: 'Silentium et Spes' - In the Quietness and Confidence - Let us pray to the Lord.

Mother Gwenyth SSB
(Revd Mother, assumed office 1 November 1994)
Sister Rita-Elizabeth SSB (Assistant Superior)

For further details, see the community's website

orobtain a copy of The Anglican Religious Communities Year Book