Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters

After a difficult start, the ZithaVerein proved to be a great success, with the number of people seeking help quickly exceeding the space available. But the founders faced not only these practical problems, but also the question of the association’s future. To secure its own future, the ZithaVerein sought links to an established organisation. But it was turned down by all organisations approached. This led to the foundation of a separate religious order called the Congrégation des Soeurs du Tiers Ordre Régulier de Notre-Dame du Mont Carmel à Luxembourg – Sisters of the Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Luxembourg and to the conferment of their habits on 2 February 1875 by Professor Nicolas Wies. 

Viewing itself in the tradition of the Carmelites, the Order became affiliated to the latter in 1886, shortly before the death of Mother Anna Bové. Though belonging to the St Teresa Carmelites, the Luxembourg Carmelite Sisters are known in Luxembourg as the ZithaSisters. This name is derived from Saint Zitha who was born in Lucca (Italy) in 1218 and worked as a maid for the noble Fatinelli family from the age of 12 until her death, caring for the poor and needy despite this burden.

“Work, lend a hand! Lend a hand wherever you can!”

(Nicolas Wies)

As the world changed, so did the needs and wants of the people and so did the work of the ZithaSisters. Their concern for young women was the reason for offering them refuge, care and a place in old age as well as education. Then came the First World War. The convent became a place to go for people with medical problems in its neighbourhood. This led to the ZithaSisters setting up a clinic – the foundation stone for the later ZithaKlinik.
Work adapted to needs
What moved the founders – their concern for young women – continues to move the Order today. But the focus has always been on contemporary needs. For example, the housekeeping training courses for maids developed into home economics schools throughout the country. Since many young mothers had to work, they needed safe places for their children. This led to the ZithaSisters offering kindergarten places. Demand for nurses in the ZithaKlinik led to the establishment of a nursing school, while the concern for workers from foreign countries resulted in the establishment of homes for them. Similarly, the needs of young single mothers led to the foundation of the Foyer Paula Bové. Last but not least, concern for elderly sisters and ladies led to the founding of residential and care homes.