The Society of Helpers, formerly known as the Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls, is a Roman Catholic religious congregation of women founded in Paris, France in 1856, with the objective of assisting the souls in Purgatory through their service to the needy of the world. The Sisters use the postnominal initials of "A.P." (French: Auxiliatrices des âmes du purgatoire) in Europe, or, alternately, "H.H.S" in English-speaking countries.
The Helpers of the Holy Souls in Jersey (1880- 1950)-by one of the Helpers
from Jersey Catholic Record, 1972
The Helpers of the Holy Souls came to Beaulieu, Jersey, in June 1880. Owing to the anti-clerical laws in France it was deemed necessary to seek refuge abroad in case of expulsion of religious orders. So together with several other orders, the Helpers pitched their tent on the hill that was later to be known as the Holy Hill'. A noviciate was opened in 1885, and was known as the `Noviciate of the Missions'.
There were forty novices in 1919 when it was decided to transfer this noviciate to San Remo, Italy. The English novices had already been sent in the same year to London to form the English Noviciate.
Their Work in Jersey
The sisters gave religious instruction daily in three Protestant schools, St. Luke's, St. Saviour's and Halkett Place and also in three Catholic schools, St. Thomas, Vauxhall and the Faithful Companions of Jesus.
The Helpers of the Holy Souls in Jersey (1880- 1950)-by one of the Helpers
from Jersey Catholic Record, 1972
The Helpers of the Holy Souls came to Beaulieu, Jersey, in June 1880. Owing to the anti-clerical laws in France it was deemed necessary to seek refuge abroad in case of expulsion of religious orders. So together with several other orders, the Helpers pitched their tent on the hill that was later to be known as the Holy Hill'. A noviciate was opened in 1885, and was known as the `Noviciate of the Missions'.
There were forty novices in 1919 when it was decided to transfer this noviciate to San Remo, Italy. The English novices had already been sent in the same year to London to form the English Noviciate.
Their Work in Jersey
The sisters gave religious instruction daily in three Protestant schools, St. Luke's, St. Saviour's and Halkett Place and also in three Catholic schools, St. Thomas, Vauxhall and the Faithful Companions of Jesus.
Strange as this may seem, the Faithful Companions were not allowed then to teach religion in their own school! They also tended the sick in their own homes and visited families throughout the Island, caring freely for the poor and needy and looking after the needs of the dying.
Many adult converts were instructed throughout the years and the Sisters were also engaged in various parish activities, including meetings for children and young people, Children of Mary and adults of all ages. These meetings were in a certain sense 'doubled' owing to the French and English sections of the population. The large hospital in St. Helier was also visited regularly.
Association of Prayer
Devotion to Blessed Mary of Providence, the foundress, spread in the Island and many joined her Association of Prayer for the Holy Souls. A monthly Holy Hour for these associates was held in the convent chapel and was always well attended.
Many adult converts were instructed throughout the years and the Sisters were also engaged in various parish activities, including meetings for children and young people, Children of Mary and adults of all ages. These meetings were in a certain sense 'doubled' owing to the French and English sections of the population. The large hospital in St. Helier was also visited regularly.
Association of Prayer
Devotion to Blessed Mary of Providence, the foundress, spread in the Island and many joined her Association of Prayer for the Holy Souls. A monthly Holy Hour for these associates was held in the convent chapel and was always well attended.
This association of prayer is still kept very much alive in Jersey, thanks to the unflagging efforts of our devoted promoter, Miss Jessica Ahier, who still continues to gather them several times in the year at Beaulieu in spite of the fact that the Helpers left the Island over twenty years ago.
The Sisters in company with the rest of the inhabitants of the Island suffered great deprivation during the last war and their work was much curtailed by the German occupation. In 1950, it was decided that owing to its inaccessibility and that apostolic needs required the Sisters' presence more urgently elsewhere, with great regret the society withdrew them from the Island.
The Sisters in company with the rest of the inhabitants of the Island suffered great deprivation during the last war and their work was much curtailed by the German occupation. In 1950, it was decided that owing to its inaccessibility and that apostolic needs required the Sisters' presence more urgently elsewhere, with great regret the society withdrew them from the Island.
The Blessed Sacrament however did not leave the chapel, for the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception came to occupy Beaulieu and started a day school for girls which is very flourishing and an asset to the Island.
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