The History of our Congregation

Memories of Mother Rose

The Congregation of St Catherine of Siena of Newcastle (known as the Bushey Dominican Sisters in England), was founded by Mother Rose Niland OP in South Africa in 1896.

Mother Rose was born in South Africa and made profession in the King William's Town Congregation, apostolic sisters evolved from a foundation of nuns from Augsburg, Germany. Having transferred to the Oakford Congregation after it became independent from King William's Town, she was asked to join a community being sent to found a school in Newcastle, Natal in 1891. In 1896, because of poor economic conditions and prospects, the Oakford sisters decided to close the school and convent. The local bishop was reluctant to endanger the Church's growth in Natal and asked Mother Rose to take charge of an independent community. With the agreement of the Oakford sisters, and joined by six members of the community, the Congregation of Newcastle was formed, with Mother Rose as prioress.

The Congregation was affiliated to the Order of Preachers in 1906, removing the sisters from the vicissitudes of obedience to local bishops and giving independence in matters of government and mission.

The rapid growth of the Congregation made a search for vocations an important part of community life. Mother Rose went to England to foster vocations, and the first house was opened in Launceston, Cornwall in 1915. Eleven years later, after many trials, she purchased Caldecote Towers in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire, now Rosary Priory, the Congregation's Generalate. The Congregation continued to expand, in England and in South Africa. A house was opened in Rome in 1930, and serves today as both an international community for Dominican sisters and a pensione (B&B).

In the 1970s, following changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council, the number of new sisters decreased and the need for larger houses diminished. Sisters began moving into new apostolic work, and smaller communities became the norm. New houses were opened where sisters perceived needs they could meet. The Congregation also began to participate in various projects abroad with sisters working in Ethiopia, Liberia, Argentina and Jamaica.

Historically Dominican sisters developed into numerous congregations throughout the world, all sharing a commitment to our Dominican life and heritage. In 1995, Dominican Sisters International was founded to encourage collaboration among different groups of Dominican women. Today we continue to work with other branches of the Dominican family, in England and abroad.

The Sixteenth General Chapter of the Congregation was held at Pax Christi Pastoral Centre, Newcastle, Natal in December 2004. The new Congregation Prioress, Sr Ann Cunningham OP was elected, together with her General Council.

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