History
The Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood are the first contemplative community founded in Canada. With the guidance and cooperation of Bishop Joseph LaRocque of St.-Hyacinthe, Quebec, the foundress, Catherine Aurelia Caouette, began her work in his diocese on September 14th, 1861.
Catherine Aurelia entered deeply into the Paschal mystery. Contemplation of the infinite love of God expressed in Christ’s passion and death brought her to a unique appreciation of His Precious Blood. The Blood of the Saviour, symbolizing his love and his triumph through suffering, became the source of her spirituality. She saw in the manner of its shedding, a sign of his love unappreciated and the gift of salvation rejected by many.
The little community spread rapidly, and the first foundation was made in Toronto, Ontario, in 1869. The English-speaking Congregation’s Motherhouse is located in London, Ontario. The French-speaking Congregation’s Motherhouse was located in St.-Hyacinthe, Quebec, until October 2011, at which time the Sisters obtained permission from Rome to change from a Congregation to an autonomous monastery.
