A Mass of Thanksgiving for the Little Sisters of the Poor, was celebrated by Bishop Bosco MacDonald at Clifton Cathedral on Saturday 30th August 2025. Emeritus Bishop, Bishop Declan Lang concelebrated along with many priests of the diocese.
His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, Mrs Peaches Golding OBE also attended the Mass.
In his Homily, Bishop Bosco thanked the Sisters for their long and caring service at St Joseph's Home in Clifton.
The Little Sisters began their work in Bristol in 1862 in a rented house in Totworth Villas, Coronation Road, Bedminster.
They moved in 1863 to two large rented houses in Trinity Street near the Centre. A further move in 1864 took them to a property in Park Row. In 1869 the present site in Cotham Hill was purchased and the existing Care Home was built. Extensive refurbishment was completed in June 2000.
On 28 April 2025, it was announced that the Little Sisters had taken the difficult decision to leave their home in Bristol. This was following upon the discovery of extensive works that needed to be carried which would severely affect the functioning of the home in the calm, homelike environment that they strive to provide for the residents. This, coupled with the decreased number of vocations led to the sad decision to close the home. Residents have since found other homes.
