Followers of Basil

Congregation Of the Basilian Chouerite Sisters

1. Historical Overview

Following the foundation of the Basilian Chouerite Order Of Fathers, named after the village of Choueir and established at the beginning of the 18th century, the Congregation Of the Basilian Chouerite Sisters was founded. In 1734, ten devout Young women from the most distinguished families Of Aleppo, inspired by a profound desire for consecrated monastic life, gathered their personal resources to establish the Motherhouse Convent of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Zouk Mikael, Kesrouan, Lebanon.

Through his Apostolic Bull «Demandatam» issued in 1743, Pope Benedict XIV officially confirmed the foundation of the Congregation and placed it under the Rule of Saint Basil the Great, following the Basilian tradition shared with the Basilian Chouerite Fathers.

The first Constitutions of the Congregation were drafted by Father Nicolas Sayegh and approved in 1763 by Pope Clement XI. The Sisters were encouraged to live a life of prayer, work and evangelical poverty within a cloistered community. In 1829, the Basilian Chouerite Order of Fathers was divided into two branches. This division led peacefully, On 24 February 1830, to the separation of the Sisters into two distinct Congregations:

The Congregation of the Basilian Chouerite Sisters;
The Congregation of the Basilian Aleppine Sisters.

Beginning in 1940, the Congregation entered a period ofrenewal in response to the evolving needs of the Church and society. This renewal opened the way for a new orientation combining the contemplative dimension of prayer with apostolic service.

On 2 June 1953, the Holy See issued two Apostolic Decrees recognizing the Basilian Chouerite Sisters as a Congregation Of simple vows, replacing the former status of solemn vows.

From that date, the Congregation became autonomous and independent from the authority of the Basilian Chouerite Fathers. The first elected Superior General was Mother Macrine Chami.

Following this renewal, the Congregation developed its apostolic mission by responding to the needs Of the Church and society. The Sisters extended their service among the poor, the sick, children, the elderly and vulnerable persons, particularly through educational, healthcare, social and charitable ministries.

2. Identity and Canonical Status

The Congregation Of the Basilian Chouerite Sisters is a Pontifical Right Religious Congregation belonging to the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. The Congregation is governed by its own Constitutions and internal regulations and is directly subject to the authority of the Holy See. Its members live their consecrated vocation through public temporary and perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, following the spirit and teachings of Saint Basil the Great.

3. Charism and Spirituality

The spiritual heritage of the Congregation is deeply rooted in the Basilian tradition and in the Rule of Saint Basil the Great. Initially contemplative and cloistered, the Congregation gradually embraced an apostolic dimension while preserving its essential foundation: prayer, community life and dedication to God. The Basilian spiritual motto remains: «The life Of a monk is a life of prayer and work.» The Sisters are called to live an ongoing conversion and a deeper union with God through: «A continuous retum to the sources of Christian life.»

Their spiritual journey is expressed through the following principles:

Seeking God above all things
The pursuit of holiness
Spiritual growth
Living in God’s presence
The path of ascetic life
The practice of virtues

4. Current Profile of the Congregation

Today, the Congregation of the Basilian Chouerite Sisters is composed of approximately 90 Sisters, including Sisters who have made their perpetual profession and are fully committed to consecrated life according to the Charism of Saint Basil the Great.

Through prayer, community life and apostolic commitment, the Sisters continue their mission of serving the Church and society through educational, pastoral, social and charitable works.

5. Houses and Convents Of the Congregation

Our Lady Of the Annunciation Convent — Zouk Mikael, Lebanon: The Motherhouse of the Congregation, founded in 1734, remains the spiritual center of the Sisters. Today, it serves as a residence for elderly and retired Sisters while continuing to be a place of prayer, Spiritual renewal and missionary presence.
Our Lady of the Assumption Convent — Bkaatouta, Lebanon: A house dedicated to silence, prayer, spiritual retreats and renewal.

6. Apostolic Missions and Services

The Sisters carry out their apostolic mission by serving the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, People with disabilities, the sick and those experiencing social difficulties. Their mission is expressed through educational, healthcare, pastoral and charitable services.

7. Conclusion

Throughout nearly three centuries Of history, the Congregation of the Basilian Chouerite Sisters has remained faithful to its original vocation: seeking God through prayer, community life and service.

Inspired by the spirituality Of Saint Basil the Great, the Sisters continue to witness to the Gospel through education, pastoral ministry, charity and service to the most vulnerable, contributing to the mission of the Church in Lebanon and abroad.