Olivetano Sisters of Saint Benedict

History & origins

The Korean community of the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters traces its roots to sisters who were sent in 1931 from the Holy Cross convent in Cham, Switzerland, to Yanji. After liberation, when the Yanji community was dissolved, Korean sisters came south and resumed their apostolate. In 1973 they adopted the name “Olivetan Benedictine Sisters,” and in 1981 they became an autonomous religious congregation with approval from the Holy See.

Their direct relationship with the Diocese of Suwon began in 1983. At the request of the late Father Lee Gyeong-jae, the first director of St. Lazarus Village, five sisters were sent to Suwon to care for people affected by Hansen’s disease. Their ministry later expanded to care for people with disabilities at St. Benedict Welfare Center and to apostolic service in local parishes.

Today the community in Ojeon-dong, Uiwang, is identified in the Catholic Directory of Korea as the Suwon community. Aaron’s House, a retreat center within the same St. Lazarus Village, also lists the congregation as the religious community responsible for it, showing how the ministry of care begun in 1983 has continued in forms that include retreats, spiritual formation, and service to the community.