Giving Thanks for 135 Years of Mission and Service
On June 13, 2026, the Assumption Family gathered in gratitude and prayer to celebrate a significant moment in the history of the Little Sisters of the Assumption in the United States. Friends, family members, Religious of the Assumption, Assumptionists, former collaborators, and members of the communities they served came together to mark the closing of the sisters’ two houses and apostolates in New York City. For 135 years, the Little Sisters of the Assumption have been a living sign of Christ’s presence among families, immigrants, and those facing hardship. Through their faithful service, they have shared the Gospel not only through words, but through acts of compassion, accompaniment, and love.
A Celebration of Faith and Gratitude
The celebration centered on a bilingual Mass presided over by Fr. Philip J. Kelly. Voices in English, Spanish, French, and Latin reflected the rich diversity of the communities that have shaped and enriched the sisters’ mission over the years. One of the most moving moments of the liturgy was the offertory procession, which brought together representatives of different cultures, generations, and ministries. It was a beautiful reminder of the many lives touched by the Little Sisters of the Assumption throughout their long history in New York. The celebration was not simply a farewell. It was an opportunity to give thanks to God for the countless blessings, friendships, and encounters that have marked the sisters’ ministry since their arrival in New York in 1891.
Not an Ending, but a New Beginning
While the sisters are closing this chapter of their mission in New York, their work is far from over. Guided by faith and trust in God’s providence, four active members of the congregation are establishing a new community in Worcester, Massachusetts. There they will continue their mission of accompanying families, serving those in need, and witnessing to the love of Christ. As the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is an appointed time for everything” (Eccl. 3:1). The closing of the New York houses marks the end of one chapter, but it also opens the door to new opportunities for service and evangelization.
The Mission Continues
The legacy of the Little Sisters of the Assumption in New York will continue to live on in the hearts of the people they served and in the communities they helped build. The seeds of faith, family spirit, solidarity, and Gospel values planted over the past 135 years will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. As Assumptionists, we give thanks for the witness of the Little Sisters of the Assumption and for their unwavering commitment to the Gospel. We entrust this new chapter to the Lord and ask for His blessings upon the sisters as they begin their ministry in Worcester. Please join us in praying for the Little Sisters of the Assumption as they continue their mission of bringing Christ’s love and hope to the world. “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1
