A haven of love and care

The Sisters of Nazareth were founded in London in the mid 1800s by Victoire Larmenier – Mother St Basil – at the request of Cardinal Wiseman, to care for the aged poor. 

Later, the apostolate of the Sisters extended their care to include homeless and abandoned children. In 1881, the Sisters arrived in South Africa at the invitation of the Bishop of Cape Town. Today, Nazareth House in Cape Town aims to provide a loving, stable and secure home environment for abandoned, neglected, disabled and orphaned children, as well as a last resting place for children with terminal conditions who can’t return home due to social ills.  

Many are the victims of poverty and abusive homes. Compared to childcare, caring for the elderly is not a priority for most people. However, as with orphans, the elderly are often abused and abandoned or have no financial resources. Nazareth House provides residential care for frail aged men and women in desperate need.  

Assisted by lay administrative and nursing staff, and a small army of volunteers, the Sisters of Nazareth continue to uphold the core values of Victoire Larmenier, which are as timeless as humanity: justice, patience,