Nuns of Cefalu

On a hot summer day, a small group of religious sisters in grey-blue habits with dark veils are walking along the seafront of Cefalù. They take a short break and watch the swimmers.

The sisters belong to the order “Convento / Collegio di Maria,” which is associated with the Congregation of the Suore Collegine della Sacra Famiglia and is based in Cefalù. The congregation was founded in the 19th century, at a time of major social upheaval, when church life increasingly sought responses to social hardship and challenges faced by families.

Mission and orientation: The congregation is an apostolic community. Its spirit is shaped by service to families and communities, education and formation, accompaniment, pastoral care, and practical charity.

The name “Sacra Famiglia” (Holy Family) indicates its spiritual focus: living the following of Christ in everyday life, inspired by Mary and Joseph.

Presence: From their places of origin, communities were established in various regions of Italy and, in some cases, beyond, in the Mediterranean region. In some places – such as Cefalù in Sicily – they play a visible role in local church and social life.