Also known as the Assumptionists, the Augustinians of the Assumption are a congregation of Catholic brothers that originated in 1843 in the College of the Assumption at Nimes, France, and are named for Saint Augustine of Hippo. Encouraged by the Holy See, the congregation was formally approved in 1864, and charged with working against the spirit of atheism in Europe and the spread of schism in the East. In furtherance of this mission, the Assumptionists have devoted themselves to Catholic education, the establishment of Catholic media, pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and missionary work in the East. In addition to their college at Nimes, the Order has established Apostolic schools. The Assumptionists established La Bonne Press, which issues books, pamphlets and periodicals that provoked the French government, leading to the Order being suppressed in France in 1900, after which many Assumptionists left France, although others remained as secular priests under the authority of bishops. Its schools in France were closed, but the Order took its work to other areas, establishing schools in Belgium, England, Italy and the United States, and later into several other countries. Its publishing company was purchased by a wealthy manufacturer who continued all of its publications without any change in policy. In addition to the Assumptionists, a number of other congregations belong to the larger Assumption family, including the Religious (Sisters) of the Assumption, the Oblates (Missionary Sisters) of the Assumption, the Little Sisters of the Assumption, the Orantes of the Assumption, the Sisters of Saint Joan of Arc, the Brothers of the Assumption, the Little Sisters of Our Lady, the Missionary Sisters of the Assumption, the Sisters of the Cross, the Little Missionaries of the Cross, the Sisters of Charity of the Assumption, and perhaps others.
Recommended Resources
Associate Missionaries of the Assumption
Founded by the Assumption Sisters in 1954, the AMA is a lay volunteer branch of the Religious of the Assumption and the Assumptionists, also known as Assumption Mission Associates, whose lay members commit themselves to working and living with Assumption communities in various parts of the world. Its history, mission statement, missions, and an overview of what’s involved are set forth.
http://www.assumptionvolunteers.org/
Founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption, and still sponsored by the Order, Assumption College is a private Roman Catholic college in Worcester, Massachusetts. Its admissions policies, academic, athletic and student services programs are highlighted. A campus directory, calendar of events, and policy information are posted, and prospective students may apply for admission online.
https://www.assumption.edu/
Assumption Sisters is a diverse group of women from around the world who live together in close-knit communities, holding to an educational mission. Its site features a history and profile of the Assumptionists and early leaders of the Order. Its locations and work are highlighted, and contact information is included. An invitation to become a Sister is put forth, and volunteer opportunities are discussed.
http://www.assumptionsisters.org/
Augustinians of the Assumption
The history, spirituality and community life of the Assumptionists are provided through this site, maintained by the United States territory. Other resources include Assumption College, Bayard Press, the Assumptionist Center, and International Apostolates, each of which are highlighted here, along the qualifications for membership, the membership process, news, announcements, and video.
http://www.assumptionists.org/
Little Sisters of the Assumption
Founded in France in 1865, the Roman Catholic religious institute’s ministry is to the sick, in their own homes, in order to bring about conversions, have their children baptized, sent to school, and prepared for first communion and confirmation. Their organizational structure, ministries, volunteer programs, and mission sites are featured, along with their history and needs. Contributions may be made online.
http://www.littlesisters.org/
Mass Association - Assumption Guild
Maintained by the US Region of the Augustinians of the Assumption, the purpose of the site is to invite Catholics to donate and register themselves or another special person with the Assumptionist Mass Association, which offers a daily remembrance in the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist and in the prayers and spiritual works of the Order. Available are enrollment cards, individual mass cards, prayer requests, and lighting a votive candle.
http://www.masscardsaa.com/
The Religious of the Assumption were founded in Paris in 1839, inspired by the mystery of the Assumption of Our Lady, and today there are more than a thousand sisters of the Congregation in more than thirty countries. Its history and biographical information about its founders are put forth, along with its mission, its communities, and programs. The Milleret House is highlighted, including photos and pricing.
http://www.assumptionreligious.org/
The Assumptionists, US Region, North American Province
The United States region of the Augustinians of the Assumption is centered in Massachusetts. Its offices, houses, residence and parish are highlighted, and addresses and contacts are posted to the site, along with a history of the Order, its mission and spirituality, lay-religious alliance, and assumptionist’s profiles. Also included is a gallery of photos, videos, and a downloadable brochure.
http://www.assumption.us/
