Theodore Ratisbonne was born in 1802 into a Jewish family in Strasbourg, France. The family had emigrated from Regensburg, Germany in the eighteenth century to settle in Strasbourg. Like many of the post- Revolution generation, the parents sought, above all, assimilation into French society. Having lost sight of their spiritual origins, they paid little attention to Synagogue service and ceremonies.

As a young man, Theodore searched for several years for truth and life’s meaning in various university faculties. A chance meeting with a Jewish friend led him to join a philosophy class, led by Louis Bautain, a renowned philosopher. Suspended from the University for his views on rationalism, Bautain was conducting his classes in the home of an elderly woman, Louise Humann who had been instrumental in bringing Bautain back to the practice of his faith. Theodore received light and solace from these classes; they also put him in contact with Louise herself. One evening, unsure about an important decision he had to make, Theodore went to ask Louise’s advice. She gave him wise counsel never to make a decision when unsettled or troubled. She then directed him to read the Bible, both the Old and the New Testaments. Theodore was immediately struck by its pervading message, “God is Love”, which he saw personified in Jesus of Nazareth.

At the age of twenty-five years, he was baptized Catholic by Louise and three years later, ordained a priest. Events led him to Paris where he was able to fulfill his dream: to inspire others to pray, and to be a welcoming presence in the Church, for Jewish People, if they desired baptism. Just twenty years after becoming Catholic, without much knowledge of the intricacies of the Vatican and Church Law, Theodore journeyed to Rome to seek the Pope’s approval for his ‘Work’. Thanks to the ‘sign’ from God, an Apparition of Mary to Alphonse, Theodore’s youngest brother that brought him also to Christian faith, and to the request of the women assisting Theodore, the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion came into existence. The Community grew rapidly and soon became well known for its high standard of education for girls and its care of the poor. Whether Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish or Muslim, pupils were taught to respect the faith belief of the other. Any form of proselytism was strictly forbidden. At Theodore’s death in 1884, the Congregation had already spread to seven countries and to Jerusalem.

This extraordinary man had also envisaged a Contemplative Branch of Sisters and a Sion Congregation for men; both exist today. The family of Sion is now  enriched by many lay people, attracted to its spirituality and its works.