Living diaconia in France - Diaconal study trip to Strasbourg and Versailles

Published on 13.06.2024

27 participants from Germany, Finland, and the USA took part in a Diaconal study trip to France from June 1-9. The trip organized by the German Kaiserswerther Association (KWV) and the international General Conference (KGC) provided insights into the two largest French KGC member houses, situated in Strasbourg and Versailles.

In Strasbourg, the group got to know the work of the current Diaconal Foundation, which focuses on caring for the elderly and running schools for children and teenagers. The former Diaconal Hospital is now part of the Rhéna Clinic, formed through a merger of a Jewish and Catholic clinic. In the Centre Communautaire du Hohrodberg in the Vosges, the sisters offer spiritual activities.

A visit to Colmar and the museum in Gunsbach, showcasing the work of Albert Schweitzer, was also on the agenda.

In Versailles, the participants met the Diaconal Sisters of Reuilly, who also emphasize spirituality. The Diaconesses Reuilly Foundation offers a variety of social services in the region and focuses on innovation. The former Diaconal Hospital of the foundation is now part of the Groupe Hospitalier Diaconesses-Croix Saint Simon and plays a significant role in the healthcare sector.

The trip strengthened the General Conference network, broadened the diaconal perspective, improved mutual understanding and community building, and led to valuable insights and learning experiences for their own diaconal daily life.

Media contact
Thomas Flügge, Press spokesman
Phone.: +41.(0)79.6401902
Email: presse[at]kaiserswerther-verband.de

Contact:
Rev. Christa Schrauf
Managing Director of the Kaiserswerth Association
and General Secretary of the Kaiserswerth General Conference
Landhausstraße 10, 10717 Berlin, Phone +49.(0)30-8642 4170
Email: verband[at]kaiserswerther-verband.de