Comboni Sisters to Leave Chiswick After 75 Years
Missionary order relocating to the north of England
The Comboni Centre at 2 Chiswick Lane
March 3, 2026
The Comboni Missionary Sisters are preparing to leave Chiswick after more than seventy‑five years of service, bringing to an end their presence in the parish of Our Lady of Grace and St Edward.
Their imminent departure follows a wider restructuring of the order’s communities in England, which will see the Sisters relocate to a new base in the north of the country. The move marks a significant moment for parishioners, many of whom have known the Sisters for decades and have taken part in the spiritual, pastoral and community activities they have led.
The Sisters first arrived in Chiswick in the years following the Second World War and quickly became an integral part of parish life. Their centre on Chiswick Lane served not only as their home but as a centre of prayer, formation and missionary outreach. Over the years, the Sisters supported generations of families, young people and catechists, offering a steady and welcoming presence in the community.
They hosted weekly evening prayer sessions, which brought parishioners together for reflection, music and fellowship. Their Cenacle of Missionary Prayer, held every Thursday, supported both the parish and the wider Comboni mission around the world. The convent also provided quiet spaces for meditation and personal spiritual time, which many parishioners valued as a place of calm and renewal.
The Sisters played a central role in the formation of young people in the parish. They organised day retreats for confirmation groups, catechists, parish volunteers and local school communities. They also offered weekend community experiences for girls from nearby schools, giving them opportunities to explore faith, confidence and community life in a supportive environment.
Parents of young people were invited to regular meetings, where the Sisters offered guidance, pastoral support and a listening ear. Monthly youth gatherings brought together teenagers for discussions, talks and social activities, helping to build a sense of belonging and purpose among younger parishioners.
The parish has described the Sisters’ departure as a major moment of transition. A Thanksgiving Mass has been arranged to mark their contribution to the community. Their final Wednesday evening convent Masses will take place in the coming weeks, offering parishioners a chance to say goodbye.
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