The Order Of The Most Holy Saviour Of St Bridget
Charity 299425
www.bridgettineguesthouse.co.uk
Overview
Summary
The Order of the Most Holy Saviour of St Bridget appears to operate locally as a religious community whose physical site is also its principal civic offer: a chapel, guesthouse and conference setting intended for worship, hospitality and quiet retreat. Its role seems broader than serving a defined faith constituency, combining Catholic practice with an explicitly open welcome to people of different faiths or none. The available evidence suggests a place-based model in which accommodation, pastoral care and spiritual encounter reinforce one another.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Kingstanding
Confidence: medium
Direct evidence in the charity's latest available trustees' report (year ended 31 December 2024) states that its Foundation at Maryvale Theological Institute, Birmingham continued to support theological, philosophical and catechetical education. Maryvale's official materials identify its former Maryvale House location in Birmingham. The precise present-day location and form of the charity's Foundation activity are not stated.
- The Order of the Most Holy Saviour of St Bridget, trustees' report for the year ended 31 December 2024, filed with the Charity Commission
States that the Foundation at Maryvale Theological Institute, Birmingham, continues to support education and training in theology, philosophy and catechetics under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. - Maryvale Institute official history and course materials
Identify Maryvale House / Maryvale Institute in Birmingham, and record that Bridgettine sisters came to live at Maryvale in a convent in 1999. - Charity Commission register, charity number 299425
Lists Birmingham City among the places where the charity operates, alongside Buckinghamshire and Wrexham.
Remaining uncertainties
- The evidence establishes continuing Birmingham-linked activity through support for the Foundation at Maryvale, but does not specify whether this support is delivered by a current on-site Bridgettine community, grants, governance, teaching, pastoral work or another mechanism.
- Maryvale Institute's current official website identifies St Mary's College, Oscott as its present base, while older official Maryvale material identifies a different former Maryvale location in Birmingham. It is therefore uncertain whether the charity's current Foundation activity remains physically based in Kingstanding.
- No evidence was found of direct service delivery, a physical site, or a material operational partnership in any other Birmingham ward or in the City Centre.
- The organisation's international religious order should not be treated as the operational footprint of this registered charity: the Charity Commission currently records this charity as operating in Birmingham City, Buckinghamshire and Wrexham.
Additional evidence needed
- A current statement from the charity or its most recent trustees' report describing the Foundation's activities, delivery method and present location.
- Confirmation from Maryvale Institute or the Archdiocese of Birmingham of the Bridgettine Foundation's present role and whether Bridgettine sisters remain based at Maryvale House.
- Details of any Birmingham-based services, events, accommodation, counselling or religious ministry delivered directly by the charity during or after 2025.
Areas of work
- Accommodation/housing
- General Charitable Purposes
- Religious Activities
Who they help
- The General Public/mankind
How they help
- Provides Buildings/facilities/open Space
- Provides Services
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
Hospitality appears to be the organisation's main bridge to the wider community
The organisation appears to translate its religious mission into an accessible local offer through accommodation, shared facilities and a welcome to people beyond its own religious tradition.
Why it matters
This suggests it may function not only as a worshipping community but as a relatively unusual neutral or reflective space for visitors, local residents and groups seeking rest, retreat or gathering space.
Show evidence
“The house and chapel are open to all, including Christians, non-Christians and people who are not religious.”
Source:Organisation“The house was enlarged to accommodate more guests and includes a conference centre.”
Source:Organisation“The charity provides buildings, facilities or open space and provides services.”
Source:Charity Commission
The physical site is likely central to its operating model
Rather than delivering a narrowly defined programme, the organisation appears to create value through maintaining a residential religious setting where worship, accommodation, counselling and tranquillity can coexist.
Why it matters
Understanding the site as an integrated asset helps distinguish the organisation from charities focused chiefly on outreach or commissioned services. Its capacity, accessibility and stewardship of place may be as important as its formal activities.
Show evidence
“Bridgettine Guest House is located at the convent in Iver Heath.”
Source:Organisation“Public Mass is held daily Monday to Friday and at the weekend in the convent chapel.”
Source:Organisation“Its activities include religious services and instruction, care and counselling of depressed persons.”
Source:Charity Commission
Its identity combines local rootedness with an international religious network
The Iver Heath house appears locally rooted while belonging to a wider Bridgettine presence across multiple countries, potentially giving it access to traditions, visitors and relationships beyond its immediate area.
Why it matters
This may make the organisation a connector between local civic life and transnational religious networks, rather than an isolated local provider.
Show evidence
“Five sisters arrived at Iver Heath in 1931 from the house of St Bridget in Rome to open a house of prayer and hospitality.”
Source:Organisation“The Order is present in countries including England, Italy, Poland, India, Mexico and the United States.”
Source:Organisation
- Who uses the guesthouse, chapel, conference centre, counselling or accommodation, and whether users are mainly local or visiting.
- Whether counselling for depressed persons is currently delivered directly, by sisters, volunteers or external partners.
- How the organisation collaborates with local faith groups, health services, community organisations or accommodation providers.
Remaining uncertainties
- Recent annual reports or service information showing visitor numbers, accommodation use, counselling activity and community reach.
- Information about local partnerships, referral routes, staffing, volunteers and the practical use of the conference facilities.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
The promotion of religion, religious services and instruction for the local community, the provision of care and counselling of depressed persons, the spreading and sharing of God's universal love.
Charity objects
FOR SUCH CHARITABLE PURPOSES WHICH ADVANCE THE RELIGIOUS AND OTHER CHARITABLE WORK FOR THE TIME BEING CARRIED ON BY OR UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SOCIETY.