A religious community founded by Sister Elizabeth Bruyere and three other nuns at Ottawa (then Bytown), 1845. These Sisters were members of the Sisters of Charity of the General Hospital of Montreal, or Grey Nuns, and were sent to Ottawa at the request of Bishop Phelan. Teaching and the works of mercy constitute their purpose but they undertake any good work. The community has 68 houses, including schools, orphanages, and hospitals, in Canada and the United States. The mother-house is at Ottawa.