The Sisters of St Margaret began their ministry in Ceylon in 1887 and have been here ever since. The Society was founded in England by John Mason Neale, whose hymns are still sung in our churches.
Where the Society is now
There is one professed Sister in the community. Sister Chandrani Peiris carries the ministry that was once carried by many, principally among the elders at Shanthi Nivasa and the children at St John's Home in Moratuwa, and among members of the wider church who need help.
A young woman from Ampara joined the community as a postulant in August 2026, to discern and to practise her vocation. The Sisters ask for prayer that others will follow.
St John's Home, Moratuwa
The children's home has been running since 1922, caring for orphans and for children from families that have broken down. The Sisters support the children's education and their activities outside school, and work with the Probation and Child Care Department.
The emphasis is on making sure that when the girls leave they can earn a living and stand on their own. The Sisters help them find work and several are already employed.
The emphasis is on making sure that when the girls leave they can earn a living and stand on their own. The Sisters help them find work and several are already employed.
At St Michael's, Polwatte
The Sisters have been closely bound to St Michael and All Angels, Polwatte, for many years, and no major function at the church has been held without them. St Margaret's Day was kept in July 2025 with an Evensong at St Michael's, led by the Vicar, the Ven. Christopher Balraj, as Chaplain to the Society, with the Principal of Bishop's College preaching.
Bishop's College has a long connection with the Society. The College takes part in the St Margaret's Festival each year, the annual Sale of Work is a fixture, and students go regularly to both the Elders' Home and the Children's Home.
The Wafer Room
The Sisters make and distribute the altar bread used in churches across the Diocese. Every Communion in a great many of our parishes begins in that room.