Our Story
Love and service to
transform lives
From humble beginnings… to an international reach, thanks to the Sisters’ persevering devotion to the underprivileged.
Beginnings
The Holy Spirit at work in hearts
The Company of the Daughters of Charity was born imperceptibly in the manner of the works of God. To open this path, the Spirit of God touched the hearts of Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac and Marguerite Naseau.
From his childhood, Vincent de Paul had seen the material and spiritual poverty of persons who are poor in the countryside. In 1617, in Châtillon-les-Dombes, his encounter with a family in extreme need prompted him to gather together ladies from the local bourgeoisie and found with them the “Confraternities of Charity.” His aim was to organize material aid and spiritual accompaniment so that those living in poverty could become agents of their own promotion and achieve a life of dignity.
Louise de Marillac had known the lack of affection in her family from childhood and was always sensitive to the difficulties of others. At Monsieur Vincent’s request, she visited the first “Confraternities of Charity.” She carried out this mission with fortitude, courage and availability. Her organizational skills were a great help.
Vincent and Louise soon realized that the Ladies of the Confraternities were torn between the ideals of service and social constraints. They sometimes sent their own maids to bring food and clothing to those in need. This service didn’t suit them; they did it out of obligation, not love! Social barriers were a real obstacle: would they have to give up serving persons who are poor?
Providence was watching over all this, and her name was Marguerite Naseau! She was a 34-year-old peasant woman. She taught herself to read and then instructed children in her village. Desiring to serve God and having heard of Monsieur Vincent and his work, she came to Paris in 1630 to offer her services. Vincent entrusted her to Louise de Marillac, who discovered in her the qualities of a true servant. Other humble peasant women joined them.
The difficulties encountered by the Ladies were resolved thanks to these women, who were themselves poor. Service to persons who are poor could continue.
These three lives, humanly speaking, could have remained apart, but God united them to give birth to the Company of the Daughters of Charity on 29 November 1633.
We journey through time
Fostering love and hope
Saint Vincent taught us that our life is one of persevering service and called us to an abiding trust in Divine Providence.
When we read the history of the Company, we see that very early on, the Sisters expressed the desire to confirm their commitment through vows. We make four vows: service of those who are poor, chastity, poverty and obedience. These vows are annual, always renewable, according to our Constitutions and Statutes and recognized by the Church.
From the very beginning, we have responded to the call of our suffering brothers and sisters. We have served persons who are poor and sick in their homes and in hospitals, the galley convicts, wounded soldiers, elderly persons and people with mental disabilities. We have cared for orphans and educated girls in small schools.
To this day
In every corner of the world
The mission Ad Gentes is at the heart of our vocation. Sisters who feel called to it make themselves available to go wherever they are sent.
The Company rapidly became international.
Convinced that Christ’s charity knows no borders, our Founders sent Sisters to Poland. Today, we are present in 97 countries and strive to respond creatively and audaciously to the calls of the Church and of our brothers and sisters in difficulty, while respecting different cultures.
We currently number 11,937 Sisters, 742 of whom are in formation. We are organized into 47 Provinces and one Region.
Faithful to the example and teachings of our Founders, we continue to show love and compassion to all those in need.
Learn more
Who we are
Servants of persons who are poor who live in Community
Spirituality
Called by God to a life of prayer and of service to those in need
Presence
Wherever lives are denied their dignity
Sources of inspiration
Saints and Blessed of the Daughters of Charity and of the Vincentian Family