About

FOUNDED BY ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, patron of all charity, the Ladies of Charity responded to the needs of the poor in seventeenth century France. Together with St. Louise de Mariliac, they went quietly about their tasks, seeking no recognition, satisfied with the knowledge that they were serving Christ in the person person of the poor. THE LADIES OF CHARITY, since their origin, have possessed the charism of their founder, daily prayer and personal service to the poor. That same Vincentian spirit characterizes the Association today. It asks the personal gift of self, of time, devotion, sacrifices, and perseverance in the effort to bring dignity to each person and to respond with compassion to every human misery.

IN OUR OWN TIME, an age characterized by efficiency and computerization, the face of humanity, suffering and loneliness, easily becomes obscured. The reality of human pain and misery may be lost in the midst of an impersonal world. The Ladies of Charity, recognizing this lack of human awareness, seek every opportunity to make Christ present by serving the material and spiritual needs of the sick, the poor, and the marginalized of our society.

• caring for crack babies, working with birthright centers
• working with pregnant teenagers and abused women
• working with children in literacy programs and providing scholdarships
• visiting the sick, the aged, the dying in their homes, nurshing homes and hospitals
• organizing social activities for families, chidren and the elderly
• working in soup kitchens, food banks, homeless shelters and delivering Meal on Wheels
• operating thrift shops and organizing boutiques to generate funds for emergency financial assistance

. . . these are among the charitable works of the Ladies of Charity. The Association, in response to prayer and mutual sharing, seeks to be open to the call of Christ through the Church in meeting new forms of poverty with dedication and creativity.

The joy of being associated with women dedicated to the mission of Christ in the family of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac may be yours as a Lady of Charity