In 1799, amidst the turbulent aftermath of the French Revolution, in the town of Besançon, France, a humble yet transformative mission was born: The Sisters of Charity. Founded by Jeanne-Antide Thouret, this congregation dedicated itself to serving the poor, educating girls, and caring for the sick, driven by a profound commitment to live according to the Gospel. This commitment continues today as women inspired by Thouret’s example walk the streets of the world, serving the Church’s mission to be a church of the poor, a church for all.

Jeanne-Antide Thouret’s journey began in Sancey, France, where she was born in 1765. Her early life was shaped by family responsibilities, especially after her mother’s death when Thouret was just 16. Despite the challenges and the expectations placed upon her to marry, Thouret felt a deeper calling to serve Christ and the poor. At the age of 22, she joined the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in Paris, where she trained to care for the poor and sick, even as the French Revolution brought turmoil and danger to religious communities.

Thouret’s determination and faith led her through years of hardship, including clandestine service during the Revolution, exile, and the loss of loved ones. In 1799, she founded the Sisters of Charity in Besançon, establishing schools and hospitals, and working closely with local authorities to care for the poor. Her mission expanded beyond France, reaching Switzerland, Savoy, and Naples, where she faced new challenges but continued her work with unwavering devotion.

Despite the growing success of her mission, Thouret faced significant struggles, including opposition from within the Church and separation from the communities she established in France. Her final years were marked by a painful division within the congregation, but her commitment to the Church and her faith remained steadfast.

Jeanne-Antide Thouret passed away in 1826 in Naples, leaving behind a legacy of service, faith, and love that continues to inspire the Sisters of Charity today. She was canonized in 1934, and her life and mission have been recognized as a powerful witness to God’s love and charity.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the Sisters of Charity expanded their mission globally, responding to the needs of the Church and the world. Despite political and social challenges, including laws in France that restricted religious education, the Sisters continued to serve in countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They adapted to new circumstances, reorganizing their structures and expanding their reach to meet the evolving needs of the people they served.

The legacy of Jeanne-Antide Thouret is also reflected in the lives of other Sisters of Charity who have been recognized by the Church for their holiness and dedication. These include Sister Agustina, a nurse in Rome; Sister Nemesia, an educator in Tortona and Borgaro-Turin; and Sister Enrichetta, who served prisoners in Milan. These women embody the diverse and complementary aspects of the charity work that has defined the congregation since its founding.

The Sisters of Charity’s journey has been one of continuous evolution, responding to the call of the Gospel and the needs of the world. From their humble beginnings in Besançon to their global mission today, they remain committed to living out the charism of Jeanne-Antide Thouret, dedicated to serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized with love, humility, and unwavering faith.

Contact:

• Address: via Santa Maria in Cosmedin, 5, 00153 Roma, Italy
• Telephone: (0039)06 57 17 081
• Email: communication@suoredellacarita.org
• Web: https://www.suoredellacarita.org/

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