The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (SCV) of Mananthavady embody a profound dedication to service, deeply rooted in Vincentian spirituality and the teachings of Cardinal Armand Gaston De Rohan, the founder of their order. Established as part of the Federation of Sisters of Charity of Strasbourg, their mission of compassion, charity, and human dignity spans across countries, reaching some of the most vulnerable communities.

Foundational History and the Vision of Cardinal Armand Gaston De Rohan

The foundation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul was inspired by the commitment and compassion of Cardinal Armand Gaston De Rohan (1674-1749), an influential ecclesiastical leader known for his dedication to charitable works. Born into the French aristocracy, Cardinal De Rohan used his position to champion social justice and care for the poor. His vision for a community of Sisters who would serve the marginalized laid the groundwork for the congregation’s establishment.

The mission he instilled aimed to address both spiritual and material poverty, focusing on uplifting those who suffered due to social neglect or economic hardship. Following his legacy, the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul have grown and adapted over time, embracing a global mission with deep local impact, yet always anchored in the values of service and humility.

Vincentian Spirituality and Charism

The Congregation’s spiritual foundation draws from the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, whose spirituality emphasized selfless service to the poor. For the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Mananthavady, Vincentian spirituality means recognizing the face of Christ in the suffering, the poor, and the marginalized. They see their mission as a calling to embody God’s love through concrete acts of charity, echoing the sentiments of St. Vincent who believed that we have to help them [the poor] and have them assisted in every way, by us and by others (CCD:XII:77).

Their charism is anchored in simplicity, humility, and a boundless spirit of love for humanity. This Vincentian inspiration forms the backbone of their daily actions, prayer life, and community relationships, defining not just what they do but how they live as individuals and as a congregation.

The Federation of Sisters of Charity of Strasbourg

The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Mananthavady are part of the Federation of Sisters of Charity of Strasbourg, a collective of Congregations founded in 1971 that share similar charisms and objectives under the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul. The Federation, established to foster cooperation and solidarity among Congregations with shared Vincentian roots, serves as a support network, providing resources, guidance, and a unified voice on global issues concerning charity and social justice.

By being part of this Federation, the Sisters of Charity of Mananthavady strengthen their connection to the larger Vincentian Family and extend their reach in serving humanity’s spiritual and physical needs. This affiliation underscores the Congregation’s commitment to unity and collaboration in their work, allowing them to exchange resources, insights, and support with other communities who share their mission of compassion.

Objectives and Mission of the Sisters of Charity

The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Mananthavady dedicate themselves to a mission of charity and service, with a special focus on alleviating human suffering. Their main objectives include:

1. Promotion of Human Dignity: They aim to restore the dignity of individuals by assisting the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, ensuring that every person receives the respect and care they deserve.
2. Education and Empowerment: Through educational programs, the Sisters work to empower individuals, particularly women and children, providing them with skills and knowledge that foster independence and self-sufficiency.
3. Health and Social Welfare: In their mission to care for the sick and suffering, they have established various health and social services that address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their communities.
4. Advocacy for Justice and Peace: Committed to addressing the root causes of poverty and injustice, the Sisters advocate for social justice and peace, often speaking on behalf of the voiceless and oppressed.
5. Faith and Spiritual Growth: Beyond material assistance, the Sisters strive to foster spiritual growth in those they serve, nurturing faith as a vital component of human well-being.

Through these objectives, the congregation lives out their calling to serve God through the service of others, embodying charity not only as a duty but as a way of life.

Where They Serve

The Congregation’s work has extended beyond Mananthavady, establishing a presence in various regions and countries. Each convent or institution is dedicated to the Congregation’s objectives, providing services that meet local needs while maintaining a Vincentian spirit. Their mission locations include:

• India: Here, the Sisters serve in various social welfare and healthcare settings, focusing on providing education and medical assistance to impoverished communities.
• United States of America: In 1999, the mission expanded to the United States. At the invitation of Bishop William G. Curlin of the Diocese of Charlotte, Sisters were sent to North Carolina, where they established St. Vincent’s Convent in High Point. This move, though bold and uncertain in its outcome, has proven fruitful. The Sisters are now actively engaged in the pastoral work of the Diocese, contributing to liturgical celebrations, assisting in parish faith formation, and providing care for the elderly and homebound. They also launched a daycare center that supports the Hispanic community in both social and spiritual aspects. In November 2014, they extended their presence to Pittsburgh, joining efforts with the Nazareth Sisters to care for the elderly at St. Vincent’s Convent. The following year, they opened a new convent in Charlotte after an invitation from Rev. Mark S. Lawlor to serve at St. Vincent de Paul Church in the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop Peter J. Jugis warmly welcomed the SCV Sisters, expressing his joy in having them serve within the diocese.
• Germany: The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul of Manathavady also serve across various regions in Germany, focusing primarily on caring for the sick and elderly.

Each mission adapts to the cultural context and the specific needs of the people, ensuring that the Vincentian charism remains a living, evolving response to human suffering.

Milestones and Growth

The Congregation has seen significant growth since its inception, both in terms of the number of Sisters and the impact of their work. With each milestone, they have expanded their reach and influence, deepening their commitment to service and charity. Notable milestones include:

• Expansion to New Mission Areas: Over the years, the Sisters have established new missions, responding to the needs of underserved communities and continuing the vision of Cardinal De Rohan.
• Growth in Membership: The Congregation has seen an increase in vocations, with women from diverse backgrounds joining the Sisters in their mission.

This growth reflects not only the Congregation’s resilience and adaptability but also the relevance of their mission in today’s world.

Conclusion

The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Mananthavady continue to be a beacon of charity, embodying the Vincentian spirit in a world that deeply needs compassion and service. Their adherence to the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul and the legacy of Cardinal Armand Gaston De Rohan drive them to touch lives in profound ways, reminding society of the dignity of each person and the transformative power of love in action. Through their community, the Federation of Sisters of Charity of Strasbourg, and the global Vincentian family, they carry forth their mission with humility, dedication, and hope for a more compassionate world.