The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Augsburg are part of a rich and enduring tradition within the Catholic Church that traces its origins to the 17th century, inspired by the compassionate vision of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. Rooted in a deep sense of divine mercy and the call to serve those in need, this religious congregation has developed a distinct identity through its commitment to the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. From humble beginnings in France to the establishment of a thriving Congregation in Augsburg, Germany, their story is one of faith, resilience, and ever-adaptable love in action.

Origins in France: The Vincentian Legacy

The roots of the Sisters of Charity of Augsburg can be traced back to the “Daughters of Charity” founded in France in the 17th century. By 1660, these “Filles de la Charité” were well established in France and already known beyond its borders. Even during that period, the demand for Sisters often exceeded the number available. In response, those in need of help but without access to the Daughters were encouraged to take initiative: to found something locally, to draw from their own context what was needed, and to awaken love and the spirit of sacrifice. This approach led to the birth of new communities inspired by the same spirit, adapted to local circumstances.

One such community arose in 1697 in the French village of Levesville and came to be known as the “Paulusschwestern” (Sisters of St. Paul). These Sisters would eventually migrate to Chartres in 1708, and later, under Cardinal de Rohan, a new branch was established in Zabern (now Saverne) in 1734. They fully embraced the spirituality of St. Vincent, and in 1737, when Vincent was canonized, they formally recognized him as their spiritual father.

Trials and Rebirth: From Revolution to Renewal

The French Revolution brought immense hardship to religious communities. The Sisters were expelled and disbanded. Yet, the charism did not die. In 1801, Sister Vincentia Lamy returned and initiated a renewal. By 1823, the community relocated to Strasbourg, where, under the leadership of Superior General Vincentia Sultzer, the Sisters became the seedbed for new foundations, particularly in Germany.

Young women from various German towns traveled to Strasbourg, received their formation, and returned to their hometowns to start new communities based on the Vincentian spirit. This method proved highly effective and led to further expansion.

Foundation in Munich and Augsburg

One of the communities that followed this pattern was established in Munich in 1832. Guided by Sister Ignatia Jorth, the Munich Sisters of Charity flourished and extended their reach.

In 1847, these Munich Sisters founded their first outpost in Augsburg. Centered at the “Barbarahof,” they undertook the care of the city’s sick, visiting the ill in their homes with compassion and professional care—hallmarks of Vincentian service.

Their work quickly gained recognition for its excellence and loving presence. By 1859, the Sisters were entrusted not only with home care but also with the Catholic division of Augsburg’s new municipal hospital.

Recognizing the need for autonomy and better coordination, the decision was made to establish a separate motherhouse in Augsburg. Thus, in 1862, the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Augsburg was officially founded. Though full independence took time, the foundation was laid, and the Congregation grew rapidly.

In 1864, the first motherhouse was blessed, situated near the city’s main hospital. The following decades marked a period of growth and consolidation.

Expansion and Consolidation

Under the leadership of Mother M. Aloisia Zeller, who became the first General Superior of the now autonomous Congregation in 1895, the community entered a period of tremendous growth. By 1939, at the eve of World War II, the Congregation reached its peak with over 900 sisters working in approximately 90 institutions throughout the Diocese of Augsburg.

Yet, history was not without its trials. The original motherhouse was destroyed in an Allied bombing in February 1944. Fortunately, divine Providence had already prepared the way. Since 1917, the Congregation owned the former monastery of St. Vincent in Dießen am Ammersee. During the war, this site became the Congregation’s temporary center.

After the war, the desire to return to Augsburg grew. A new motherhouse was constructed and consecrated in 1967 by Bishop Dr. Josef Stimpfle. This new home not only restored the Congregation’s presence in the city but also hosted the diocesan seminary beginning in 1971, fostering rich collaboration and mutual enrichment between seminarians and Sisters.

In that same year, the Congregation became a member of the Federation of Vincentian Communities, deepening its connection to the global Vincentian family.

Spirituality: Rooted in Mercy and Mission

At the heart of the Congregation’s life is a deep faith in God’s merciful love. For St. Vincent de Paul, “mercy is the innermost secret of God.” The Sisters draw strength from this belief and strive to make divine compassion visible through their lives.

They express this spirituality through:

• Helping where no one else helps
• Responding to immediate crises
• Offering service with humility, creativity, and sustainability
• Honoring every individual with deep respect
• Living in simplicity, gratitude, and confidence in Providence

The evangelical counsels—poverty, chastity, and obedience—are lived not as constraints, but as paths to inner freedom and deeper love. They are freely embraced as supports (like handrails) for their journey with Christ.

• Poverty: Expresses trust that God will provide in all circumstances. The Sisters live simply and communally, sharing all resources in common for the good of their mission.
• Chastity: Reflects their total love for Christ. The vow is more than abstaining from marriage; it expresses a desire for undivided love and fulfillment in God alone.
• Obedience: Inspired by Christ’s surrender to the Father’s will, obedience is a free decision to align personal will with God’s plan, discerned in communion with superiors and the community.

These vows sustain the Sisters’ inner freedom and allow them to serve with joy and resilience.

Core Values and Charism

The Sisters of Charity of Augsburg live out their vocation grounded in the Gospel and inspired by the example of Jesus Christ. Their charism is Vincentian, meaning it prioritizes love for the poor and forgotten, rooted in personal relationship with the Triune God.

Their fundamental values include:

• Respecting the dignity and uniqueness of every person
• Living truthfully and simply
• Embodying gratitude and contentment
• Trusting in God’s guidance and Providence
• Loving service, especially to those in greatest need

As Jesus taught, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25). This verse guides their daily decisions and larger mission.

Apostolic Works and Challenges

Throughout their history, the Sisters have responded to many needs: in hospitals, schools, homes for the elderly, rehabilitation programs, and more. They have cared for the sick, taught the young, and provided support to those suffering from addiction or social isolation.

Over the past few decades, however, like many Congregations in Europe, the number of Sisters has declined. Many of their institutions in Pfronten, Dießen, and Augsburg were eventually closed or handed over to lay partners. Yet, even in smaller numbers, their mission continues.

In 2014, a new motherhouse and care facility was inaugurated on Gögginger Street in Augsburg. Blessed by Bishop Konrad Zdarsa, the facility was designed to serve the Sisters’ evolving needs, especially in old age. It also houses intergenerational communities and maintains the active apostolate of prayer, presence, and service.

Today, the Congregation consists of about 100 Sisters, who serve in various pastoral, social, and therapeutic ministries. Some accompany people facing illness or crisis; others engage in prayer for the Church and world.

Vincentian Values Today: Shared Mission

One of the most important developments in recent decades has been the intentional sharing of the Vincentian charism with lay collaborators. This began with staff in the Vincentinum Clinic, who sought a deeper understanding of the Sisters’ mission. Through dialogue, reflection, and collaborative projects, a shared spirituality developed.

This “values work” has given rise to lay-led initiatives inspired by Vincentian ideals. The Sisters’ witness has helped form a network of individuals—both within and beyond Church institutions—who now walk with St. Vincent and St. Louise as guides in their own lives and ministries.

These modern followers include hospital staff, volunteers, spiritual seekers, and members of the Vincentian Circle and Friends of Vincent. Together, they continue the mission: to reveal the merciful face of God to the world.

The Enduring Gift of Mercy

The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Augsburg have lived a long and fruitful history shaped by the changing needs of society and the unchanging call of the Gospel. From the early days of humble hospital visits in Augsburg to their participation in federated Vincentian life today, the Sisters have remained steadfast in their commitment to serve Christ in the poor. Though their numbers have diminished, their legacy continues through shared mission, prayer, and an abiding spirit of compassion.

In a world still marked by suffering, exclusion, and spiritual hunger, the Sisters of Charity of Augsburg remind us that the greatest power lies not in numbers or institutions, but in mercy made visible—in lives wholly given for love.

Contact:

• Address: Gögginger Straße 94, 86199 Augsburg, Germany.
  
• Telephone: (+49) 08 21/59 77 90-0
  
• Email: kongregation@barmherzigeschwestern.de
• Web: https://www.barmherzigeschwestern.de/