Founded in the heart of 19th-century Germany and inspired by the Vincentian spirit, the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Hildesheim have lived a legacy of mercy, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the poor and suffering. Over the past 170+ years, they have journeyed through cultural revolutions, wars, societal shifts, and global outreach—all while holding fast to their core vocation: to serve Christ in the poor.

I. Historical Origins and Early Development

The roots of the Hildesheim Congregation trace back to 1852, when three Sisters of Charity from the Paderborn motherhouse arrived in Hildesheim at the invitation of Bishop Eduard Jakob Wedekin. This initial step laid the foundation for what would become a flourishing religious community. By 1857, with 13 sisters active in Hildesheim, Harsum, and Henneckenrode, Bishop Wedekin officially established an independent Congregation adapted to the unique pastoral needs of his diocese, particularly in the context of the diaspora.

The newly founded Congregation was entrusted to the leadership of Sister M. Theodora Franzen, the first Superior General. Under her guidance, the community grew rapidly. By the time of her death in 1869, the Congregation already had 40 Sisters serving in eight locations.

This momentum, however, was challenged during the Kulturkampf beginning in 1872, a period of tension between the German state and the Catholic Church. Religious orders were severely restricted—only allowed to perform nursing duties—forcing the Sisters to abandon their other apostolic services. Despite these hardships, the community endured, demonstrating both spiritual resilience and institutional adaptability.

II. Growth and Institutional Expansion

With the easing of restrictions in 1882, the Sisters of Charity entered a new period of flourishing. The 50th anniversary of the Congregation in 1907 was marked by 308 Sisters in 33 institutions. By the time of the 75th jubilee in 1932, the community had expanded to 771 Sisters in 80 locations, reaching its peak in 1941 with 836 Sisters and 93 branches. Their ministries included hospitals, kindergartens, nursing stations, and homes for the elderly, especially in rural and underserved areas like the Eichsfeld region.

From 1919 to 1937, 37 small nursing and pastoral stations were established, enhancing the Congregation’s outreach among the poor and sick, especially in villages around Hildesheim.

III. Crisis and Resilience During World War II

The Nazi regime presented severe challenges. Beginning in 1938, religious institutions were subjected to financial sanctions, being reclassified as taxable enterprises and forced to pay five years of back taxes. Recruitment of new vocations was also restricted by a 1940 decree.

During World War II, Sister M. Honoria Rohland, then Superior General, heroically negotiated with the regime to prevent the confiscation of hospitals and other facilities by converting them into military hospitals. The motherhouse itself was used as a military hospital for 150 soldiers from 1941. Nonetheless, the community suffered losses: a children’s home, two health resorts, and 14 kindergartens were expropriated, and seven Sisters died during the war.

Air raids caused significant damage or destruction to buildings in Hildesheim, Hannover, Hamburg, Braunschweig, and Kassel. Even the motherhouse was destroyed in the final days of the war. Yet, the Sisters stood in solidarity with the suffering population, embodying the mercy of Christ amid devastation.

IV. Post-War Reconstruction and Challenges

Immediately after the war, the Congregation embarked on rebuilding efforts. Many of the confiscated facilities were reclaimed, and new establishments opened. Vocations began to rise again, though never reaching their former numbers. During this period, the Sisters began new ministries, including service in the refugee camp at Friedland.

By the 1950s, however, a decline in vocations led to the closure of several small stations, especially those that could not meet updated standards for elderly care and preschool services.

The Congregation had also taken responsibility for past failures. At Bernwardshof, an institution formerly run by the Sisters, reports of abuse surfaced. The community commissioned an independent investigation, demonstrating a commitment to transparency, healing, and justice.

V. A New Horizon: Mission in Peru

A significant chapter of international outreach began in 1967, when three Sisters were sent to Lima, Peru, at the request of a local bishop. Their presence eventually expanded to include one German and 25 Peruvian Sisters working in Lima, Trujillo, Soritor, and Omate.

In Lima, the Sisters administer two schools—“Reina del Mundo,” which serves nearly 900 students, and “Fe y Alegria 37,” acquired in 2017. In Trujillo, they run a children’s home called “House of Divine Providence,” a refuge for abandoned and orphaned children. In Soritor, located in the rainforest, they are engaged in pastoral care, visiting the sick and poor, and running a soup kitchen and first aid station. In the Andean village of Omate, the sisters engage in pastoral work and home visits to the elderly and ill.

Their work in Peru exemplifies Vincentian compassion: being close to the poor, adapting to local needs, and empowering local vocations. The community’s collaboration with donors and lay partners sustains these ministries.

VI. Contemporary Life and Mission

Today, the Sisters of Charity of Hildesheim number 48 in Germany. Their apostolic presence continues through:

• St. Paulus Nursing Home in Hildesheim
• Hospiz Luise in Hannover
• Ambulatory Palliative and Hospice Services
• Vinzenz von Paul School in Duderstadt, a professional training school for social work and pedagogy

These ministries are guided by Vincentian principles: honoring the dignity of every person, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or social class.

The Vinzenzpforte in Hildesheim offers food, conversation, and support to those in need—a living testament to the congregation’s commitment to outreach.

In 2018, the Congregation’s healthcare operations were integrated into the Elisabeth Vinzenz Verbund (EVV) [Elisabeth Vinzenz Network], allowing for continued professional management aligned with Vincentian values.

VII. Spiritual Foundations and Community Life

The Congregation’s life is rooted in the Gospel message of Matthew 25:40—”Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” They are animated by Vincentian spirituality, modeled on the lives of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, who saw Christ in the poor and responded with practical love.

Their way of life includes:

• The evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience
• Daily prayer, Eucharistic celebration, Liturgy of the Hours, Meditation, Lectio Divina, Rosary, and Adoration
• A deep sense of community, sharing joys, sorrows, meals, work, and mission
• A focus on the Word of God and living in the presence of Christ

The motherhouse in Hildesheim, located at Neue Straße 16, is the spiritual heart of the Congregation. It is home to the leadership, the novitiate, elderly sisters, and retreat programs like “Kloster auf Zeit” (Monastery for a Time). It also hosts exhibitions and events like the St. Vincent Market.

VIII. Formation, Leadership, and Governance

Formation for new members takes place at the motherhouse. The leadership structure includes a Superior General and four General Councilors, elected every six years during a General Chapter. They are tasked with governance, mission assignment, and representing the Congregation externally. Together, they ensure the unity and vitality of the congregation, fostering fidelity to its mission and charism.

The current Superior General, Sister M. Teresa Slaby, accompanied by her General Council: Sister Clara-Maria Siesquén Piscoya, Dr. Sister M. Dorothea Rumpf, Sister M. Canisia Corleis, and Sister M. Hanna Schmaus.

IX. Pastoral Commitment and Social Advocacy

A hallmark of the Sisters’ work is their pastoral presence across various life stages:

• Childcare and early Christian formation
• Catechesis and sacramental preparation
• Youth and vocation ministry
• Spiritual accompaniment through retreats and counseling
• Hospital chaplaincy and hospice ministry
• Advocacy for women and migrants

Notably, since 1997, the Congregation has collaborated with SOLWODI (Solidarity with Women in Distress), a nonprofit aiding migrant women who are victims of trafficking, coercion, or abuse. The Sisters offer counseling and support, championing dignity, freedom, and justice for exploited women.

X. A Living Charism of Mercy

The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Hildesheim continue to embody their founder’s charism: to recognize and serve Christ in the poor. Their journey—from 19th-century Germany to the margins of Peruvian society—speaks of adaptability, courage, and enduring hope.

Their story is not merely historical; it is a living, breathing witness to God’s mercy. In a world fragmented by inequality and suffering, their example calls us to compassion, justice, and deep faith.

Their motto, drawn from their Rule of Life—“The love of the Lord and a shared vocation for mercy brought us together”—is not only their legacy but also their prophetic gift to the Church and world today.

Contact:

• Address: Neue Str. 16, 31134 Hildesheim, Germany
• Telephone: +49 05121 1098-00
• Web: https://www.vinzentinerinnen-hildesheim.de/