I. Origins and Founding Vision (1839–1848)

The Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul (Klooster van de zusters van Sint-Vincentius a Paulo) of Opwijk, Belgium, was officially established in 1847, but its roots trace back to 1839. It began with a charitable initiative led by Father Peter van Hemel, pastor of Opwijk, along with the town’s mayor and several committed citizens. Amid widespread poverty and inadequate health and educational services in post-Napoleonic Belgium, they envisioned founding a hospice and a school for poor girls. A raffle raised initial funds, though the financial struggle remained significant.

Father van Hemel invited two Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul from the parish of Saint Jacob in Leuven to serve the Opwijk poor. These Sisters, Vincentia and Theresia, arrived in October 1842 and cared for the sick while educating impoverished girls. Their presence helped inspire a local religious foundation.

In 1847, two Opwijk laywomen, Melanie Hofmans and Elisa van Ham, entered religious formation. With the support of Cardinal Sterckx, the Congregation was canonically recognized in 1848. Melanie Hofmans took the name Sister Maria Josepha and became the first Superior General, serving for over five decades.

II. Early Growth and Apostolic Works (1848–1890)

The early years were marked by extreme poverty, manual labor, and humble beginnings. Despite minimal income from teaching and caring for the sick, the Sisters persevered. By 1849, they made their first professions and opened a nursery school in a small house. A local request to elect a superior led to Sister Maria Josepha’s confirmation by Cardinal Sterckx.

The Congregation slowly grew: by 1860, it numbered six professed Sisters and two novices. They expanded the hospice and founded additional houses. Between 1850 and 1890, they opened several new foundations in surrounding towns, sometimes taking over existing schools or hospices. By 1890, the Congregation had 86 professed Sisters and around 20 novices.

In 1892, 150 religious gathered at the motherhouse to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sisters’ arrival from Leuven.

III. Expansion and Institutional Development (1900–1939)

The turn of the 20th century saw explosive growth. The motherhouse was expanded, and a new novitiate was opened in 1905. By 1913, there were 210 professed Sisters in 29 communities, with around ten new vocations per year. Their apostolic work focused on education, healthcare, and care for the elderly and orphans.

During World War I, the Opwijk school was converted into a military hospital with 80 beds. The Sisters cared for refugees and wounded soldiers, demonstrating bravery and compassion under dangerous conditions.

Between the wars, the Congregation added few new foundations but broadened its works in existing locations. A new chapel (1933), a juvenile seminary (1934), and a Froebel teacher training school (moved from Erps-Kwerps in 1937) were among the notable projects.

IV. World War II and Postwar Renewal (1940–1960)

The Second World War again disrupted life. The Sisters sought refuge in cellars during the May 1940 invasion but remained unharmed. Despite wartime instability, their institutions continued to operate.

In the postwar years, the Congregation adapted. After closing the juvenile seminary in 1952, they opened a secondary school for girls in 1957. Broader social changes, however, were on the horizon.

V. Vatican II and Apostolic Transition (1960s–1980s)

The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) marked a significant turning point. Inspired by Gaudium et Spes, the Sisters reflected deeply on their charism and role in modern society. They embraced new clothing in 1963, and by 1967–1968, they wore simple civilian dress with only a cross and ring.

As Belgium’s education and healthcare systems modernized and expanded, laypeople increasingly assumed leadership roles in institutions formerly run by the Sisters. In keeping with Vatican II’s emphasis on shared responsibility with the laity, the Sisters gradually relinquished direct control over schools and hospitals

By the late 20th century, vocations declined, and the Sisters aged. Though no longer active in professional education or healthcare, they adapted their ministry to the signs of the times, emphasizing spiritual accompaniment, hospitality, and presence.

Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul of Opwijk in 1967.

VI. The Congregation in the 21st Century: Memory and Witness

At their 150th anniversary celebration, the people of Opwijk publicly honored the Sisters for their decades of service. A commemorative stone placed at the entrance of the convent on Kloosterstraat bore the words: “Sisters, the right hand of many.”

The Sisters described their continuing vocation this way:

“With the means and possibilities we have today, we seek to respond to the needs of our time, inspired by Gaudium et Spes. The joy and hope, grief and anguish of the people of today, especially the poor and afflicted, are also the joy and hope, grief and anguish of Christ’s disciples.”

The Congregation continues to live out the Vincentian and Franciscan spirit in the daily rhythm of prayer, presence, and solidarity. Though smaller in number and no longer publicly prominent, they remain a quiet witness to the Gospel among the people of Opwijk and beyond.

VII. Missionary Outreach

In 1969, the Sisters extended their apostolate to Mali, in West Africa, where they served in missionary healthcare and education. This marked a significant expansion of their mission, showing their readiness to serve beyond Europe in response to global need.

VIII. Legacy

The Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul of Opwijk left an indelible mark on Belgian religious life. From humble beginnings, they created an extensive network of institutions that served the poor, educated generations of girls, and provided compassionate healthcare.

Their legacy is enshrined not only in buildings and historical records but also in the hearts of those they served. Guided by the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul, they bore witness to Christ in the poor, and today, their memory continues to inspire new forms of Christian discipleship.

Contact:

• Address: Kloosterstraat 38–40, 1745 Opwijk, Belgium
• Email: linavdbergh@yahoo.fr