To mark the Centenary of the Foundation of the Sisters Auxiliaries of Charity, each local community in Île-de-France is organizing itself to experience a unique and fraternal special moment in Paris, Bobigny, Villecresnes, Aubervilliers, Quincy-sous-Sénart, Yerres, Villejuif, Chevilly-Larue, and Palmela in Portugal.

The evolution of the mission and the communities

Initially gathered in large communities, the Sisters gradually spread to northern France, Benin, Portugal, and Latin America. Faithful to their desire to live from their own work, they became fully salaried employees in various sectors. Their practices evolved toward small communities inserted into the life of the people.

The reality of the congregation today

Today, the Congregation has five communities. Four are located in the Paris region, where the Sisters, now retired, are involved in their parishes. The fifth is in Portugal, involved with the Jean-Émile Anizan Social Work in serving women who are victims of violence.

Paris, Bobigny, Aubervilliers: a festive month of May

• In Paris, 11th arrondissement: During May 2026, Thérèse Petit ac shares her testimony about the beautiful “open house” day experienced in the apartment: “About thirty people came: parishioners, neighbors from the housing estate, old acquaintances, one of my sisters-in-law… and our parish priest. Everyone was happy with this gathering.”
• In Bobigny, 93: On Sunday, May 17, the community celebrated a significant double event: the Congregation’s 100 years of mission and its 65 years of active presence in the Courtillères neighborhood.
• In Villecresnes, 94: with the Sisters in the nursing home.
• In Aubervilliers, 93: on May 30, another special gathering will bring together the community and parishioners.

The upcoming gatherings of 2026

The momentum of the centenary will continue in the other communities:

• On June 16, with the Sisters of the nursing home in Quincy-sous-Sénart, 91, in Essonne.
• On October 4 in Yerres, 91: The Sisters living in assisted housing are also preparing to celebrate the event, together with parishioners.
• In early October in Portugal: with the Anizan community.
• On October 10 and 11, in Villejuif, 94: A special gathering is planned. A meeting open to everyone, and Sunday Mass the following day.
• In Chevilly-Larue, 94, where the eldest member of the Congregation resides in a nursing home.

The closing of the centenary

Founded in Paris on October 15, 1926, by Father Jean-Émile Anizan and Thérèse Joly, the Congregation of the Sisters Auxiliaries of Charity is rooted in Carmelite spirituality. Conceived to collaborate with the Sons of Charity, its purpose was to reach working-class and laboring neighborhoods where priests could not go. Nicknamed the “trailblazers,” the Sisters traveled by bicycle through poor neighborhoods to visit families, care for the sick, and teach catechism.

The official closing of the centenary year will take place in Issy-les-Moulineaux on October 17, 2026, with the Anizan Family and the Little Sisters of the Assumption.

Source: https://filsdelacharite.org/