On this same day, we celebrate:

—The foundation of the Society of Priests of St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo, established in 1839, a Society of Apostolic Life rooted in the vision of St. Giuseppe Benedetto Cottolengo. Formally founded that year to offer pastoral care within the Little House of Divine Providence in Turin, this community of priests lives in common, without religious vows, and shares a life of prayer, charity, and service among the vulnerable. They serve the poor, the sick, those with disabilities, the homeless, and prisoners—bringing spiritual accompaniment and practical love wherever there is need cottolengo.org cottolengo.org . Officially recognized by the Church in 1969, their apostolate continues through pastoral and sacramental ministry, and participation in the broader Cottolengo family alongside brothers, sisters, and lay collaborators.

—The foundation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (Byzantine Rite), established in 1926 in Uzhhorod—then part of Czechoslovakia—by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytskyi of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Founded on June 8, 1926, as the Eastern-rite branch of the Sisters of Charity of Belgium, the Congregation embraced Byzantine liturgy while sharing the Vincentian mission of service to the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. In 1996, the Sisters attained autonomous status, becoming an independent Ukrainian religious Congregation, and continue today in Ukraine and beyond—living out a life of prayer, community, and compassionate ministry in the Eastern Catholic tradition.

—The foundation of the Apostolic Charity Group (Équipe Missionnaire de la Charité), established in 2014, a Lebanese organization dedicated to concrete acts of solidarity and compassion. EMC reaches out to displaced families, the poor, and those in urgent need across Lebanon. One of their noted initiatives includes supporting over 700 Lebanese refugees sheltered by the Sisters of Charity school in Clemenceau. Rooted in a spirit of mission and service, they organize charitable events year-round, including seasonal outreach like Christmas distributions. Though small in structure, their impact is multiplied through generous volunteers, community support, and a deep commitment to the Gospel of charity.