As a dedicated mother, the leader of a new religious community, and a teacher of children and young people, Elizabeth related to Mary’s motherhood… Mary was the role model for the Sisters of Charity.
Formation
On October 24 We Celebrate the Feast of St. Luigi Guanella
The spirituality of Louis Guanella can be understood as a unique confluence of the spirituality of the “saints of charity” such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Joseph Cottolengo, and St. John Bosco, with the spirituality of the “saints of mystical contemplation” represented by St. Catherine of Siena and St. Teresa of Avila.
Henriette Gesseaume, a Daughter of Charity in Light and Shadow
Henrietta Gesseaume, an intelligent and impulsive peasant, was one of the most active and devoted Daughters of Charity, serving the poor with generosity despite her temperament. Her life was shaped by a profound vocation, culminating in her heroic offering to assist the wounded soldiers at Calais.
Serve In Your Community With the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
This two-and-a-half-minute video from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA gives an overview of how the Society serves people in local communities.
“You Shall Not Kill”: A Vincentian Reflection on the Fifth Commandment
The Fifth Commandment, “You shall not kill,” is a call to honor the sacredness of life by rejecting not only physical violence but also the inner attitudes and social systems that harm human dignity. Rooted in both Scripture and the Vincentian tradition, it demands active compassion and justice—challenging us to protect life in all its forms, especially among the poor and vulnerable.
August 12: Birthday of St. Louise de Marillac
“As we say about some of the people in the Bible, so too we can say that Louise walked with God (Cf., Genesis 5:22).”
Saint Vincent de Paul and the Liturgy
For Saint Vincent de Paul, the Eucharist is the center of Christian life and should be celebrated with reverence and unity. Faced with the liturgical chaos of his time, he defended uniformity in celebration as a pastoral means of strengthening faith and avoiding confusion.
The Beginnings of the Sons of Charity: First Priests and Brothers (1918-1920)
The Institute of the Sons of Charity was founded in 1918 by Father Jean-Émile Anizan, along with former members of the Brothers of St. Vincent de Paul. Its creation marked the beginning of a new congregation dedicated to evangelizing the most disadvantaged, with key figures such as Alexandre Josse, Yves Allès, and Charles Devuyst.
The Sisters of Mary of Ingelmunster: A Legacy of Apostolic Service
The Sisters of Mary of Ingelmunster, born amid the social and religious transformations of 18th-century Europe, has remained steadfast in its mission of serving the poor, educating the marginalized, and living out a deep, Gospel-centered spirituality.
Seeing Those Who Are Poor • “Contributions” #5
Vincent and Louise helped the Church “see” the poor with clarity and compassion, transforming both personal vision and ecclesial mission into one centered on mercy, justice, and the Gospel call to serve the marginalized.
Places of Frederic Ozanam 30 – Spain
The Ozanams embarked on several journeys in Ozanam’s last years, which they desperately hoped would allow his health to improve.
Vincentian Dictionary: Violence (Part 5)
Christianity proclaims peace through the life and teachings of Jesus, yet has at times justified or participated in violence. Early Christians responded to persecution with nonviolence and martyrdom, embodying a radical commitment to love and forgiveness.
