Daughters of Charity open new residence for formation

According to the St. Louis Review…”The Daughters of Charity moved in March 13 . The seminary, formerly in Evansville, Ind., is a collaboration of two Daughters of Charity provinces — one with headquarters in Los Altos Hills, Calif., and the other in St. Louis.

“The seminary sisters spend four days a week in study and one day in apostolic work. They will take classes at Aquinas Institute, get to know novices of other communities and participate in the ministries of the Daughters of Charity throughout the St. Louis area. It is close to the ministries among the poor and the provincial house. “It’s a joy to be here,” said Sister Margaret McDonnell, seminary directress. “The seminary sisters will be able to have a variety of experiences with other Daughters,” including work at social service agencies, health care, parish ministry and education.

…”More than 650 Daughters of Charity minister in the United States. Worldwide, there are 18,000 Daughters serving in 90 countries around the globe.

“Founded in 1633 by St. Louise de Marillac and St. Vincent de Paul, the Daughters of Charity were among the first communities of sisters who were not cloistered. The sisters, through their vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and their extra vow of service to the poor, continue to go where they are most needed.

…Their admission to the Daughters of Charity occurs when they come to St. Louis for the seminary period, a time of reflection, prayer and learning over 18 to 22 months. The intensive formation period gives them an identity of being a Daughter of Charity, an important time for them to integrate their apostolic and prayer life.

Visit a slideshow about the blessing.