Main Stream: Marian

The charism of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy is rooted in merciful service to those most in need, especially the poor, the sick, the orphaned, and the uneducated. Their spiritual life is lived in community prayer and a commitment to reach out in compassion, humility, and practical charity. This congregation seeks to be a visible expression of God’s merciful love, placing emphasis on education, healthcare, social assistance, and pastoral care, following Christ’s example of service and the Gospel call to mercy.

The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy were founded in 1829 in Charleston, South Carolina, USA by Bishop John England, who invited four women from Baltimore to begin a community dedicated to serving the poor, sick, and uneducated. The first foundation formally began on December 8, 1829, under the name Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. Over time, they opened schools, orphanages, and healthcare institutions, responding to the needs of their local communities and beyond. In 1949, the community adopted the name Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy and joined the Sisters of Charity Federation, aligning their Rule of Life more explicitly with the Vincentian tradition of charity. Although the congregation has declined in membership in recent decades, its legacy includes decades of educational, healthcare, and pastoral ministries, reflecting a strong commitment to the Gospel imperative of mercy.

Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy – Vocation Office ✉️ generalate@sistersofcharity.net