Main Stream: Cottolengo

The charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo flows from the foundational spirit of trust in Divine Providence and radical charity. Inspired by the example of their founder, they seek to make the love of God visible through compassionate service to the poor, abandoned, sick, disabled, and marginalized. Their spirituality embraces joyful trust in God’s providence (caritas Christi urget nos — “the love of Christ impels us”), heartfelt service without discrimination, and dedication to both prayer and practical works of mercy. Through education, healthcare, social support, and pastoral care, they strive to uphold the dignity of the person as a child of God.

The congregation traces its roots to the Piccola Casa della Divina Provvidenza (Little House of Divine Providence) that Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo founded in Turin, Italy in 1832 to care for the poorest of the poor who had nowhere else to go. From the earliest efforts of Cottolengo and the first women who joined him in care of the needy, various groups of sisters dedicated to specific ministries developed. In the 20th century, these groups were unified into the single Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo, approved by the Holy See with constitutions that organized them into apostolic and contemplative branches.

📧 cottolengocaritas@gmail.com