Main Stream: Paulines

The charism of the Daughters of Charity is a life of service to the poor and marginalized, expressed through active apostolic work rather than monastic enclosure. Guided by the spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul, they dedicate themselves to hospitality, healthcare, education, and pastoral care, seeing Christ in the suffering and needy. Their vocation emphasizes availability, humility, and practical charity, balancing prayer and action in everyday life, making their witness both visible and transformative in the communities they serve.

The Daughters of Charity were founded in 1633 in Paris, France, when St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac organized a community of women to serve the poor directly in their homes, hospitals, and the streets. This was revolutionary for the time, as women religious were typically cloistered. Unlike other orders, the Daughters of Charity take annual vows instead of perpetual ones, allowing for flexibility in their service and mobility. Over the centuries, the congregation expanded internationally, establishing hospitals, schools, orphanages, and missions worldwide. Today, they are recognized as a major apostolic congregation devoted to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, including a strong presence in Africa.

Daughters of Charity — Paris, France (International Headquarters) ✉️ vocatio@filledecharite.org