MISSION

Life as a Daughter of Charity is rooted in mission, reflecting a profound commitment to serve the most vulnerable and express faith through dedicated, compassionate action

St Catherin Labouré kneeling in front of the apparition of the Virgin Mary.
Miraculous Medal Vision

ST catherine labouré

In 1830, Our Lady appeared Sr Catherine Laboure, a Daughter of Charity novice in our Motherhouse in the Rue du Bac, Paris. Mary appeared to Sr Catherine three times from July 18th until November 27th. She asked the young Sister to have a medal made and gave Sr Catherine detailed instructions on how the medal should look.


It was to become the medal of the people who were to name it the ‘Miraculous Medal’.


Today the Motherhouse Chapel is known as the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal and welcomes pilgrims all day long from Morning Mass until Evening Prayer.

GIVEN IN MISSION

Ministry of Compassion: The Daughters of Charity's Mission

The mission of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul can be defined as: Given to God, in community, for the service of those who live in poverty.


As a Society of Apostolic Life in the Catholic Church, the Daughters of Charity are available to respond to any kind of poverty in the community. Whatever forms of service the Daughters of Charity are engaged in at any given time, depends upon needs of those who live in poverty and our ability to respond. 

Sisters are currently involved in a number of ministries including:


  • Caring for elderly people
  • Offering a listening ear to people with heavy burdens
  • Pastoral and spiritual support to people in various situations
  • Supporting families of prisoners
  • Supporting migrants and refugees
  • Supporting people experiencing homelessness
  • Visiting and supporting the housebound
  • Ministry of Prayer


Daughters of Charity do not work alone, we collaborate with a large range of people and groups. We are part of the large family of people who follow in the footsteps of St Vincent and St Louise known as the Vincentian family which includes AIC International Association of Charities, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Congregation of the Mission, the Association of the Miraculous Medal, and Depaul International.


Daughters also collaborate with many other groups such as parishes and dioceses, other religious congregations, and many others.

faith in action

Transforming Lives, Advocating for Justice and Peace

Embodying the essence of our faith, the Daughters of Charity engage in transformative mission work, tirelessly advocating for justice and peace, combating trafficking, empowering communities through advocacy, and as a recognised non-governmental organisation (NGO) at the United Nations, we contribute significantly to global initiatives, striving to create a more equitable and compassionate world.

JUSTICE & PEACE

In Australia we are in contact with the Justice and Peace Office of the Archdiocese of Sydney


In England & Wales we are members of the National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) – a grassroots body with Catholic roots.

In Scotland we support Justice and Peace Scotland


As members of the wider Vincentian Family we support Systemic Change initiatives. Systemic change is required when efforts to change one aspect of a system fail to fix the problem. The whole system needs to be transformed. This is often the case when dealing with issues of poverty.

trafficking

At an International, Inter-provincial and Provincial level, a special commitment has been made regarding human trafficking.


In Australia we support Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH).


In UK we support RENATE – End Human Trafficking Network in 31 European Countries


advocacy

Since our beginnings, the Daughters of Charity have sought ways to serve those who live in poverty and to find solutions to situations that cause poverty. This continues in all of our services of vulnerable people. Advocating for those without a voice is part of all our services. 

united nations

We are a registered NGO and a number of Daughters of Charity work at the United Nations to influence policies which affect persons living in poverty.

Collaboration

Daughters of Charity do not work alone, we collaborate with a large range of people and groups. We are part of the large family of people who follow in the footsteps of St Vincent and St Louise known as the Vincentian family which includes AIC International Association of Charities, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Congregation of the Mission, the Association of the Miraculous Medal, and Depaul International.


Daughters also collaborate with many other groups such as parishes and dioceses, other religious congregations, and many others.

Links to our mission services

our core pillars

THE THREE STRANDS OF OUR LIFE

The life of the Daughters of Charity is deeply intertwined with three fundamental strands: 'Given to God' through prayer and contemplation, 'In Community' for mutual support, and 'In Service of the Poor,' mission embodying the essence of charity as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Our commitment to these pillars shapes a life of deep faith, communal support, and tireless service. Discover more about each aspect of our life:

Blessed rosalie rendu

But be kind and love, for love is your first gift to the poor. They will appreciate your kindness and your love more than all else you bring them