The First Daughters of
Charity
The Community of the Daughters of Charity began in 17th century France when Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, prompted by their concerns for the plight of the poor, established a new religious congregation of women.
The innovative nature of this congregation was so unique that it became a milestone in the history of the Church. Unlike religious women of the day, who were enclosed in convents, the Daughters of Charity were free to go into the homes of those they served, into prisons, onto the battlefields.
Their cloister was the streets of the city and their apostolic training flowed from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit working in Vincent and Louise.
