History
The seeds of the Ladies of Charity were planted by St. Vincent de Paul almost 400 years ago in 1617 in Chatillon, France. With the assistance of St. Louise de Marillac this work took hold throughout the world. In 1857, the seeds fell from the mother tree in the United States when Catherine Harkins was directed to continue the work of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac as a Lady of Charity. The number of associations grew and in 1960 a national organization was established to offer consistent formation to all associations and to strengthen the bonds of charity.
Today
200,000 Ladies of Charity serve those who are less fortunate with humility, simplicity and charity in 54 countries around the world.
In the Unites States, 6400 Ladies serve in 68 associations in 21 states and the District of Columbia.
The seeds of the Ladies of Charity were planted by St. Vincent de Paul almost 400 years ago in 1617 in Chatillon, France. With the assistance of St. Louise de Marillac this work took hold throughout the world. In 1857, the seeds fell from the mother tree in the United States when Catherine Harkins was directed to continue the work of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac as a Lady of Charity. The number of associations grew and in 1960 a national organization was established to offer consistent formation to all associations and to strengthen the bonds of charity.
Today
200,000 Ladies of Charity serve those who are less fortunate with humility, simplicity and charity in 54 countries around the world.
In the Unites States, 6400 Ladies serve in 68 associations in 21 states and the District of Columbia.