Charism
The Daughters of Charity are a worldwide Society of Apostolic Life called to serve Jesus Christ in the person of the poor and the marginalized. The mission of the Daughters of Charity is to serve persons who are poor. In addition to the usual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, we make a fourth vow of service to the poor. Our founders, St. Louise deMarillac and St. Vincent dePaul, did not just "serve the poor"; they truly saw Christ in the person of those who are poor. So actually, our mission is to find Christ, especially in persons who are poor. Motivated by the love of Christ and strengthened by a deep prayer life, we live and pray in community, supporting each other in our common mission of service.
Our Ministries include education, spirituality, health care, social ministry, the creative arts, pastoral ministry and advocacy for change. As needs change, so do our services. Our mission calls us to be innovative and inventive, collaborative and inclusive. In whatever we do, we strive to perform our service in imitation of Jesus Christ.
Why did you join the Daughters of Charity?
The short answer to this question is "because God called me" to the Daughters of Charity. How I came to understand this call is that I was taught in high school by the Daughters of Charity and experienced them as caring, dedicated women. They were very good teachers and were concerned about us beyond the classroom. They involved us in their works for the poor and in their prayer. They invited us to live our Baptismal commitment through service and prayer.
Do you find it difficult to stay committed to God? How do you stay focused?
It is a challenge to stay committed to God; but there are many supports within my community. These include our prayer in common, our life together, and the interest we have in each other’s life and work. I stay focused one day at a time through prayer and friendship with my sisters in community and my peers outside the community.
If you could describe how your relationship with God has grown over the years how would you do so?
Perhaps the most significant growth in my relationship with God is the firm belief that God loves me just as I am at this moment; that God loves all of me and requires nothing extraordinary of me other than to love God and love the people God puts in my life.
For more information contact Sr. Mary Frate:
www.dc-northeast.org
srmarydc@yahoo.com
