To be and to bring good news of Christ to persons who are living in poverty
| Founded, Date/Place | 29th Nov. 1633, France |
| Founder | St. Vincent De Paul and St. Louise de Marrilac |
| Canonical Status | Pontifical Right, 8th June, 1668 |
| Motto | “Caristas Christi urget nos” – “The charity of Jesus Cricified urges us” |
| Charism | The Corporal and spiritual service of Jesus Christ in persons who are poor. |
| Mission Statement | “We are a diversely gifted, faith Community of Consecrated Women committed to our personal on-going conversion, radically given to God for the evangelization and development of persons who are poor. We serve them with joy, renewed apostolic zeal, missionary enthusiasm, interior freedom and audacious charity, to change systems that keep people in poverty, in collaboration with others who promote justice, peace and the dignity of the human person, following the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ and our founder.” |
| Purpose | “The principal end for which God called and assembled the Daughters of Charity, serving Him corporally and spiritually in the person of the poor…” (Constitution 1.3, page 6). |
| Address of Provincialate | St. Louise’s Provincial House. P. O. Box 123, Nchia-Eleme, Rivers State. |
| Location of Principal House in Nigeria | Nchia-Eleme, Rivers State |
| Names of Places where we are Places of Apostolate in Nigeria | Archdioceses of Abuja, Benin and Lagos; Dioceses of Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Warri, Issele- Uku, Uromi, Ondo, Kano, and Kontagora. |
| Places of Apostolate in Ghana | Archdiocese of Kumasi; Dioceses of Konongo-Mampong and Navrongo-Bolgatanga |
| Place of Apostolate in Burkina Faso | Diocese of Nouna |
| Location of our formation Houses | a) Postulate- Enniong-Offot, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State b) Seminary-Nchia- Eleme, Rivers State |
Provincial Superior: Sr. Ifeoma Arinze, DC
Postal Address– Daughters Of Charity, PO. Box 123, Nchia Eleme, Rivers State.
Email Address Of The Congregation: [Email Protected]
Visitatrice Phone Number: 0706 838 7656
Email: [Email Protected]
Contact/Residential Address Of The Congregation:
Daughters Of Charity Of St Vincent De Paul,
St. Louise Provincial House
PO. Box 123, Nchia Eleme, Rivers State
Our Apostolate
The Company of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul
Servants of the Poor belongs to the society of apostolic life. It was founded on November 29th, 1633 by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise the Marillac as a response to the cries of persons who are poor in 17th Century France. Over time, the Company grew and spread to other parts of the globe, where her members continue to witness to the Charity of Jesus Christ, in the service of persons who are poor and marginalized. They carry out their service in the spirit of humility, simplicity and charity. Today the Daughters of Charity span the globe in about 93 countries with over 17,000 members!
Charism and Spirituality:
The principal aim for which God called and assembled the Daughters of Charity is to honor our Lord Jesus Christ as the source and model of all charity, serving him spiritually and corporally in the person of the poor. (St. Vincent, Common Rules of the Daughters of Charity (1,1), Doc.149a,X111b, 147). Through faith, the Daughters of Charity see Christ in those who are poor, and they see those who are poor in Christ. They serve Him in His suffering members with compassion, gentleness, cordiality, respect and devotion. (St. Vincent, 11 November, 1657 X, Conf. 85).
Information about Our Foundress & Founder- St. Vincent De Paul And St. Louise De Marillac
St. Vincent De Paul
St. Vincent de Paul is almost a household name in many parts of the world today as he is widely known as the patron of all kinds of charitable works.
Vincent was born on the 24th of April 1581 in Southern France, son of peasant farmers. At his early age, he proved himself a scholar, his father later sacrificed the best of his life stock to send him to the University of Toulouse to study for the priesthood. Priesthood in those days was a means of obtaining wealth and position. After his ordination, Vincent underwent many difficulties, humiliations and sufferings and was even captured into slavery. But God intervened in Vincent’s life as he was forced to re-examine his goals and life style. He realized that his desire for wealth was at the root of his inner conflict. To be free of it, he gave all his money to the most needy and found Christ in a new way- IN PERSONS WHO ARE POOR, whom he called his “Lords and Masters”.
Vincent extended his activities to every form of suffering humanity, alleviating their misery and above all, defending their dignity and rights. Vincent was very zealous in bringing God to the poor. He needed Priests and brothers to help him bring spiritual needs to the poor, so in 1625, he founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers and Brothers).
As the works of the poor became immense and diversified, he tried to stir up in the rich an awareness of the misery and wretchedness of the oppressed and marginalized. Some great ladies came to Vincent’s assistance and with them he established the Confraternity of Charity (Ladies of Charity). These were women of noble class. Although the Ladies of Charity were rendering great services to the poor, Vincent was not satisfied with their method of service since the ladies often had no personal contact with the poor but sent them food and drugs through their maids. Vincent prayed for young girls who would dedicate their lives entirely to God for the service of the poor. Eventually a group of young village girls gathered and Vincent could not find a more worthy person to train them than Louise de Marillac, whom he had worked closely with for some time.
This was the beginning of the Daughters of Charity. Vincent guided and directed these young women and entrusted them to the spiritual and all round formation of Louise de Marillac. Vincent died in 1660 and he was proclaimed a saint in 1737. He was named the patron saint of all works of charity by Pope Leo XIII. His feast is celebrated on the 27th September, the anniversary of his death.
St. Louise De Marillac
Born out of wedlock in Paris in 1581, Louise never knew who her mother was but was acknowledged and raised by her father, a member of the aristocrat. When her father married, Louise had a difficult time adjusting consequently, she was sent as a resident student to a Dominican convent where her aunt was a religious. This experience deepened Louise’s introspective ways, her many intellectual skills, as well as her desire to be a religious. When her father died and resources were limited, she lived in a boarding house where she had the opportunity to learn many basic domestic and organizational skills, as well as the secrets of herbal medicine. This experience rounded out her classical, upper-class education and prepared her well for her future service.
At 22, she was given in marriage to Antoine le Gras, secretary to the queen. They had one son. Her marital happiness was short-lived because of Antoine’s poor health. She was widowed after twelve years of marriage. Louise underwent great sufferings and took a vow of widowhood so as to be more disposed to serve God and deepen her prayer life. At this time, she became acquainted with Vincent de Paul. Under Vincent’s spiritual guidance and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God fashioned Louise into a strong dynamic apostle and deeply contemplative woman of prayer.
In 1629, Vincent de Paul, invited Louise to assist him with the Confraternities of Charity in the parishes of France. These tasks were therapeutic for Louise and formative for her future work and that of the Vincentian family. She conducted site visits to assure the quality of the service being offered; reviewed financial accounts for stewardship reports; and encouraged the workers and volunteers to see Christ in those whom they served.
Through this work, she gained a deep knowledge of the needs of the poor, developed her own innate managerial skills and identified effective structures for service.
On November 29, 1633 in her own home she began to train young women to address the needs of the poor and to gain support from their life together. From this humble beginning, the community of Daughters of Charity emerged. Louise provided leadership and expert management to the evolving network of services she and Vincent inspired.
Louise died on March 15, 1660 just a few months before Vincent de Paul and was proclaimed a Saint of the Church in 1934. In 1960 Pope John XXIII proclaimed her the Patroness of all Social Workers. Her feast day is kept on the 15th of March, the anniversary of her death.
Ministries /Apostolates:
Care of Elderly Persons
Education and Youth Ministry
Health Care and Nursing
Care of Children
Women’s Promotion
Pastoral Care
Retreats and Spiritual Direction
Supporting Prisoner
Arrival in Nigeria:
The Daughters of Charity came to Nigeria on 30th September 1963, when three missionary Sisters (Daughters of Charity) from the Province of Great Britain came to settle in Uyo, Akwa- Ibom State at the request of Bishop Moynagh SPS, who was then, the Bishop of Calabar. Eleven years later, young Nigerian Women who felt the call to share in the charism of St. Vincent de Pauland St. Louisede Marillac were received into the Company.
The Daughters of Charity in Nigeria became a region under the Province of Ireland on the 25th April 1976. In September 1993 it rose to the status of a Vice Province and since 1st February 2001 it has the Status of a Province. The Province of Nigeria is made up of Nigeria, Ghana and Burkina Faso.
The Daughters of Charity have continued to grow and spread throughout Nigeria and beyond. Today, there are 148 Daughters of Charity in the Province of Nigeria serving in 26 locations in the three countries mentioned above.
Special Contribution to the Church In Nigeria:
The Daughters of Charity in Nigeria have remained a beacon of hope for diverse people with wide-ranging needs. Her works span a broad range of services and advocacies to address the root causes of poverty, by partnering with the local people and government, recognizing individual needs while respecting the socio-economic, cultural and political realities of each region.
Some of her services are both owned and managed by the Daughters of Charity, although most are owned by some dioceses and managed by the Daughters of Charity.
Significant impacts of the services of the Daughters of Charity arise from the person-centred approach, enabling and life saving programs which have a multiplier/ripple effect on the larger society. Other remarkable achievements include among others;
Integration of people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, people affected by leprosy etc into the community, restoring dignity, self worth, promoting family support and improved lifestyle.
Reduction in crime rate, change in societal attitudes/stigma towards people living with disabilities.
Increase in educational opportunities for street children, children with disability and children of people affected by leprosy (PALS) Decrease in mortality rate especially in children where the Daughters of Charity work.
Sisters in Perpetual Vows
- Sr. Justina Arima
- Sr. Philomena Okwu
- Sr. Benardine Chimeziri
- Sr. Theresa Duru
- Sr. Francesca Edet
- Sr. Felicia Ezeimo
- Sr. Franca Opara
- Sr. Margaretmary Ekanem
- Sr. Bernadette Onuoha
- Sr. Margaret Ekeh
- Sr. Gloria Aniebonam
- Sr. Sylvia Anyanwu
- Sr. Theresa Archibong
- Sr. Bibiana Emenaha
- Sr. Perpetua Essien
- Sr. Marie Therese Okon
- Sr. Angelina Amanfo
- Sr. Emelia Asuquo
- Sr. Fidelia Odoemena
- Sr. Mary Okoro
- Sr. Gertrude Amasiatu
- Sr. Catherine Eking
- Sr. Augustina Ezeani
- Sr. Brenda Hunter
- Sr. Patricia Mary Ezissi
- Sr. Christiana Igechi
- Sr. Cecilia Okanwikpo
- Sr. Bernadette Uko
- Sr. Roseline Ibok
- Sr. Stella Mbanu
- Sr. Angela Rose Ogu
- Sr. Juliana Okeke
- Sr. Margaret Udoh
- Sr. Bridget Abbah
- Sr. Emerechi Alimnu
- Sr. Ifeoma Arinze
- Sr. Theresa Eke
- Sr. Florence Igoche
- Sr. Maria Kanabe
- Sr. Chinenye Keke
- Sr. Mary Okeke
- Sr. Agatha Nkemnjika
- Sr. Susan Udunna
- Sr. Marie-Therese Ukwak
- Sr. Olivia Umoh
- Sr. Christine Uwaechie
- Sr. Fidelia Unigwe
- Sr. Martha Ali
- Sr. Theresa Anosike
- Sr. Bibiana Dura
- Sr. Immaculate Enyoazu
- Sr. Catherine Nkereuwem
- Sr. Josephine Okwori
- Sr. Ngozi Aluka
- Sr. Elmamary Ekewuba
- Sr. Esther Ekpo
- Sr. Genevieve Uduk
- Sr. Roseline Dee
- Sr. Baridi Diidi
- Sr. Bernardine Pemii
- Sr. Beatrice Alaribe
- Sr. Scholastica Achinkumbur
- Sr. Funmilayo Arifayan
- Sr. Pauline Ekanem
- Sr. Nkechi Eze
- Sr. Toyin Abegunde
- Sr. Monica Ebuogbei
- Sr. Anastasia Ezedimbu
- Sr. Paulina Onwe
- Sr. Ifeanyi Opara
- Sr. Regina Achor
- Sr. Veronica Ogodo
- Sr. Helen Ojuh
- Sr. Toyin Amoko
- Sr. Ndidi Aroh
- Sr. Angelina Egane Mark
- Sr. Joyce Ikott
- Sr. Esther Osuagwu
- Sr. Maria Dabang
- Sr. Theresa John Thaddeus
- Sr. Onyemowo Ogbanje
- Sr. Augusta Aigbiremonlen
- Sr. Francesca Isiuwe
- Sr. Antonia Iyade
- Sr. Benedicta Osih
- Sr. Charity Okih Peter
- Sr. Victoria Nwosu
- Sr. Grace Umoren
- Sr. Patricia Amadi
- Sr. Rosemary Ologbonde
- Sr. Angela Onah
- Sr. Ojonoka Acheneje
- Sr. Ngozika Igwe
- Sr. Nancy Ijabi
- Sr. Theresa Nwokorie
- Sr. Margaret Ogbuja
- Sr. Calorine Ologunwa
- Sr. Fidelia Zabbey
- Sr. Lucy Adasu
- Sr. Theresa Antigha
- Sr. Sylvia Efekalam
- Sr. Gertrude Gima Laabel
- Sr. Stella Mameh
- Sr. Uche Nwakonobi
- Sr. Edwina Okeawolam
- Sr. Okparaeke Lynda
- Sr. Francesca Dike
- Sr. Florence Emmanuel
- Sr. Stella-Julie Obi
- Sr. Janet Deinaneghan
- Sr. Juliana Onukwufor
- Sr. Martha Uko Emmanuel
- Sr. Perpetua Okolie
- Sr. Cecilia Akong
- Sr. Mary Cynthia Amaudo
- Sr. Cynthia Obi
- Sr. Eno-obong Ukoh
- Sr. Stella Agbawa
- Sr. Scholastica Ashibuogwu
- Sr. Francesca Nkemjika
- Sr. Ima-Obong Afangide
- Sr. Monica Akpan
- Sr. Chinyere Oguajanma
- Sr. Eugenia Onuorah
- Sr. Juliet Ugwu
- Sr. Martha Achumie
- Sr. Fidelma Akata
- Sr. Bibian Azeh
- Sr. Victoria George Kingsley
- Sr. Rebecca Agwiye
- Sr. Clare Anyado
- Sr. Anthonia Ojogwu
- Sr. Mavis Ayamga
- Sr. Mary Gbanaab
- Sr. Anna Machine
- Sr. Nwamaka Muoneke
Number of Sisters in Temporary Vows – 12
Necrology
- Sr. Catherin Okafor, DC 28th Sept, 1986.
- Sr. Roseline Idoko, DC 28th Sept, 1989.
- Sr. Funmilola J. Arifayan, DC 26th Aug, 2003.
- Sr. Ijeoma M. Frances Ejifugha, DC 15,July, 2012
- Sr. Preye Bridget Ewarewa, DC 13th April, 2005..
- Sr. Theresa Madu, DC 4th Dec, 2016.