History

Sisters of Charity Federation in the Vincentian and Setonian Tradition

A voluntary membership association of Roman Catholic Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life of women whose mission in the Church continues the original charisms of Vincent de Paul (1581 – 1660, canonized 1737), Louise de Marillac (1591 – 1660, canonized 1934), and Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton (1774 – 1821, canonized 1975). The founding congregations of the Sisters of Charity Federation trace their roots to the first sisterhood native to the United States, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph’s (S.C.), founded (1809) by Elizabeth Bayley Seton (Mother Seton) near Emmitsburg, Maryland. For membership, congregations must document the influence of the Common Rules of the Daughters of Charity (Paris, 1672), as the root of their spiritual heritage.