|
|
|
Simple Vows ... simple life
Daughters of Charity differed from the other religious groups of the day. In order to move more freely through the streets and hospital wards they were to have:
- for monastery, only the houses of the sick
- for a cell, a rented room
- for a chapel, the parish church
- for a cloister, the streets of the city
- for enclosure, obedience
- for grille the fear of God;
- for a veil, holy modesty
They bound themselves to God by simple, not solemn, vows. Early in their history, the practice of annual, not perpetual, vows was established.
The Daughters of Charity went out into the streets of Paris and cared for the sick poor in their homes. Later, they served in hospitals, schools and foundling homes. Soon the care of galley slaves, wounded soldiers, the aged and the mentally ill fell within their provision. Infact anyone in need became the focus of their care.
Becoming a Worldwide Community
A missionary spirit developed during this small beginning in Paris and they moved on to establish a hospital in Poland. This was the first step on their journey to becoming a worldwide Community, seeking to help those most in need of God's loving care.
No form of Christian charity was foreign to the zeal of the Daughters of Charity then, nor is it today. You will find them living and working in social priority areas; in hospitals, orphanages, schools, day centres for the homeless; alongside people with addictions or disabilities - infact anywhere where there is need or poverty and they can be of help and support.
|
|
|