…under the protection of Mary…

The Founders inculcated in the Daughters of Charity the love and imitation of the Virgin Mary, inviting them to contemplate her as: •the Immaculate One, totally open to the Spirit, and the one whom Saint Vincent, in the words of Jesus, gave as the perfect example of those who “hear the word of God and keep it”;

•the humble, faithful Servant of the Father’s plan, and model of the poor in spirit;

•the Mother of God, Mother of mercy and hope of the lowly, closely united with her Son, leading to Him those who place their trust in her;

•Mother of the Church and only Mother of the Company, to whom Saint Louise dedicated the infant Community, which she wished to place under her protection forever. (C.15b)