From the newsletter of the Central Africa Province, we continue to publish the charismatic ‘apports’ for which the Sisters of Charity of that territorial reality have committed themselves to reflect, pray, document, and write down.

Two significant contributions have already been published

We continue the publication of these valuable contributions with the contribution of Sister Prisca, on the relevance of the charism of Saint Giovanna Antida:

Compassion and service to the most vulnerable

in an individualistic world

The charism of charity of Saint Jeanne Antide Thouret, focused on the poor, the sick and the excluded, offers a powerful model of compassion and action that is more relevant than ever in our individualistic society.

Her legacy is reflected today in a concrete commitment to the most vulnerable, adapted to contemporary challenges.

THE CHARISMA OF CHARITY OF SAINT JEANNE-ANTIDE: The charism of charity of Saint Jeanne-Antide is the foundation of the vocation. It is not limited to simple, one-off assistance, but embodies a comprehensive and active approach to service. Her motto, ‘GOD ALONE’, was a principle that meant serving Jesus Christ in the poor.

AT THE HEART OF HER WORK IS:

DIRECT SERVICE: She did not just organise aid, she herself cared for the sick at home and fed the poor, notably by creating soup kitchens for the poor.

EDUCATION FOR THE MOST DISADVANTAGED: faced with poverty and lack of access to education, she founded free schools for girls, offering them a chance to escape poverty.

SOCIAL COMMITMENT: her work responded to the social and health crisis of her time, in the midst of the French Revolution and the Empire. She identified the pressing needs of her time and responded to them in a concrete and innovative way.

UPDATING THIS SERVICE IN TODAY’S WORLD: In a society often marked by individualism and isolation, the charism of Saint Jeanne Antide lives on through actions that respond to new forms of vulnerability. Serving the most disadvantaged today involves a commitment to those who are most marginalised and excluded.

HOMELESS PEOPLE: Like Jeanne-Antide, who welcomed the sick and the poor, modern actions extend to welcoming and supporting homeless people. This involves providing them not only with shelter and food, but also with dignity and support for their reintegration.

REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS: The spirit of charity applies to helping refugees and migrants, who are often forced to flee war, poverty or persecution. Humanitarian organisations and volunteers are committed to providing them with vital support, legal assistance and a sense of belonging in their new country.

VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery: engaging with these victims means offering them a safe haven, psychological care and helping them rebuild their lives, far from their tormentors; it is a charitable act that requires great compassion and close collaboration with the authorities.

ISOLATED PEOPLE: Isolation, especially among the elderly, is another form of modern poverty. Service activities include visits, moral support and the creation of social ties, restoring a sense of community to those who feel forgotten.

The charism of charity of Saint Jeanne Antide is a call to active concern.

It reminds us that compassion must not remain a passive feeling, but must be transformed into concrete actions in the service of the most vulnerable.

In a world where crises are multiplying and individualism tends to prevail, the model of charity of Saint Jeanne-Antide Thouret invites us to recognise the dignity of each person and to act with determination to build a more just and humane world.

We, the Sisters of Charity, whose charism was founded by Saint Jeanne Antide, are concrete examples of this legacy. We are present in more than 30 countries on four continents, working in very different contexts but with the same mission. Today, our commitment is multifaceted and adapts to the specific problems of each country. For example, we are active in:

EDUCATION: as a driver of dignity HEALTH: our presence reassures the sick, our attentive ear to their fears and sufferings gives them back the hope and dignity they expect from us.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: with women, street children, girls in our various homes, in women’s training centres, etc.

WARS AND UNREST: we are present in conflict zones

THE SHELTER: this is a pillar of our mission, as it is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty. It is: a safe place to live, educational support, a learning community, a better future, personalised support, in a more intimate setting that helps each girl overcome her difficulties and succeed in her studies.

MALNOURISHED CHILDREN represent one of the most glaring forms of suffering today. Caring for them is an absolute priority for us Sisters of Charity, as it is directly in line with the charism of compassion and service of Saint Jeanne Antide.

 

Sr Prisca, Sdc