The political and the historical circumstances during the time of Jeanne-Antide brought about a separation within the Congregation with a Superior General in Rome and another one in Besançon. However nobody truly relinquished this separation. Since the death of Jeanne-Antide, the contacts between Rome and Besançon were never lacking as well as suggestions to unite afresh the two branches. A long journey however was necessary down the years in order to arrive to an official unity.
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
It was at the beginning of the 20thcentury that the Sisters of Charity left Europe towards other continents in order to answer the calls of the Church (especially during the Vatican Council II) or when challenged by the political and social events, in France, when the laws prohibited the religious to teach … the immigrants’ calls … in Latin America … the situations of the christian minorities … in Pakistan … in Indonesia … in Sudan … in India … in Vietnam …
THE REORGANISATIONS
With the passing of time, according to the calls of the mission and territorial establishments, according to the numerical development within the Congregation, the initial formation needs and to intensify the missionary dynamism and the unity of the body congregation in the cultural diversity, the structures and the territorial restructuring developed : the pooling of communities, Provinces and progressive responsibilities left to new realities … at the service of life.
THE FACES OF HOLINESS
After the canonisation of Jeanne-Antide, in 1934, other sisters of the Congregation have been officially acknowledged by the Church as witnesses of God’s charity.
The quality of their life and their service become examples for all the christians and lead us on the path of holiness.
THE PATH OF THE CONGREGATION’S DEVELOPMENTS
1799
1799
April 11: Foundation of the Congregation by Sr. Jeanne Antide Thouret in Besançon, France
1810
1810
Foundation in Switzerland Foundation in Savoy, in Thonon Foundation in Italy, in Naples
1825
1825
Foundation in Vercelli Sr. Victoire Batholemot is appointed representative of Jeanne-Antide in Savoy. This marks the beginning of the Province of Savoy.
1826
1826
August 26: Jeanne-Antide, Superior General of the Sisters of Charity, dies in Naples. Sr. Geneviève Boucon is appointed Superior General (until 1856). In Besançon, Sr. Catherine Barrois (1822-1827) is Superior General.
1830
1830
Constitution of the Province of Vercelli
1826/1919
1826/1919
Superior Generals in Rome: Sr. Geneviève Boucon (1826-1856) Sr Catherine Chambrot (1856-1880) Sr. M. Thérèse Vignet (1880-1885) Sr. M. Joseph Boquin (1885-1893) Sr. Irène Buzio (1893-1895) Sr. Leontine Vandel (1895-1899) Sr. Hildegarde Zmiglio (1900-1915)
1868
1868
Foundation in Malta
1900
1900
January 15: Introduction of the cause for the beatification of Jeanne-Antide
1901
1901
Founded in England
1902
1902
Warm welcome from Mother Hildegarde Zmiglio in Besançon
1903
1903
Founded in Belgium (until 1980) Establishment of the Province of Turin
1904
1904
Foundation in Lebanon Establishment of the Province of Malta
1909
1909
Foundation in Egypt
1918
1918
In Besançon, the diocesan process for the beatification of Jeanne-Antide is underway.
1919
1919
First steps towards the reunification of the Congregation In July, Mother Anne Lapierre, then Superior General in Rome (1916-1936), visits Besançon. On December 11, Mother M. Anna Groffe, then Superior General in Besançon (1902-1930), officially requests union with Italy.
1920
1920
The Union is postponed, out of prudence, on the advice of the Church.
1921
1921
Decree on the heroic virtues of Joan Antide
1925
1925
Foundation in Syria
1926
1926
May 23: Beatification of Jeanne-Antide Thouret
1928
1928
Constitution of the Province of Rome
1932
1932
Founded in the United States
1934
1934
January 14:
Canonization of Saint Jeanne Antide
Foundation in Laos
Sister Aldegonda Gizzi is Superior General in Rome (1936-1953) and Sister Charles Loigeret, in Besançon (1936-1951). November 2: The French government opposes the Decree of Pius XI on the Union.
1935/1936
1935/1936
The disappointment caused strong reactions among the nuns. About fifty nuns, mostly Egyptian, were authorized to travel from Besançon to Rome.
1940
1940
Foundation in Algeria Establishment of the Province of Brescia
1951
1951
Opening of the diocesan process for Sr. Nemesia Valle Sr. Charles Loigeret relaunches the Union
1952
1952
Sr. Antoine de Padoue Duffet is elected Superior General in Besançon
1953
1953
Sister Giovanna Francesca Voltolini was elected Superior General in Rome (1953-1965). In August, she met with the Superior of Besançon in Besançon and Sancey to prepare for the Union.
1954
1954
Mother Giovanna Francesca Voltolini summons all the Superiors of the Institute to Rome; the Superior of Besançon participates for the first time.
1957
1957
Pilgrimage of the Mother General and the Provincials to Sancey and Besançon to celebrate the Union.
1960
1960
Foundation in the Central African Republic.
1962
1962
Foundation in Chad.
1962/1965
1962/1965
The Second Vatican Council invites congregations to undertake a great work of research and return to their sources, to better define their charism. From this, a new Rule of Life will emerge.
1965
1965
Foundation in Libya (until 1996) Sr. Maria Candida Torchio became Superior General (1965-1969)
1967
1967
Foundation in Paraguay
1968
1968
Foundation in Argentina
1968/1969
1968/1969
Celebrazione del Capitolo Generale speciale per la revisione delle Costituzioni.
1969
1969
Mother Antoine de Padoue Duffet, general councilor in Rome (1965-1969) was elected Mother General of the Congregation (1969-1980), after the premature death of Sister Maria Candida Torchio.
1972
1972
November 11: Beatification of Sister Agostina Pietrantoni.
1976
1976
Constitution of the Province of the United States.
1980
1980
Foundation in Indonesia. Celebration of the General Chapter: Sr. Maria Carla Aletti is elected Superior General (1980-1990).
1981
1981
April 11: Church approves the new text of the Rule of Life.
1982
1982
Foundation in Pakistan.
1984
1984
Foundation in Sudan.
1986
1986
Constitution of the Regions of Central Africa and Latin America.
1990
1990
Foundation in Cameroon. Celebration of the General Chapter: Sr. Marie Antoine Henriot is elected Superior General (1990-2000).
1991
1991
Foundation in Romania.
1992
1992
Foundation in Albania.
1993
1993
Merger of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Digne with our Congregation.
1995
1995
Beginning of the diocesan process for the beatification and canonization of Sister Enrichetta Alfieri. Foundation in Bolivia.
1996
1996
Foundation in Brazil.
1998
1998
Official Vatican decree recognizing the union between the two branches of the Institute.
1999
1999
Bicentennial Celebration of the Foundation Foundation in India. April 18: Canonization of Sister Agostina Pietrantoni.
2000
2000
January 23: Celebration of the Merger of the Sisters Hospitallers of Besançon with our Congregation. Celebration of the General Chapter: Sister Maria Luisa Colombo is elected Superior General (2000-2010). Establishment of the Province of the Orient
2002
2002
July 5: Sister Nemesia Valle is proclaimed Venerable by Pope John Paul II. Foundation in Thailand. Establishment of the Northern Italy Province (formerly the Provinces of Turin, Brescia, and Vercelli).
2003
2003
Foundation in Ethiopia
2004
2004
Foundation in Vietnam. April 25: Sister Nemesia Valle is proclaimed Blessed by Pope John Paul II.
2005
2005
Foundation in Moldova. Celebration of the General Chapter.
2006
2006
Establishment of the Province of Central Italy (formerly the Provinces of Rome and Ferrara). The Province of Naples becomes the Province of Southern Italy. Establishment of the Province of Central Africa (Chad, CAR, and Cameron). Establishment of the Eastern Europe Region (Romania, Albania, and Moldova). Establishment of the Pakistan Region. Establishment of the Province of Latin America (Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil).
2007
2007
Constitution of the Province of Besançon-Savoie (France – Switzerland – England). Constitution of the Province of Southeast Asia (Laos – Vietnam – Thailand).
2009
2009
December 19: Sr. Enrichetta is declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI
2010
2010
Celebration of the General Chapter: Sr. Nunzia di Gori is elected Superior General.
2011
2011
June 26 in Milan: Sister Enrichetta Alfieri is declared Blessed
2014
2014
Merger of the Sisters of Santa Marta with our Congregation.
2015
2015
1-26 luglio: Celebrazione del 20° Capitolo Generale: sr. Nunzia de Gori è rieletta Superiora generale
2017
2017
Constitution of the Province of Italy – Malta (ex. provinces: Southern Italy, Central Italy, Northern Italy and Malta)
2021
2021
Constitution of the Province of Italy – Malta (ex. provinces: Southern Italy, Central Italy, Northern Italy and Malta)
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