Origins of the Congregation
The Congregation of the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence was founded in a small town in Northern Italy, in 1881 by St. Louis Guanella. Impelled by the love of Christ he spent his entire life and energies for the needy. Father Guanella also founded the Servants of Charity, a congregation for men. Co-founderess with Fr. Guanella of the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, was Sister Marcellina Bosatta.

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The congregation’s statutes obligate the sisters to “dedicate themselves in a particular manner to the care of those whom the Gospel calls Little, that is the weak, the needy, the lonely, the abandoned, the aged, the differently abled and the youth, whom they find in particular need, and announce the “good news” to them through the exercise of the Works of Mercy and faith in the Providence of the Father.”

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Father Guanella had great confidence in the Sisters and encouraged them with these words: “Blessed are you, Daughters of St. Mary, whose only aim is the glory of God and the Salvation of your souls and the souls of your neighbors’…if you make it your greatest aim to become imitators of Jesus Christ, good example will spontaneously gush forth from all your being, and from you will emanate a life-giving force for all those who depend on you, or share with you your life and vocation.”

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Ministry and Charism
The Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, referred to as Guanellians, live their special vocation, binding themselves to God with the three vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience. Faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, the Sisters spread the “culture of charity” ministering to:

 

• Physically and mentally challenged children and adults

• Animating youth groups.

• Assisting the Aged.

• Caring for the Orphan Children

• Pastoral Activities like teaching Catechism and animating Basic Christian Community.

• Feeding the poor and Hungry.

• Skill training for under privileged people.

• Evening tuition Centre for the week students in a special manner.

• Awareness programme for the youth and adults.

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Life in the Congregation
As a sign of their total consecration to Christ, the Sisters wear a simple, uniform habit with veil and a crucifix. Prayer has a central role in the lives of the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence. Each day begins with the community praying the Liturgy of the Hours Morning Prayer, followed by personal meditation, and the Eucharistic Liturgy. Other parts of the Divine Office, rosary, spiritual reading, personal prayer, are interspersed throughout the day. A time for recreation and relaxation is shared by all. Monthly days of recollection, annual retreat days, vacation and home visits, and community outings maintain the Sisters renewed and refreshed in their religious life. The Sisters find deep joy and fulfillment in serving the poor and the needy, whom the Providence of God entrusts to their care. Through this service, they reflect and share the compassionate love of the Heavenly Father.