Blessings Expressions of Faith
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
Item No.: SP040
History
Father John B. David, who would later become Bishop of Mauricastro, and Mother Catherine Spalding, the Community’s first Superior, founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, near Bradstown, Kentucky, in December 1812. The name, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, was chosen because the founders planned that the sisters would devote the lives to varied works of charity. The Congregation grew to ninety branch houses located in ten states in the southern, eastern and central sections of the United States. The sisters staffed one hundred and forty-five schools, and eleven hospitals. They cared for orphans, the aged, the insane, abandoned infants, and unwed mothers. Since 1947, the sisters have also engaged in educational and hospital work in Patna, India.
Purpose
The principal purpose of the Congregation is to offer honor and glory to God through the three vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, and works of charity.
Training
The postulancy of ten months is followed by a two-year novitiate. During the first year of novitiate the program is directed almost exclusively to spiritual formation. In the second year, the novice continues working toward her academic degree while fulfilling the spiritual requirements. The young professed sister then enters the juniorate where a program of studies based upon the recommendations of the Sister Formation Conference is conducted.
Qualifications
• Good will, good judgment, good health.
• Age: 16 to 30.
Habit
The habit is black and includes a circular cape, apron and a white hat.
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