Sisters of Charity of Australia
Encyclopedia
The Sisters of Charity of Australia (Religious Sisters of Charity, or rsc) is a congregation of Roman Catholic women religious who have served the people of Australia since 1838. Initially part of the congregation named the Religious Sisters of Charity
, founded by Mary Aikenhead
in Dublin in the early 19th century, the Sisters of Charity of Australia have operated independent of the congregation in Ireland since 1842. Arriving in Australia on the last day of 1838, the Sisters who volunteered to come to Australia from Ireland were the first women religious to set foot on Australian soil.
The Spirituality
of the Sisters of Charity derives from the Spirituality
of St. Ignatius of Loyola
and the vision of Mary Aikenhead
, their foundress. In addition to the three vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, the Sisters of Charity take a fourth vow, of Service of the Poor. For the Sisters of Charity, 'Service of the Poor' denotes not only the alleviation of a present affliction by immediate action, but also includes having a "preferential option for the poor".
The ministries of the Sisters of Charity have been quite varied in nature from the beginning of their founding. From acting as chaplains in Prisons to managing hospitals and acting to conserve environments, they have been quick to move to where they have been most needed, and to where they have been of the greatest service to the poor. One of their most prominent ministries has been the establishment of St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
in 1857, which they have administered ever since.
Religious Sisters of Charity
The Religious Sisters of Charity or Irish Sisters of Charity is a Roman Catholic religious order founded by Mary Aikenhead in Ireland in 1815.Its motto is "Caritas Christi urget nos" ....
, founded by Mary Aikenhead
Mary Aikenhead
Mother Mary Frances Aikenhead was born in Daunt's Square off Grand Parade, Cork, Ireland. She was the founder of the Roman Catholic religious order the Religious Sisters of Charity and of St...
in Dublin in the early 19th century, the Sisters of Charity of Australia have operated independent of the congregation in Ireland since 1842. Arriving in Australia on the last day of 1838, the Sisters who volunteered to come to Australia from Ireland were the first women religious to set foot on Australian soil.
The Spirituality
Spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop...
of the Sisters of Charity derives from the Spirituality
Spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop...
of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Ignatius of Loyola
Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight from a Basque noble family, hermit, priest since 1537, and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus and was its first Superior General. Ignatius emerged as a religious leader during the Counter-Reformation...
and the vision of Mary Aikenhead
Mary Aikenhead
Mother Mary Frances Aikenhead was born in Daunt's Square off Grand Parade, Cork, Ireland. She was the founder of the Roman Catholic religious order the Religious Sisters of Charity and of St...
, their foundress. In addition to the three vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, the Sisters of Charity take a fourth vow, of Service of the Poor. For the Sisters of Charity, 'Service of the Poor' denotes not only the alleviation of a present affliction by immediate action, but also includes having a "preferential option for the poor".
The ministries of the Sisters of Charity have been quite varied in nature from the beginning of their founding. From acting as chaplains in Prisons to managing hospitals and acting to conserve environments, they have been quick to move to where they have been most needed, and to where they have been of the greatest service to the poor. One of their most prominent ministries has been the establishment of St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
St Vincent's Public Hospital, Sydney is located in the inner city suburb of Darlinghurst. Though part of the New South Wales state public health system it remains under the auspices of the Sisters of Charity.-History:...
in 1857, which they have administered ever since.
Further reading
- Cullen, John H., 1938 'The Australian daughters of Mary Aikenhead : a century of charity, 1838-1938', Pellegrini, Sydney
- Donovan, Margaret. M. (1979bc). Apostolate of Love: Mary Aikenhead, 1787–1858, Foundress of the Irish Sisters of Charity. Melbourne: Polding Press