13 Ladies of Charity from the United States joined nearly 400 AIC members from 53 national associations in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Ladies of Charity/AIC. The gathering took place at various sites in France, including Chatillon where St. Vincent started the Confraternity of Charity, now known in the United States as Ladies of Charity. Those who gathered in France participating in lectures, reflections, daily Mass and a tour of St. Vincent de Paul’s heritage sites, including the original Hotel Dieu, St. Andre’s Parish and Vincent’s home. Daughters of Charity and Vincentian priests from around the world provided spiritual reflections pertaining to the history and charism of Sts. Vincent and Louise de Marillac. Significantly, AIC took this opportunity to update our Charter and each association president received one at a lovely ceremony. Suzanne Johnson represented us very well. In fact, we had five current and former LCUSA presidents participating in France!
These were very moving and grace-filled days for those who have reported their experience to us.
Mary Nell Williams was one of the LCUSA delegates and she found the opportunity to see, be with and touch the reliquary of St. Vincent’s heart to be an unexpected surprise and particularly special.
Mary Ann Dantuono added, “What could be better than celebrating the 400th anniversary of an organization you love? Celebrating with nearly 400 women from 50 different countries and the people of a small village in southeast France where it all started! It is a privilege to be a Lady of Charity at this moment in history.”
Please read more about this enriching and celebratory time in the development of our powerful organization in the upcoming issue of The Servicette, our Ladies of Charity newsletter. Also, please look on our website for continuing 400th Anniversary activities in so many of our LCUSA communities. While on our website, please “subscribe” in the upper right corner of our homepage and follow the directions to receive usually a once a week email notifying us of new updates to our website. It is fun to see the latest photos/articles from each of our associations and receive new information that is valuable for each of us, from the LCUSA president.
