Canossian Daughters of Charity North East Africa- Who we are

Canossian Daughters of Charity is an Institute of Consecrated women founded on 8th May 1808 in Verona – Italy by St Magdalene of Canossa (S. Maddalena Gabrielle di Canossa). Here is an overview of our Institute.

Charism:

Through a life of consecration, communion and humble service, “the contemplation of Jesus Christ who breathes nothing but charity leads the Sisters to have a heart of a mother and the ardor of an apostle and witness God’s saving love for humanity” to prevent sin.

Vision:

Women of the Word, loving without measure, reconfiguration to a life of holiness in and for the mission of today

Mission:

Above all, “To make Jesus known and loved” in every sphere of the society in which we serve specially the poorest

Objectives:

Attentive to the love that shines on the Cross, we model our way of loving on that of the Lord, in humility and radical detachment animated by a Spirit of charity, gentleness, meekness, of zeal and fortitude, of most amiable, most generous and most patient spirit.

1. To be prophetic witnesses of our time in the societies we live
2. To dedicate ourselves to serve the poor, needy and the marginalized
3. To cultivate joyful and sustainable partnerships and collaborations among Sisters and laity across all ministries, programs and services
4. To create spaces and programs for evangelization and promotion of our vocation
5. To love Mary, Mother of Charity at the foot of the Cross

Propelled by the Love that shines on the crucified Jesus, we respond to the call of Charity without boundaries, to a service with a generous heart through

1. Education – the “behavior of the person in life depends on the education received.” Hence, we foster holistic growth of children, adolescents and young people to “prevent and impede sin” through the “formation of the heart” forming them to be agents of change in the society they live according to Gospel values.  We give special attention to women, making them aware of their dignity, giving opportunities to build their capacity so that they may carry out their mission in the family, society and Church.
2. Evangelization – “There is no act of charity as perfect as that of helping our neighbor to love God.” We expend ourselves with untiring generosity in the holy exercises of the Church so that Christ may be the heart of the world.
3. Pastoral Healthcare – Faithful to the teachings of the Church to promote the culture of life in all its stages and expressions, we regard the sick as the living images of Christ Himself and we are “ready, if necessary, to expose our lives in the exercise of Holy Charity.”
4. Formation of the Laity – To promote the “spread of the Glory of God”, we form lay people called to dedicate themselves to apostolate specially in the field of education, catechesis and charitable works so that they may become guides and co-workers in the ecclesial community and in society.
5. Spiritual Exercises and retreats – We offer the opportunity for times of special encounter with the Lord through spiritual Exercises, retreats, direction and accompaniment.