THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY

THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL was founded in 1633.  It is a Society of Apostolic Life.  Its Mother House is in Paris, France.  The Daughters of Charity are found in the five continents of the world.  Its charism is the care of the poor through education, health, social, economic and pastoral ministries. 

THE MISSION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY IN THAILAND

The Daughters of Charity came to Thailand on August 27, 1969 upon the request of Bishop Clarence Duhart, CSsR of the Diocese of Udon Thani.  The pioneering Sisters came from USA (2) and the Philippines (2).  The work entrusted to them was the care of the Hansenites at Niramon Clinic in Ban Noi Samliem, a small village in the Province of Khon Kaen.  Soon their work was extended to Nonsomboon Leprosarium, a government owned institution, and eventually, to the leprosy villages in the whole province.  Socio-economic programs were integrated in health services which included income generating activities, child welfare and development projects for the children of Hansenites.  Gradually the work evolved to the care of the elderly, rehabilitation of the persons with disabilities, study grant program for poor students, and migrant women.  In 1996, the Thailand Mission became a Region.  At this point, the Daughters responded to the call of Service to Persons living with HIV/AIDS both in institution and community based programs.  In 1999, they initiated a pastoral ministry for the youth and elderly in Laos.  In the same year, they started pastoral ministry in Battambang, Cambodia and the rehabilitation of the Blind in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  On February 1, 2001, Thailand Region was constituted as a Province to comprise the three countries:  Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

In 2004 one house with pastoral ministry was closed but another was opened to work with both the Thais and the Burmese, especially the refugees in the border.  In the wake of the Tsunami 2004, the Daughters of Charity was involved in the Diocese of Surat Thani, by doing an administrative work in the office, assisting the Burmese migrants affected by the disaster, and rehabilitating groups of Thai Buddhists, Thai Muslims and the Moken Gypsies.

In the course of the year, amidst contrasting realities of poverty and affluence in the 3 countries of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, we, the Daughters of Charity continue to strive to live in faith and unity in witnessing to Christ’s love to make the Kingdom present in this part of the world.

      “The missionary spirit must animate all the sisters. They are ready to serve wherever they are sent, convinced that they are contributing to the fulfillment of the mission entrusted to them by the Church”. (C.25b)