Founded by Father Louis Chauvet, a parish priest from Levesville-la-Chenard, a French village, the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres is a Roman Catholic religious apostolic congregation of pontifical right that specializes in education, nursing, and caring for the poor, orphans, the old, the infirm, and the mentally ill. Founded in 1696, the congregation's first house belonged to Father Chauvet, but they were eventually asked to go to Chartres, where they occupied a house given to them by the Bishop of Chartres, Monsignor Paul Godet des Marais. As the house had formerly belonged to a sabot-maker, the congregation was originally known as les Sœurs Sabotiers. Like other religious institutes, the congregation was exiled from France during the French Revolution, but was restored by Napoleon I, who granted the sisters a monastery at Chartres and, as the monastery had originally belonged to the Jacobins, the congregation became known as les Sœurs de St. Jacques. In 1847, they settled in England at the invitation of Cardinal Wiseman. In 1848, the Sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres arrived in Hong Kong, where they established schools and hospitals. The core values of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres are known by members of the congregation as the five C's: Christ, Charity, Charism, Commission, and Communion. Christ is the center of the life of members of the congregation. Charity is urged on by the love of Christ. The Charism (gifts, talents) of the congregation are developed for the service of the community, and members seek to continually improve. The Commission of the Paulinians is to spread the Gospel, like Christ. The sisters actively work to save the world, and to make it a better place. Living in Community, the Paulinian is a responsible family member and citizen, one who works to build communities and to promote people, seek peace and justice, and to protect the environment.
Recommended Resources
Saint Paul’s Convent School, Primary Section
Situated in Hong Kong, St. Paul’s is a Catholic primary school for girls ages six to twelve, sponsored and operated by the Sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres, who came to Hong Kong from France in 1848. Its curriculum is highlighted, and an overview of the school facilities and programs is put forth, including awards, graduate information, the school hymn and the school motto. Contacts and office hours are included.
http://www.spcspr.edu.hk/
Sisters of Charity of Saint Paul the Apostle
Founded by Genevieve Dupuis, who joined the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres in 1834, and was appointed to this new mission in England in 1847, the congregation is sometimes called the Selly Park Sisters for the location of their motherhouse in Selly Park, Birmingham, England. An overview of the requirements and process of becoming a sister is put forth, along with a calendar of events.
http://www.sistersofstpaulsellypark.org/
Sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres (Hong Kong)
The apostolic Catholic religious community originated in France in 1696, and named for the Apostle Paul. Their mission in Hong Kong began in 1848, when they were requested by the Bishop Augustine Forcade, Prefect Apostolic of Hong Kong. A history and profile of the congregation is put forth, along with its institutions and ministries, retreat house, chapel, and associates.
http://www.srspc.org.hk/en/
Sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres Australia
From the earliest days of the congregation, established in France in 1695, its work in Australia was begun by Sisters from the Hong Kong province in 1984, and the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres now operates an international college, a retirement village, student hostel, and local parish ministry on the continent. The story of the congregation is told here, along with an overview of vocations with the Sisters, schedules, and contacts.
http://www.srspcaustralia.org.au/
Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres
The missionary congregation was founded in France by Father Louis Chauvet in 1696, and now has a presence in forty countries in five continents. A profile and history of the congregation is put forth, with biographies of its founder, the first mothers, and its first missionaries. Its charism is defined, and a simple liturgical commemoration is available on video. The SPC General Council and SPC Juniors in Rome are introduced, and a schedule of events is posted to the site.
http://www.stpaulrome.com/
Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres USA
Founded in 17th century France, the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres was established in the United States in 1963 at the invitation of the Bishop of Marquette, who sought a community of Catholic Sisters who would establish a Novitiate in the Diocese of Marquette, so that young women interested in becoming Religious wouldn’t have to leave the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Its work in the UP is reviewed here. Other resources include a photo gallery and videos.
http://www.sistersofstpaulusa.org/
