The Sisters of St Paul of Chart: A Story of Life, Love, and Mission

Founding and Early History

• Year Founded: 1696
• Founder: Father Louis Chauvet, Parish Priest of Levesville, Diocese of Chartres, France.
• Original Name: Daughters of the School
• Initial Assistance: Mother Marie Anne de Tilly trained first members, Marie Micheau and Barbe Foucault.
• Mission: Teaching children and caring for the sick in their homes.

Establishment and Patronage

• Called to Chartres by Bishop Paul Godet de Marais.
• Renamed Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.
• Patron: St Paul the Apostle
• Model and Protectress: Blessed Virgin Mary

Initial Mission

• Goals: Improve human and spiritual conditions of villagers.
• Activities: Educating girls and visiting the poor and sick.

Expansion to the Philippines

• Philippine Journey Start: 1904
• Led by Mother Marie Anne de Tilly’s leadership.
• Arrival in Manila: October 25, 1904
• Arrival in Dumaguete: October 29, 1904.
• Invited by Bishop Frederick Z. Rooker, the new American Bishop of Jaro.
• Main Focus: Catechetical work and education.

Educational and Healthcare Foundations in the Philippines

• 1904: School that became St. Paul University Dumaguete.
• 1905: St. Paul Hospital in Manila and school in Vigan (now St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur).
• 1907: St. Paul University Tuguegarao.
• 1911: St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo.

Service and Expansion

• Further Foundations: Continual growth throughout the 20th century.
• Present-Day Work:
  • 44 schools
  • 13 hospitals
  • 8 pastoral centers
  • Formation and retirement houses
  • Active in 29 dioceses in the Philippines
  • Missions in 18 countries including Central Africa, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, France, England, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Hong Kong, Japan, the USA, Hawaii, Indonesia, East Timor, Israel, and Dubai.

Legacy

• Celebrating 110 years of service.
• Roles: Teachers, healers, pastoral workers, missionaries, and servants of the Church.