The Congregation of the Sisters of Christian Instruction, formerly known as the Ladies of Christian Instruction, was founded by Mother Agathe Verhelle on 25 March 1823 in Belgium. Of pontifical right, it was approved by the Holy See on 10 August 1827. It is an Institute of consecrated life; the sisters have consecrated themselves through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. The Institute of the Sisters of Christian Instruction is a work of the Holy Spirit; more than two hundred years have passed from its foundation to the present day. The Institute, formerly called the “Ladies of Christian Instruction”, has developed in fidelity to the Church of yesterday and today, rooted in the past and bringing the foundress’s inspiration up to date.
CHARISM
The charism of the Sisters of Christian Instruction is “to consecrate themselves to God and sacrifice themselves entirely for young people, wherever they can cooperate in spreading the glory of God”. Therefore, nothing that contributes to or harms young people themselves, their Christian vitality and their human dignity in Jesus Christ can be foreign to them.
SPIRITUALITY OF THE INSTITUTE
Reverend Mother Agathe drew inspiration from Ignatian spirituality to found our institute: “everything for the greater glory of God”. Therefore, the spirit of our vocation is a spirit of faith and obedience, charity and zeal, self-denial and simplicity.
THE MOTTO OF THE INSTITUTE
Rejoice and do good.
EXPANSION
On 17 January 1958, Mother Giovanna received the task of leading the Congregation: she was 63 years old and became the seventh Superior General (1958-1968). She immediately gave free rein to her missionary drive: not only did she continue the expansion of the Congregation in Brazil, but she also inaugurated its presence on a new continent, Africa. Thus, in July 1959, she left for the Congo (now the DRC) to establish seven valiant missionaries in the northeast of the Province, in the Kilo mines; supported in her undertaking by Bishop Mattyssen.
They are present on 3 continents: Europe, America and Africa.
EUROPE
- Belgium
- England
AMERICA
- Brazil
AFRICA
- DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
- RWANDA
- TOGO
- UGANDA
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Diocese of Bunia,
- Diocese of Goma,
- Archdiocese of Bukavu
- Archdiocese of Kinshasa
In Rwanda
- Diocese of Kiagale
- Diocese of Kibungo (Zaza)
In Togo
- Diocese of Dapaong
In Uganda
Archdiocese of Kampala