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We, the Sisters of Charity of Sts. Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa (SCCG) also known as the Sisters of Maria Bambina, are one of the numerous religious families that form part of the Holy Church and share in its mission according to our Charism the spiritual gift. Our specific vocation helps us reach our to the youth in every life-situation but preferably the poorest and those who are disoriented, with no sense of direction in life, the sick, the aged, the marginalized, and those who do not yet know the Good News Christ Jesus brings.
Our aim is to partake in each other’s joys and sorrows, and to cooperate with other members of the Church in promoting human dignity and in bearing Christian witnessing through our service of charity and the proclamation of the Word of God. By our readiness to “do everything possible” for the real good of our neighbour, we say that we totally belong to Lord Jesus whom we serve in a way of life that is chaste, poor and obedient, wholly dedicated to the salvation of humankind.
We lead our consecrated life in community, and in a warm, cheerful atmosphere, carry out activities of charity entrusted to us.
Though spread in various parts of the world, we form one sole family and to guide us along our particular path of charity we have a Rule of life, which follows the “examples” left for us by Jesus in the Gospel.
ST. BARTOLOMEA CAPITANIO (1807- 1833) Bartolomea Capitanio was born at Lovere in Italy on the 13th of January 1807 into a family of modest means. She entered a boarding school run by Sisters of Poor Clares at the age of seven where she acquired deep piety and, “I WANT TO BE A SAINT, A GREAT SAINT AND A SAINT SOON” became the motto of her life. During her stay with those religious sisters, dedicated to God in prayer, she experienced the presence of the Lord in a profound way and was convinced in her heart that Jesus loved her and had chosen her to be His own.
As a young woman and armed with a teacher’s diploma, she immersed herself in teaching the little girls, especially orphans, young girls without motivation and those in moral danger. She also cared for the sick and the abandoned with the desire to help everyone to meet Christ.
Bartolomea’s inspiration to found an Institute, took shape because of her deep love for God and through her involvement in the actual situation of the people of Lovere – her native town. Encouraged by Rev.Fr.Angelo Bosio, her spiritual director, the Institute of “Sisters of Charity” became a reality on 21st November 1832 supported by her first companion, Vincenza Gerosa. She desired that this Institute should be totally founded on charity in imitation of the most ardent love of Jesus the Redeemer with a life entirely dedicated to the well being of one’s neighbour. She attained eternity just eight months after the foundation of the Institute at 26 years of age in 1833.
ST.VINCENZA GEROSA (1784-1847) born at Lovere, Bergamo in Italy on the 29th of October 1784 into an affluent family, who were dealers in leather. From a tender age,Vincenza learnt to share her sufferings with the Crucified Lord and lavished her charity on those who were hungry, thirsty and sick. Her attention moved from “the Crucifix to the poor and from the poor to the Crucifix” and would see the face of Christ in every suffering person.
Vincenza had a special predilection for the young girls and to keep them away from dangers and evil influences, gathered them in her home, which became the first Oratory in Lovere. It was here that Bartolomea met Vincenza for the first time, who became her collaborator in the founding of the Institute. When Bartolomea proposed her idea, Catherine with her usual modesty and humility replied that she is not meant for big things and that she was contended with her charitable works.
Later on, yielding to the Will of God, Vincenza readily consented giving herself and her large property for the New Institute. When Bartolomea fell ill and eventually died after eight months of its foundation, Catherine simply wanted to leave. However, the encouragement of her confessor, convinced her and she once again exercised her faith and obedience to the Will of God and with total trust in God guided the Institute and was instrumental in its expansion. On her death in 1847, there were 156 members and 25 communities.
ST.FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1182-1226) of the college is St.Francis of Assisi, a unique spiritual personality who gave up a life of wealth and social position to embrace a life of poverty and chastity. With the approval of the Pope, he founded a new Monastic Order, commonly known as the Franciscans. St Francis is considered one of the greatest saints in the Christian tradition and an example of a life lived in imitation of Jesus Christ and is often held as an inspiring example of someone who most closely imitated the life of Christ in word, deed, spirit, and was called as "Alter Christy". He willingly embraced poverty, chastity and a simple life of humility.
St Francis was noted for his love of all of God’s creation, he often referred to “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon,” he saw in everything a part of God’s creation and is also known to be the first Environmentalist, he is the patron saint of animals, and the environment.
