The Servants of Charity - Founded by Father Louis Gaunella]

100 Years of Service and Grace

1908 - 2008

"On March 24, 1908 in the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Como Italy, Fr. Louis Guanella and his first disciples gave themselves fully and perpetually to God with the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. This day was the birthday of the Congregation of the Servants of Charity.

Marking the 100th Anniversary of our ministry in the Church, members of the Congregation throughout the world are celebrating this historic event. We share our joy with all of you, our friends and benefactors, as we remember that you, too, were held in the heart and mind of our founder. So for all of us today, it is meaningful to recall the spiritual experiences that led Fr. Guanella to the foundation of a religious community that would enrich his life and enter into the history of the Church.

In reliving the day of our birth, as Servants of Charity, may we be inspired to live a more committed life, renewed in spirit and fervor."

Fr. Alfonso Crippa, S.C.
Superior General of the Servants of Charity

Schedule of Centennial Events

Centennial News

Superior General Visits U.S.

On the heels of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the US, the Servants of Charity communities in the U.S. had a historic visit of their own as their new Superior General Fr. Alfonso Crippa (elected 2006) visited the US for the first time May 9-20, 2008. In Michigan, the Diocese of Lansing’s new Bishop Earl Boyea traveled to Chelsea to welcome the Superior General in a memorable Mass May 11th. The entire visit was an occasion to celebrate the centenary of the congregation. (click on picture to view slideshow)

Sisters Celebrate Blessed Clare Bosatta's Feast Day

As part of the series of events celebrating the Servants of Charity’s 100th anniversary, the local community in Michigan hosted an event on the feast day of Blessed Clare Bosatta, April 21st. All religious sisters in the Lansing Diocese were invited and the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence from Chicago were the guests of honor. The evening included dinner at St. Louis Center and a Mass with the local community at the Shrine of St. Joseph. (click on picture to view slideshow)

Congregation Day picturesCongregation Day in Cuddalore, India

On March 24th, the entire Indian Guanellian community gathered in Cuddalore to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of the Servants of Charity. The event began with a ceremony in Sahaya Matha Parish followed by a procession through the streets of Cuddalore. Mass was presided over by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Pondy-Cuddalore. Six students from the Don Guanella Boys Home received their First Communion and the confreres renewed their vows. (click on picture to view slideshow)

Congregation Day photosU.S. Community Celebrates 100th Anniversary in Michigan

Bishop Carl Mengeling and priests of the Diocese of Lansing joined the Servants of Charity at the St. Louis Center in Chelsea and Shrine of St. Joseph in Grass Lake Michigan to celebrate the beginning of their Centennial Anniversary March 24th. The festivities included a dinner for the priests, a rosary with the laity, Mass and a renewal of vows for the Servants of Charity. (click on picture to view slideshow)

Centennial Celebrations in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Legazpi and Quezon City both had Centennial Celebrations on Congregation Day. The festivities began on March 23rd, Easter Sunday, the eve of Congregation Day in Quezon City. The Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, Bishop Pabillo, celebrated Mass with about 500 people: special children, youth, elderly, lay cooperators, benefactors, religious, and many other friends. Then on March 24th, the members and friends of Harong Kan Sagrada Familia in Legazpi held a special Mass and program to celebration the 100th anniversary of the congregation.

[BACK TO TOP]