The Congregation
Sisters for Those Who Are Forgotten
The Society of the Helpers of the Souls in Purgatory was founded in Paris in 1856 by Eugénie Smet (1825-1871), Blessed Mary of Providence, who was deeply convinced that “there are no boundaries to love.” She initiated numerous efforts on behalf of “the most neglected in this world and the next” (Constitutions No. 5).
From its creation, the congregation’s vocation has been to go “from the depths of Purgatory to
the ends of the earth” (Constitutions No. 7).
In a spirit of simplicity, surrender, and joy, we are invited to offer our lives to God, to seek Him in all things, and thus help men and women reach the purpose of their creation.
We accompany those searching for freedom and meaning in their lives through our presence.
Driven by Ignatian spirituality, we participate in Christ’s mission through prayer, commitments in a variety of fields (education, theology, health, social work, aid to refugees, hospital and prison chaplaincy…) and fraternal life.
Today, we the Helpers, are present on four continents and in 22 countries, where we live in small communities with a simple lifestyle.
“Go from the depths of Purgatory to the ends of the earth.”
Quote from Eugénie Smet
382
Sisters
97
Communities
Established across four continents
22
Countries
Where we are engaged
“Available to go wherever we are needed; we are sent to different countries and environments”
(Constitutions No. 149)
The Helpers of the Souls in Purgatory are present in 22 countries, organized into 13 “units” known as provinces, vice-provinces, or groups, depending on their size:
- Central Europe (Austria, Germany, Hungary, Romania)
- Switzerland
- Italy
- Spain
- France-Belgium
- United Kingdom
- Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua)
- United States of America
- Quebec
- Chad
- Rwanda-Kenya
- Japan
- China-India
