By Sr. Elaine Davia
January 24, 2026 marks 202 years since the founding of the Sisters of Bon Secours. We are profoundly grateful to the original Sisters, whose courageous vision took root in Paris, France in 1824. Their charism of compassion, healing, and presence with people in need continues to flourish today.
A little over 200 years ago, France was in turmoil, having endured the long upheaval of the French Revolution. The Catholic Church was in disarray, the poor were being ignored, and those who were sick and in hospitals often died more from infections and malnutrition than from the illnesses that brought them there. A group of women knew things could be different. They held hope that their small actions could make a difference in the world.
These women, all nurses, believed that people could be brought back to God and salvation through care of the body. Even though religious women were supposed to return to the convent each night, they would stay with their patients in their homes, caring for them until they died or became well again. They also wanted to form a faith-filled religious community to support each other in this dream. These ideas about religious life and nursing were not the norm, making their vision innovative for the time.
They were persistent in their desire, even when met with doubt and questioning by the church. They cared for everyone: the rich and poor, common folk, and families of kings and queens. They proved their value and worth and were finally approved to make their vows on January 24, 1824, receiving the name Sisters of Bon Secours, translated as “Good Help.” The gifts or “charism” of Bon Secours are compassion, healing, and liberation.
In a time and world experiencing such turmoil today, this charism of Bon Secours is needed as much now as it was in the 1800s. Sharing this gift today has extended far beyond the vowed sisters and even beyond nursing care. We are grateful to the hundreds of people who share this mission with us: our coworkers, past and present Bon Secours Associates, young adults and volunteer alumnae, our family, friends, and many volunteers around the world who take our mission to heart. We hope you will find some way to celebrate in spirit with the Sisters on their Foundation Day, January 24. Let us all hold each other in prayer that we will have “good help” when we are in need and the grace to know how to respond to others in need.