Founded in 1696 in France the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres Convent has a rich history. Its story begins far from Manila. The order was established by Father Louis Chauvet. He was the parish priest of a small French village. The Sisters were later called to Chartres by Bishop Paul Godet des Marais. They took the name Sisters of St Paul. St Paul the Apostle became their patron. The Blessed Virgin Mary was their model and protectress.
The Sisters’ mission was clear from the start: education care for the sick and ministry to the underprivileged. This commitment remains strong today. Their presence spans 32 countries across six continents. The Philippine Province boasts a long and impactful history.
Invited to the Philippines in 1904 by Bishop Frederick Z Rooker the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres arrived in Dumaguete. They were the first European congregation to arrive in the Philippines at the start of the American Regime. Their arrival marked a significant moment in the country’s religious landscape. The Instituto de San Pablo became their first mission house. Over the next century they opened more than a hundred mission houses.
Today over 462 Filipino Sisters of St Paul manage 60 houses. They run 40 schools 14 health care facilities and 6 pastoral centers. Many sisters serve the greater Church in various roles. They are involved in family life ministry work with migrant workers religious education and catechetics. They also support campus ministers catechists and indigenous groups.
The Sisters’ work extends beyond the Philippines. Fifty-eight Filipino Sisters serve in 18 mission countries. These include places like Central Africa Peru Brazil and the United States. They are teachers healers pastoral workers missionaries and servants of the Church. Their tireless dedication continues to make a profound impact. The Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres Convent in Manila stands as a testament to their enduring legacy of faith service and compassion. Their story is one of unwavering commitment to the mission of the Church a story that continues to unfold.