During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the achievements of resilient and formidable women both past and present. This year, we are shining a light on the extraordinary women whose influence built and shaped the foundation for what Vincentian is today – people caring for people and devoted to the ministries of education, health care and social work.

Mother Catherine Spalding

1793-1858

An American Roman Catholic leader under whose guidance the Sisters of Charity established a strong presence in Kentucky through their schools and welfare institutions.

Read more Pioneer Spirit: Catherine Spalding, Sister of Charity of Nazareth

St. Louise de Marillac

Patron saint of Vincentian and co-founder of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, a congregation of laywomen dedicated to teaching and hospital work.

Read more St. Louise Prayer & Biography – St.Louise de Marillac (stlouisedm.org)

Sister Mary Clement Pavlik

1916-2021

Sister Mary Clement spent most of her years of service in nursing ministry. She worked as a registered nurse, an anesthetist and hospital administrator. Her grave is in the Sisters Cemetery on the grounds of St. Louise Convent on McKnight Road.

Read more Sister Mary Clement Pavlik: An Interview | Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

The Vincentian Sisters of Charity began their missions in the South in 1940, when they responded to a call from Fr. Harold Purcell, who had a dream to fight oppression, poverty, and racism in Alabama.

VSC Missions in Alabama | Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

A Heritage of Healing

Learn more about the Sisters of Charity by watching the video, A Heritage of Healing, narrated by Diane Sawyer, and reading Vincentian’s history on vcs.org.