Welcome to the Society of Helpers, U.S. Province
The Society of Helpers is a congregation of Catholic sisters, spanning 24 countries, working to ease the suffering of those most in need. Sisters devote their lives to God and their energies to to addressing the suffering and needs of those wounded in their human dignity. Helpers use their own many unique gifts and interests to to respond to a common mission — to help in all manner of good.
Founded in 1856 by Eugenie Smet of Lille, France, the Helpers are — as their foundress Mary of Province intended — Helpers for the whole world. They continue to live in awareness of an ever changing, globalized world and they work with people where they are, as they are, moving toward a brighter future. Through vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and an Ignation spirituality that recognizes God in all things, Helpers focus their time, effort and talents on doing God’s work.
The U.S. Province is anchored in Chicago, Illinois and has communities located in California, Missouri and New York. As a whole, the Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls has 104 communities in 24 countries around the world. Helpers continue to demonstrate Mary of Providence’s desire to live in awareness of the dynamic presence of God in our world while serving those most in need.
Our Core Values … Community, Mission, Social Justice, Ignatian Spirituality & Independence.