The Daughters of Charity in Bratislava encounter people experiencing homelessness, the sick, the dying, and young people searching for meaning in life every day. Through their ministry, they demonstrate that evangelization today often means offering a simple, steadfast, and compassionate presence alongside those in need..
By Sr. Jana Pavla Halčinová DC
The charism of St. Vincent de Paul remains remarkably relevant today. Ten Sisters of the Company of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul serving in Slovakia’s capital enter each day into the lives of people struggling with poverty, illness, loneliness, or the loss of meaning in life.
The Sisters emphasize that their vocation is not merely a form of service but a concrete living out of the Gospel: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Inspired by St. Vincent de Paul’s conviction that “no form of suffering should be foreign to them,” they serve children and young people, people experiencing homelessness, those struggling with addiction, hospital patients, and the terminally ill in their own homes.
Sr. Veronika Hanáková DC at the bedside of a sick person at St. Louise House.
When the System Is Not Enough
According to the Sisters, today’s society often succeeds in concealing suffering. While healthcare and social welfare systems may appear to function well on the surface, they frequently fail precisely in situations that require immediate assistance. People in distress often find themselves trapped in a maze of bureaucracy that exhausts them rather than leading them toward a solution.
The Sisters also observe growing uncertainty regarding values and the education of young people. In their experience, many of today’s problems stem from broken family relationships and the uncritical influence of the media and social networks..
Lives Transformed at St. Louise Shelter
A central place of their ministry is the nonprofit organization Depaul Slovakia, which has spent the past twenty years helping people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives. St. Louise Shelter also welcomes individuals with serious health conditions or terminal illnesses.
One of them was Mr. František, who arrived after suffering a leg injury. Gradually he became involved in the life of the shelter, and the communal prayer of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy deeply touched him. His faith was rekindled, he prepared to receive the sacraments, reconciled with his family, and eventually found both employment and housing.
Another resident is a young man, Peter, who is battling severe kidney disease while awaiting a transplant. Despite his own suffering, he willingly helps new residents arriving at the shelter.
“We believe that the Lord works in the hearts of the poor and accomplishes great victories there,” the Sisters say.
Sr. Adriána Mihová DC, providing assistance in a home setting.
The Final Journey at Home
The Sisters also share moving testimonies from St. Catherine Labouré Mobile Hospice, through which they accompany people during the final stage of life in the comfort of their own homes.
They recall the story of a 47-year-old woman who initially resisted the presence of a religious sister. A week later, the Sisters found her unconscious and in critical condition. Shortly before her death, however, she opened her eyes and looked peacefully into the Sister’s face as she spoke to her about the love of her family and about God, who was waiting for her like a Father welcoming His daughter.
The woman then gently squeezed her husband’s hands and died in peace.
Another story concerns an elderly woman cared for by her two daughters. “Although their care for their mother was exemplary, the relationship between the sisters had been strained for many years,” one of the Sisters recalls.
The woman died after receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, while the Sisters continued to visit her regularly.
“After the funeral, one of the daughters wrote to me, sharing what she considered most important. She added, ‘…and one more thing. In the end, through all of this, Mom brought my sister and me back together. Our relationship has improved. I believe it will remain that way,'” Sister Adriána recounts.
The Quiet Power of the Gospel
The experiences of the Sisters reveal that evangelization today is often carried out not through grand words but through a quiet, faithful closeness to people in need.
“Today, evangelization takes the form of presence—presence that is humble, attentive, and persevering. The value of consecrated life, a life lived with God, in God, and for others, remains irreplaceable,” the Sisters conclude.
At a time when many people feel lonely and lost, this kind of presence remains one of the most powerful witnesses to Christian hope.