Our Stories

Celebrating 200 years of the Sisters of Bon Secours

January 24, 2024

Today marks the 200th anniversary of when, in 1824, the original Sisters of Bon Secours first professed their vows.

In the city of Paris, merely thirty-five years after the onset of the French Revolution, a group of twelve young women convened for a ceremony at the Church of St. Sulpice. During this solemn occasion, they dedicated themselves to the service of the poor, sick and dying within their homes.

This commitment to God was made in the presence of the Archbishop of Paris, who, in his address to the Sisters, bestowed upon them the title “Sisters of Bon Secours” or Good Help. This significant day marks the establishment of the religious community known as the Sisters of Bon Secours.

The sisters have since been actively involved in healthcare, expanding their services for two centuries. In Charleston, the Sisters of Bon Secours assumed sponsorship of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital from the Sister of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, a diocesan order who started the hospital as an infirmary.

“Our system has a special concern and intention surrounding the care of those who are most vulnerable in our community,” said Vice President of Mission Mark Dickson. “The Sisters of Bon Secours’ core charisms of compassion, healing and liberation live through our mission of healing all people with compassion, faith and excellence.”

In acknowledging our original founders and the Sisters of Bon Secours, Roper St. Francis Healthcare expresses its heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated women who paved the way for us.