A Simple Beginning
The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy (SCMM) traces its humble beginnings to November 23, 1832, in Tilburg, the Netherlands. It was founded by Father Joannes Zwijsen, a man deeply moved by the needs of the poor and the uneducated children of his parish. With only three devoted women and a small house in the ‘t Heike neighborhood, he began what would grow into a global mission of compassion, service, and mercy.
Joannes Zwijsen once shared his simple yet profound vision:
“Having become parish priest of this parish in 1832, I decided to establish a Charitable Institution, exclusively in the interest of the poor children of my parish, who had no opportunity to receive any instruction. I had nothing more in mind than the establishment of a school in which these poor children would be taught to read, write, sew, and knit.”
From this modest beginning, the congregation blossomed into a community dedicated to education, healthcare, and social service guided by the merciful love of God and the example of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy. Today, the spirit of that first small school in Tilburg continues to inspire the sisters’ mission across the world: to bring hope, dignity, and love to all, especially the poor and marginalized.
The First Superior: Sister Michaël Leijsen (1779–1862)
Maria Leijsen, born in Herentals, Belgium, in 1779, became the first Superior General of the Congregation. At the age of 53, she and several companions left Hoogstraten in November 1832 to join Father Zwijsen in Tilburg, responding generously to his call to serve.
These women, known as beguines, had already chosen a life of simplicity, prayer, and service to the poor. Their first home was a modest house on Piusstraat, later moving to a building known as “the house with thirteen cells,” symbolizing Father Zwijsen’s vision of a small but devoted community of sisters.
On February 5, 1834, six sisters made their first religious profession in the parish church of ‘t Heike, in the presence of the Founder. On that same day, Sister Michaël Leijsen was elected as the first Superior, becoming a model of faith, courage, and selfless dedication.
Two years later, she made a special vow to care for patients with contagious diseases, even at the risk of her own life, showing the depth of her compassion and total trust in God. She faithfully served as Superior General for twenty years and passed away in 1862, at the age of 83, leaving behind a lasting legacy of mercy and love.
Expansion and Mission
From its earliest days, the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy expanded rapidly throughout the Netherlands, establishing schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions that transformed countless lives. Their apostolic work focused primarily on education and health care tangible expressions of the mercy and compassion at the heart of their charism.
In time, the sisters extended their mission beyond the Netherlands, bringing their spirit of service, humility, and love to other parts of the world. Through education, healthcare, and pastoral ministry, they continued to embody the merciful love of God wherever they were sent.
In every mission, the sisters sought to uphold human dignity and make God’s love visible especially among the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. Their enduring commitment to compassion and service remains a living testimony to the vision of Father Joannes Zwijsen and Sister Michaël Leijsen, whose faith and charity continue to inspire new generations across the globe.
Presence and Life Today
Today, the Dutch sisters live in Tilburg. Now in their advanced age, they continue to witness with serenity and wisdom to the charism of mercy, showing that the most important thing now is to be, rather than to do.
In March 2025, the Province of the Netherlands held a Transition Chapter, ceasing to be a province and becoming a Region.
A Regional Council was formed, composed of the following sisters:
• Sr. Mariëtte Kinker
• Sr. Mel Heuver
• Sr. Pauline Mul
The council's term extends until 2029.
With faith and hope, the sisters continue to keep alive the flame of mercy, the most precious gift left by their founder.
United with the Sisters of Charity
In the Dutch region, many people remain connected to the mission and spirit of the Sisters of Charity through groups and associations, such as:
• Barach Group – a space open to anyone who wishes to walk alongside the Sisters for a time, sharing faith and fraternity.
• Inspired Association – brings together Sisters and lay people committed to reflecting on the future of religious life and the witness of mercy in today's world.
The Sisters also remain actively involved in solidarity movements and initiatives, such as:
• Mercy Movement
• Vincentian Family
