Our Lady of Talpa School rests on the foundation of the Vincentian charism, which is based on the example and teachings of St. Vincent de Paul. A 17th-Century priest, St. Vincent recognized Jesus Christ as the ultimate teacher, and followed Him by dedicating his life to prayer and service.

St. Vincent’s mission was to serve the poorest of the poor, whom he called his “lords” and “masters.” He integrated both prayer and reflection into his service, and encouraged others to do the same.

St. Vincent’s success in calling both religious and lay people to join in his work laid the foundation for many Vincentian groups that exist today. Some of these groups include the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Priests), the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (which St. Vincent founded with St. Louise de Marillac), the Ladies of Charity, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Vincentian Marian Youth (which has a group at Our Lady of Talpa School).

The entire Our Lady of Talpa School community endeavors to follow the example of prayer and service St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac set for us four centuries ago. We are thankful and proud to be part of the Vincentian family.

Daughters of Charity

Our Lady of Talpa School is sponsored by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. In 1633, Vincent de Paul, a humble French priest, and Louise de Marillac, a widow, established the Company of the Daughters of Charity as a group of women dedicated to serving the “poorest of the poor.” Prayer and community life were essential elements of their vocation of service.

Today, the Daughters of Charity are an international community of over 19,000 Catholic women who minister all over the world. The Daughters of Charity still serve the “poorest of the poor.” Their ministry touches those in need through education, health care, social and pastoral services.

Two Daughters of Charity currently serve at Our Lady of Talpa School. All Daughters of Charity who live in California are part of the Province of the West, which has ministries located in California, Utah, Alaska, New Mexico and Arizona.

To learn more about the Daughters of Charity Province of the West, please visit their website at www.daughtersofcharity.com.

Thank you to the Daughters of Charity Province of the West for providing some of the above information.

Our Vincentian Founders

St. Vincent de Paul (French)

Born April 24, 1581; Died September 27, 1660
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St. Louise de Marillac (French)

Born August 12, 1591; Died March 15, 1660
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (American)

Born August 28, 1774; Died January 4, 1821
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