Daughters of Divine Charity

Together We Live in the Legacy that is the Daughters of the Divine Charity

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Feast of St. Joseph

Daughters of Divine Charity
Holy Family Vice-Province

Wishing Everyone a Blessed and
Happy Feast of St. Joseph

   “All Sisters have an unending trust in
our holy Father Joseph.

Besides the Mother of our Lord
he was confident and is also our
greatest advocate and protector. 

May this love and this trust
never be diminished in the
Sisters of the Congregation.”    

(Chronicle, I., November 1, 1876)

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Memorare to St. Joseph

Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession was left unaided.  Full of confidence in your power, I come to you and beg your protection.  

Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my petitions, but in your goodness, hear and answer me.   Amen.   

May St. Joseph guard and protect your families as he did the Holy Family.                                        

St. Joseph, Intercede for us!  

Remembering you in our daily prayers! 

God Bless and keep you in His loving embrace,
Sister Mary and Sisters

Christmas 2024

Dear Friend, 

We hope this letter finds you well and filled the joy of the Christmas season. On behalf of the Daughters of Divine Charity, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our retired sisters. Your kindness and thoughtfulness embody the true spirit of Christmas, and we are truly blessed by your generosity.

As we reflected on the glorious gift of Christ’s love, we were reminded of the strength and comfort that come from our community. Thanks to your contribution, our retired sisters will be able to enjoy their golden years with dignity, receiving the care and support they need and deserve. Your gift not only provides for their physical needs but also uplifts their spirits, reminding them that they are loved and cherished by those they have served throughout their lives.

With each prayer, each act of kindness, and each moment of compassion shared by our sisters, they continue to touch the lives of many, inspiring us all to live out the values of love and service that define our faith. Your support reinforces their mission and allows them to share Christ’s light with others, even in this new chapter of life.

Thank you once again for your generosity. May God bless you abundantly during this Christmas season and in the coming year. Your kindness is a beautiful reminder of God’s love and grace at work in our community. We look forward to keeping you updated on the impact of your generosity and the continued journey of our sisters.

Wishing you and your loved ones peace, joy, and fulfillment during this blessed season.

In Christ’s Love,
Elizabeth P. Cotter
Director of Development
Daughters of Divine Charity

Sister M. Virginia Picinic, F.D.C.

October 10, 1931 – September 12, 2024
Sister M. Virginia Picinic, F.D.C., a faithful Daughter of Divine  

Charity for 54 years passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Blessed Mother on September 12, 2024.

Sister Virginia was born on October 10, 1931 in Mali Losinj, Yugoslavia to Philip and Maria Picinich and baptized Anna Maria.  Sister Virginia completed her Elementary education in Susak, Yugoslavia in 1943.  She entered the United States as an immigrant with her parents in 1966.  In 1970, she made God’s Love visible through her commitment  to the religious life professing her first vows as a Daughter of Divine Charity in Akron, Ohio.  She served her Province as Sacristan, CCD teacher, Provincial  Councilor and in her work with the elderly, leading them in daily prayer especially the rosary.  The message of the Gospel was made visible by her prayerfulness, generous heart, and joy filled life to all she encountered.

Preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Lino and sister-in- law Maria, Egidio.  She is survived by her brothers John and Antoinio, Luka and Matea, nieces, nephews and relatives in New York and Italy.  Sister Virginia will be missed by all those whose lives she touched, especially her religious community and the families of the parishes in which she served in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Thank you to the doctors, caregivers, and staff, that lovingly cared for her. 

Visitation will be on September 20th at 10:00 A.M. before the Mass of Resurrection which will begin at 11:00 A.M. at Francesca/Leonora Hall Convent Chapel, 39 N. Portage Path, Akron, Ohio 44303.  Sister Virginia will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in her memory to the Daughters of Divine Charity.

Sister M. Christine Cochenet, F.D.C.

July 18, 1936 – September 14, 2024
Sister M. Christine Cochenet, F.D.C., a faithful Daughter of Divine   

Charity for 68 years passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus Mary and Joseph, in the early hours of the morning on September 14, 2024.

Sister Christine was born on July 18, 1936, to August and Alice (Spooner) in Wauwatosa WI and baptized Janette at St. Augustine Parish in West Allis WI.  On August 28, 1956, Sister Christine professed her first vows making “God’s Love visible”  through her commitment to the religious life as a faithful Daughter of Divine Charity.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Alverno College, Milwaukee WI in 1972.   She served her Province as Teacher, Principal, Director of Religious Education, Catechist, Chapter Delegate, Provincial, Provincial Councilor, and Sacristan.  The message of the Gospel was evident by her prayerfulness, generous heart, dedication to the students in her care and her joy filled life and generous heart to all she encountered.

Preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Margaret and Anna.  She is survived by her sister Diane, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Sister Christine will be missed by all those whose lives she has touched, especially her religious community and the families of the parishes she served in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Florida.  Thank you to the doctors, caregivers, staff, and Sisters that lovingly cared for her throughout the years.

Visitation will be on September 23trd at 10:00 A.M. before the Mass of Resurrection which will begin at 11:00 A.M. at Francesca/Leonora Hall Convent Chapel, 39 N. Portage Path, Akron, Ohio 44303.  Sister Christine will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in her memory to the Daughters of Divine Charity.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE CHARITY
Holy Family Vice-Province
850 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, New York 10305
Tel.: (+1/718)720-7365

September 1, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,

It is with great joy that we share and ask you to join us in prayer as we, the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity prepare for the 150th anniversary of our Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, by our foundress, Servant of God, Mother Franziska Lechner on June 17, 1875.

June 7th 2024, has a significant meaning for each Daughter of Divine Charity as we embarked on a special yearlong renewal of our charism and love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus by opening this jubilee year with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Whalen.  On this day throughout our Congregation the Sisters gathered for an hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament to reflect on our theme, “Reviving our charismatic identity of being daughters in the Son.” These monthly First Friday celebrations are being prepared by each Province/Vice-Province to renew each Sister as she reflects and contemplates on the Gospel messages, growing in our spirituality and more deeply towards the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

This feast of the Daughters of Divine Charity is celebrated by the Universal Church each June which began because of the revelations to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673.  Jesus appeared to her and revealed ways to venerate His Sacred Heart and explained the immense love He has for humanity, appearing with His heart visible outside his chest, on fire, and surrounded by a crown of thorns.  These visions continued for 18 months.

On June 16, 1675, Jesus spoke to Sr. Margaret Mary, asking her to promote a feast that honored His Sacred Heart.  He gave Sister Margaret Mary 12 promises made to all who venerate and promote the devotion to the Sacred Heart.

Won’t you consider joining us in our chapel or privately at home each First Friday of the month from September through June to pray and celebrate this Jubilee with us in gratitude to God for our vocation and especially at this time for the renewal of our charism and love of the Sacred Heart.  Our Holy Hour is lovingly spent before the Blessed Sacrament from 4:00 to 5:00. We are united in faith with our Sisters and laity throughout the world in this common Holy Hour prepared by the Provinces and Vice-Provinces of our Congregation.    Each prayer service concludes with the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a final prayer.

Litany to the Sacred Heart

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world
God the Holy Spirit
Holy Trinity, one God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, one with the eternal Word
Heart of Jesus, infinite in majesty
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven
Heart of Jesus, aflame with love for us,
Heart of Jesus, source of justice and love
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love
Heart of Jesus, well-spring of all virtue
Heart of Jesus, worthy of all praise
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts
Heart of Jesus, treasure-house of wisdom and knowledge
Heart of Jesus, in whom there dwells the fullness of God
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased
Heart of Jesus, from whose fullness we have all received
Heart of Jesus, desire of the eternal hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and full of mercy
Heart of Jesus, generous to all who turn to you
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness
Heart of Jesus, atonement for our sins
Heart of Jesus, overwhelmed with insults
Heart of Jesus, broken for our sins
Heart of Jesus, obedient even to death
Heart of Jesus, pierced by a lance
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation
Heart of Jesus, victim of our sins
Heart of Jesus, salvation of all who trust in you
Heart of Jesus, hope of all who die in you
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints,
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us
Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, Touch our hearts and make them like your own.

Let us pray: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who glory in the Heart of your beloved Son and recall the wonders of his love for us, may be made worthy to receive an overflowing measure of grace from that fount of heavenly gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.1

Concluding Prayer: “Remember, O Most Sweet Jesus”

Remember, O most Sweet Jesus, that none who have recourse to your
Sacred Heart, implored its assistance, or called for mercy have ever been
abandoned.  Filled and animated by this same confidence, O Divine Heart,
Ruler of all hearts, we fly to you groaning beneath the weight of our sins,
we prostrate ourselves before you.  Despise not our feeble prayers but
listen to them with a favorable ear and vouchsafe to answer them.
Show us that you have the heart of the best of fathers and that He who
has deigned to give you to us for our salvation, will through you, receive
our prayers.    Amen.     Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you.

We rejoice with our Holy Father as he proclaimed the opening of the Jubilee Year of the Universal Church under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope.”  Pope Francis states that “Hope does not disappoint.  It is an act of faith to take hope, the humblest of virtues, the most daily, because it is like oxygen to breathe life and gives it meaning.”

These special jubilee celebrations happen to coincide with our 28th General Chapter which will take place from June 27 to July 18th of 2025 in Rome.  It is on this day, June 27, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that our Congregation will once again be Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and our names will be inscribed in the register in the church of del Gesù, in Rome by our Superior General Sister Maria Dulce Adams, F.D.C.

May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus enfold you all in His loving care as we pray for one another and the world to live in peace and feel the mercy and healing touch of Jesus.

God Bless, with gratitude and love for our vocation “making God’s Love visible” we invite you to join us in prayer during these next ten months and perhaps strengthening your own love for the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C. and all the Daughters of Divine Charity
especially the Sisters of Holy Family Vice-Province

1 Prayer book of the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity

Spring 2024 Appeal

Help us to Renovate
St. Mary’s Convent

Spring 2024


Dear Friends,

St. Joseph the Worker is celebrated each year on May 1st. As this feast day celebrates all workers, it is fitting for the Daughters of Divine Charity to share our thoughts and needs of support for our Sisters in our spring appeal.

Considering the recent updates made to most of our convents, it was quite simple for our Council to work with the Development staff to identify the greatest need of support for the 2024 St. Joseph’s Day appeal.

In evaluating the current needs of the Sisters, a unanimous decision was made by the Council to focus efforts on St. Mary’s Convent in Manhattan, founded in 1913.

This mission continues to serve hundreds of young women living in Manhattan whether to start a career or to study while living under the supervision of the Sisters which fulfills the legacy of our Foundress, Servant of God, Mother Franziska Lechner’s desire to care for young women during the 1860’s. We, her Daughters continue this mission that was so close to her heart for the past one hundred eleven years.

During COVID this mission underwent a substantial economic loss of 50% of its revenue due to the declining number of residents. The Sisters always have put the needs of those in their care before their own.

After many decades of no renovations to the Sisters living space the convent area is now in urgent need of renovation. This renovation will focus on the second floor dedicated as the living space for the Sisters known as the convent. The renovation will include replacing the old carpeting in the hallways and kitchen with flooring that is more suitable for walkers and canes. The living room furniture will be replaced. All rooms will be painted and the bathrooms will be made handicapped accessible. These needed modifications will provide our dedicated Sisters to this mission with a more suitable, safer living spaces for all the Sisters.

You, our dear benefactors, have helped us in so many ways throughout the years and we ask that you consider contributing to the needs of St. Mary’s Convent by renewing your generous gift. Each monetary gift, no matter the size, when joined with others does indeed make a difference in the outcome of the appeal.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and ongoing commitment to the Daughters of Divine Charity who have touched the lives of so many by serving women, youth, and the elderly in the United States since 1913.

May Our Foundress, Servant of God, Mother Franziska Lechner intercede for your needs and intentions. May the carpenter, St. Joseph, our patron, and guide bless you and your families as we all “make God’s LOVE visible” in the world today by our example, service, and generosity.

With love, prayer, and gratitude,

Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.
Daughters of Divine Charity