About Us
Rooted in faith, poured out in charity — discover the story of the Society of Canossian Sons of Charity in India.
Canossian Sons of Charity
The Society of Canossian Sons of Charity is a Catholic religious society of brothers and priests, rooted in the charism of St. Magdalene of Canossa, whose life was defined by selfless service to the poor. For nearly two centuries this family has carried forward a mission of compassion among the least and the last.
In India, our brothers live and serve among the rural poor — going out to the homes of the sick and elderly, feeding the hungry, teaching village children, and forming young people. Communities such as Asha Ankur Ashram and Jeevan Dhara are the heart of our work: places of welcome for children, families, and the forgotten.
We are a registered Catholic religious society and serve with transparency, humility, and a personal presence among those we accompany.
Founded
1831
Foundress
St. Magdalene of Canossa
Origin
Verona, Italy
Present In
7 Countries
A History of Service in Action
The Founding Vision
The Canossian family traces its roots to St. Magdalene of Canossa (1774–1835), a noblewoman of Verona, Italy, who left her family estate to serve the poor, the sick and the abandoned. Her charism gave rise to the Canossian Sons of Charity in 1831.
Sons of Charity
The Society of Canossian Sons of Charity — brothers and priests — carries her mission forward: to make the love of God known among the least and the last, with a special tenderness for the young and the suffering.
Serving the Villages
Today our brothers live and serve among the rural poor of India — visiting the sick and elderly in their homes, feeding the hungry, teaching village children through catechesis and oratory, and forming young people in faith and friendship.
Ashrams of Hope
Through communities such as Asha Ankur Ashram and Jeevan Dhara, and in partnership with friends from across the world, the Society continues to be a home of welcome for children, families and the forgotten.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
To serve the poor, the sick and the young with the heart of Christ — through home visits, meals, care for the elderly, catechesis and the formation of youth, in the charism of St. Magdalene of Canossa.
Vision
A world where no person is forgotten — where the sick are accompanied, the hungry are fed, and every young person discovers that they are loved and capable of great things.
Values
Charity, Humility, Presence among the poor, Care for the least, and Fidelity to the Gospel — these values guide every visit, every meal, and every relationship we build.
Join Our Mission
Whether through volunteering, donating, or partnering with us, you can be part of this movement of compassion and impact.