About the Canossian Sisters
The nuns started with Saint Magdalen of Canossa and now have 320 communities in 35 countries and over 200 years of history.
They have had a presence in Malawi for decades with education and health being the main missions.
The Canossian Sisters we partner with are very kind to give us a direct line to the grassroots.
The Canossian Approach to Education
Canossian sisters focus their attention on educating and instructing young people from all walks of life, especially those who tend to be neglected or have less chance of education.
The wider scope of Canossian education include:
• To become catalysts of change in the family and society
• To promote the growth of the person by valuing human dignity and personal gifts
• To guide towards greater knowledge and self-awareness
• To offer skills to each one so as to be able to live a dignified life
• To educate a critical and responsible conscience in each person.
About Saint Magdalen of Canossa
Wealth and privilege did nothing to prevent today’s saint from following her calling to serve Christ in the poor.
Born in northern Italy in 1774, Magdalen knew her mind—and spoke it.
In her mid-twenties Magdalen began offering lodging to poor girls in her own home.
In time she opened a school, which offered practical training and religious instruction.
As other women joined her in the work, the new Congregation of the Daughters of Charity emerged.
Over time, houses were opened throughout Italy.
Magdalen also founded a smaller congregation for priests and brothers. Both groups continue to this day.
She died in 1835. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1988.
