The Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls is a Catholic religious order of women founded in Paris, France in 1856, with the objective of assisting the souls in Purgatory.

History

The Society was founded by Blessed Eugenia Smet. She was educated at the convent of the Sacred Heart, at Lille, distinguishing herself by intellectual acquirements and striking traits of devotion to the souls in Purgatory. She went to Paris on January 19, 1856 (the society dates its foundation from this day); three days later, Smet obtained the permission of the local Archbishop to establish her order in Paris. On December 27, 1857, the foundress, with five of her first companions, pronounced her first vows; a Jesuit was appointed chaplain, and the Rule of St. Ignatius was adopted.

The Society in America

In May, 1892, seven ?Helpers? sailed to New York, and were heartily welcomed by the local Archbishop. In 1905, the Sisters went to San Francisco, where they settled in a house there.

Notes

• The foundress, Eugénie Smet, was beatified in Rome on May 26, 1957 by Pope Pius XII. Her feast is kept on February 7, which is the anniversary of her death.

Sources

Catholic Encyclopedia

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