In the mid-18th century, the Austrian Netherlands, under the rule of Empress Maria Theresa, was undergoing the first stages of recovery after prolonged wars and destruction. The needs of the people, however, remained immense, particularly among the poor. Amid this context, a spiritual and apostolic revival began to take shape—one that echoed the example of Vincent de Paul, who had earlier revolutionized religious life by calling laywomen to serve the poor through organized apostolic communities.

Although Maria Theresa’s realm allowed only contemplative communities by law, the seed of something new was planted in Ingelmunster, a parish of 5,000 people in the Diocese of Tournai. On July 2, 1769, the local pastor, Pieter Jacobus Dufort, took a bold step. He founded a Congregation with a dual purpose: to aid poor children in their education and labor, and to care for the sick and needy of the parish.

The Sisters of Mary of Ingelmunster are a Catholic religious congregation from Belgium, rooted in the Vincentian tradition, dedicated to serving the poor, especially through education and healthcare in places like Congo and Vietnam, known for their deep Marian devotion, simple lifestyle, prayer, and communal life, continuing their mission globally from their Belgian origins. They focus on love, service, and bringing God’s love to marginalized people, operating schools, clinics, and care center