 Bartholomea Capitanio, a young, dynamic and gifted lady, founded the congregation of the Sisters of Charity in Italy in 1832. With Vincenza Gerosa as the co-foundress, they consecrated themselves wholly to God, in response to His call, to be visible instruments of the mercy and love of Jesus Christ and serve God's people everywhere, specially where the need was great in an environment of extreme material and moral distress.
Bartholomea responded to the needs of the people of her village and neighbouring towns, by establishing schools, hospitals, youth clubs etc., and dedicated herself to their service. Inspired by the life of Jesus, she launched the Mission of Charity, through an Institute totally founded on charity continued after her death, by her companion, Vincenza Gerosa.
Bartholomea's vision of charity has inspired countless young ladies for a life of service all over the world. This vision has flowered into centers for education and health, homes for unwanted children, for the aged and for the disabled and destitute. 
 In 1860 the Sisters of Charity came to India to extend their loving service to the people of this country, in diverse roles. The Sisters of Charity are involved in a special way in educating young girls, by instilling in them sound values of justice, truth and dignity of life in society.
Inspired by these ideals, St. Francis College for Women has as its vision, the education of women for their holistic development. The college strives to help students to develop into intellectually competent, morally upright, socially committed and spiritually inspired women of India.
“ The youth and my loved Oratory will be greatly dear to me. I will have much at heart the young who are more dissipated. I will follow these souls without getting tired and will try all the means to gain their hearts.” -St.Bartholomea Capitanio |
