Servants of the Passion support vulnerable pregnant women with shelter, care, and hope, helping them embrace motherhood in dignity.
Newsroom (14/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) For more than a century, the religious congregation of the Servants of the Passion has dedicated itself to supporting women facing difficult pregnancies, offering practical assistance, emotional accompaniment, and spiritual care to those at their most vulnerable moments. Rooted in a mission of defending life and promoting the dignity of motherhood, the congregation welcomes women of all nationalities, cultures, and religions, helping them embrace the gift of life in circumstances often marked by hardship and uncertainty.
The origins of this mission trace back to 1886, when Theresa Gallifa Palmarola founded a home for women experiencing difficult pregnancies in Spain. Her decision was driven by witnessing the devastating consequences of clandestine abortions and recognizing the severe lack of resources available to pregnant women and their children. Gallifa’s commitment was also deeply personal. The mother of seven children, she endured the heartbreaking loss of each one before they reached the age of 17.
Her response to suffering became a mission of service. The congregation, originally known as the Sisters of the Visitation and later becoming the Servants of the Passion, was established to provide support and protection to expectant mothers in need. The institute received papal approval in 1983 and has continued to expand its presence and ministry over the decades.
Today, the congregation serves communities in Spain, Cameroon, and Mexico, with more than 80 sisters living in 14 houses. Their work remains focused on accompanying vulnerable women, particularly those facing social, economic, or personal challenges during pregnancy.
Among those carrying forward this mission is Sister Josiane Désirée Bongo, a missionary originally from Cameroon who now serves at the congregation’s mother house in Barcelona. Speaking on Vatican Radio’s monthly podcast Witnesses of Hope, Sister Josiane emphasized the importance of reaching out to pregnant women who often find themselves in extremely difficult situations, including victims of rape.
According to the missionary, the congregation welcomes women without distinction, regardless of “their nationality, culture, or religion.” The objective is to provide a supportive environment where women can carry their pregnancies while experiencing motherhood with “joy and peace.” This commitment extends beyond basic shelter and material support, encompassing a holistic approach that addresses social, psychological, and spiritual needs.
Many of the women assisted by the Servants of the Passion are undocumented migrants, making their circumstances even more precarious. To respond effectively, the congregation works closely with local social services, helping women access essential resources and support systems. Alongside practical assistance, the sisters offer emotional and spiritual accompaniment designed to restore confidence and hope during a period often marked by fear and isolation.
For Sister Josiane, this work is inseparable from her Catholic faith. She describes drawing strength from a spirituality that calls believers to welcome every person who comes seeking assistance. This commitment to openness and service remains at the heart of the congregation’s mission and its daily work with families in need.
At a time when debates surrounding abortion and euthanasia continue across Europe, Sister Josiane remains firmly committed to promoting what she describes as the Church’s message of hope and the defense of human life. Her conviction is reflected in a simple yet powerful affirmation: “To defend life is to defend the divine gift.”
She insists that every human life possesses inherent value and dignity, declaring that “no one has the right to prevent another from living.” For the missionary, caring for vulnerable mothers is not simply an act of charity but a recognition of the sacred worth of every person.
The congregation’s mission ultimately centers on hope—hope for mothers facing uncertainty, hope for children yet to be born, and hope for a society that values life. As Sister Josiane concludes, “Behind every child, there truly is a dream of God.”
Through more than a century of service, the Servants of the Passion have continued to transform that vision into reality, providing refuge, accompaniment, and encouragement to women who might otherwise face pregnancy alone, while reaffirming their enduring commitment to supporting life and motherhood.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from France Catholique
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