The Congregation, founded in Malaga (Spain) in 1881, was established by Blessed Petra of Saint Joseph, who, on the day of her beatification on October 16, 1994, was called by Saint John Paul II “A woman with a heart of fire.”
Mother Petra strongly felt the call and the impulse of the Spirit to make present in the world God’s merciful love, especially towards the most vulnerable and needy.
We were born to love the poor, care for the elderly, watch over children, and educate young people, letting love lead us to go beyond ourselves to welcome the homeless, supported by Saint Joseph, under the invocation of the Mountain. To him we entrust the providence and care of our hospitality, and from him we receive an example of humble service and availability.