Learning to Read to Grow in Freedom

On September 8, International Literacy Day provides an opportunity to highlight the commitment of the Infant Jesus Sisters to the education of young people around the world. Knowing how to read and write remains, today more than ever, the fundamental key to accessing dignity, freedom, and socially transformative justice.

This educational mission is rooted directly in the charism of our founder, Blessed Nicolas Barré. In the 17th century, moved by the distress and poverty of abandoned and illiterate children in Rouen and Paris, he founded the first Charitable Schools. His founding vision was clear: to offer everyone, through instruction and spiritual education, the means to flourish in their unique value in the eyes of God and to become full agents of their own lives.

Faithful to this heritage and to the spiritual counsel of Nicolas Barré—who urged us to "be a fountain rather than a cistern, live and give life to others"—our Sisters continue to embody this educational urgency across four continents.

A Living Mission Across Four Continents

In Peru, Cameroon, Nigeria, Thailand, and many other countries, our sisters and educational teams work every day with children, young women, and disadvantaged families to promote access to quality literacy and training. At the same time, our senior communities support this global educational dynamic through their missionary experience, community life, and daily prayer.

Accompanying a child or an adult on the path to reading means offering them a future and equipping them to overcome poverty. On this 8th of September, we give thanks for all the educators who, following Father Barré, continue to pass on the light of knowledge and faith.

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