The Sons of Divine Providence (Figli della Divina Provvidenza), or Orionine Fathers, was founded in 1893 by Saint Luigi Orione (1872-1940) in Turin, Italy. Over a century later, this Roman Catholic organization dedicated to helping the poor is still active in 23 nations throughout the world.
Saint Luigi Orione's motto, and that of the SDP, is: "Fare del bene a tutti, fare del bene sempre, del male mai a nessuno." ("Do good to all, help everyone, harm no one.")
Currently, the Sons of Divine Providence number 1023: 3 bishops, 728 priests, 82 brothers, 8 monks. In formation there are 201 clerics and 19 brothers of temporary vows, 45 novices. The SDP have centers in 296 localities in 28 nations. In the United States, the headquarters of the congregation is at the National Shrine of the Madonna, located on a historic hill in East Boston, Massachusetts, known as Orient Heights.
Famous quotes containing the words sons of, sons, divine and/or providence:
“They haven’t got no noses
The fallen sons of Eve;
Even the smell of roses
Is not what they supposes;
But more than mind discloses
And more than men believe.”
—Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936)
“Yet what I sowed and what the orchard yields
My brother’s sons are gathering stalk and root,
Small wonder then my children glean in fields
They have not sown, and feed on bitter fruit.”
—Arna Bontemps (1902–1973)
“I myself am more divine than any I see—”
—Margaret Fuller (1810–1850)
“Other nations have tried to check ... the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.”
—John Louis O’Sullivan (1813–1895)