It all began with the life of a young woman named Jeanne (Joana) Haze, born in Belgium, in the city of Liège. She was born into a noble Catholic family of Christian tradition and means, but the circumstances of war led the family into poverty. Initially, the family was supported by the manual work of the young women and, later, by the schools they opened.
Shortly after the French Revolution, seeing the extreme need and suffering of the people, she felt called by God to respond to that situation. Together with her sister Ferdinande (Fernanda), she began caring for young people and the sick in the surrounding area, while also welcoming and teaching poor children in their own home. Gradually, other companions joined them and helped them continue serving those most in need.
In the beginning, they faced many difficulties. After a long journey of light and darkness, crosses and challenges, the group grew, and its works expanded and spread.
Finally, on September 8, 1833, the group was officially recognized by decree of the Holy See in Rome as the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross.
From the time of the foundation, Jeanne (Joana) became known as Mother Marie-Thérèse Haze.
In establishing the Congregation, Jeanne (Joana) received the support of several people, especially Canon Jean Guillaume Habets, who accompanied her as a spiritual adviser and assisted throughout the process of drafting the Constitutions. Today, he is regarded as the co-founder.
Throughout its history, the Congregation did not remain only in Belgium, but gradually expanded to countries in Europe and Asia: Germany, India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, Italy, England and Ireland.
Later, the Congregation also reached countries on other continents: the United States, Brazil and Zaire (Africa).
The Congregation of the Sisters Daughters of the Cross was founded in Liège, Belgium. It was recognized in Rome by a decree of the Holy See on September 8, 1833. Soon afterward, Sisters of the Congregation were sent to several countries, including Germany, England, Italy, Ireland, India, Pakistan, countries in Africa, Brazil, and the United States. On May 3, 1953, the first Sisters of the Daughters of the Cross arrived in Brazil. On November 21, 1967, the Congregation was legally established as a juridical entity under No. 058, in Book A of the 1st Office of the Civil Registry of Legal Entities of the District of Curitiba. Later, its headquarters and legal registration were transferred to the Office of the Civil Registry of Legal Entities of the District of Bocaiúva do Sul, where they remain to this day.
