The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo was founded in 1684 by Fr. Adrian Bresy, Parish Priest of Wez (Diocese of Tournai, Belgium) to impart Christian Education to the poor children of his parish. The year 1684, of the foundation of the Sisters of St. Charles, coincided with the death centenary of St. Charles Borromeo. 

Therefore, Fr. Adrian Bresy, pointed to St. Charles Borromeo, the illustrious Cardinal of Milan, who inspired him and whom he admired, who had the same ideals and the same spirit as he, who followed the hard and narrow way to reach the heights of sanctity as the Patron of the new born Congregation. He wished the Sisters to follow in his footsteps, to live up to his ideals and be guided by his way of life.