Our community was founded by Margit Slachta (1884–1974) on May 12, 1923, in Budapest. The Society's mission is to live out the ancient monastic ideal in modern circumstances and influence public thought by sending dedicated and trained workers into various fields of life—social, cultural, and public spheres, as well as promoting anywhere and everywhere evangelization and the well-being of children, women, and families.

Since 1998, the Society has been a “Community of Pontifical Right.” Its members strive to live a radical Gospel life, serving as instruments of love, justice, and peace, bearers of hope, and servants of the poor and oppressed.

Currently, we are present in five countries, organized into four districts: Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Cuba. The spiritual family of the Sisters of Social Service also includes a federation, with members in California (USA), Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and the Philippines. (More details can be found at http://sssinternational.org/.)

During World War II, the community, particularly the members of the Hungarian District, sheltered and hid those who were persecuted, saving the lives of hundreds of Jewish people. One of the martyrs of this service was Sister Sára Salkaházi (1899–1944), who was beatified by Cardinal Péter Erdő on September 17, 2006, in Budapest. (More details can be found at http://www.salkahazisara.com.)

The Romanian District

The Romanian District was organized at the same time as the founding in Budapest, under the leadership of Sister Erzsébet Auguszta Ikrich (1889–1973). From the very beginning, the sisters were present in both ecclesial and social life wherever their commitment and expertise were needed. In Transylvania, they participated in various movements, including the work and leadership of the Transylvanian Catholic Women's Association in Cluj. Our Sisters led household, economic, and sewing courses at folk schools for young women in rural areas.

Throughout the country, they helped establish or manage various institutions, including maternity wards, homes for mothers, daycare centers, orphanages, university dormitories, shelters for working women and maids, and homes for the elderly. For a time, the sisters operated the Central Hotel and its restaurant in Cluj, which belonged to the Transylvanian Diocese. They also initiated the “Day of a Thousand Szekler Girls,” a tradition that continues to this day in Șumuleu Ciuc.

After the dissolution of religious orders in 1948, several sisters took part in secret courier and intermediary work to maintain communication between the diocese and the Vatican. As a result, fifteen Sisters were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years. At the beginning of the Communist Era, Bishop Áron Márton entrusted the sisters with managing the bishop's household, a responsibility they carried out until his death.

The continuity of the community has never broken, even during the years of persecution. Despite the risk of imprisonment, the community grew by twelve new members between 1948 and 1990.

In 1990, the district began its organizational renewal and redefined its charism in light of social changes and evolving theological emphases.

A book, numerous articles, and studies have been published on the history of the district.