The association is composed of men and women Catholics who desire to live according to the spirit of the Congregation of the Sisters of St Paul de Chartres and to participate in their mission.
The main aim of the Association is the personal sanctification of members by prayer and good works. As witnesses of Christ, their whole life is apostolic. They meet together for spiritual formation and renewal and to promote fraternal communion. Each one contributes to the building up of a Christian community that radiates faith and charity. They organize spiritual, apostolic and social activities like retreats, prayers meetings and gatherings. They support certain apostolic projects of the Sisters and join them in some celebrations like the Feast of St Paul and Christmas. The members bind themselves by a promise that is renewable each year.
The first group of associates was formed in 1916 in Japan, followed by Canada, Thailand, the Antilles and the United States. The Friends of St Paul in Hong Kong was started by the former Provincial Superior, Sister Lucie Marie Ko, on 12 November 1988. The first eleven members made their Commitment on 29 June 1990.