The Missionaries of Charity
One of the sisters from our 2004 trip
The Missionaries of Charity are an exemplar group of women who strive to serve the poor all around the world. Spending time with these Sisters over the summer helped me grow both in faith and awareness for the struggles that many suffer every day of their lives.
Who are they? The Missionaries of Charity are a Roman Catholic religious order that established in 1950 by Mother Teresa, consisting of over 4,500 Sisters located in houses all over the world. Mother Teresa is said to have received divine inspiration from the Lord to begin the order, receiving a plea to make Him known to the poorest of the poor. Mother Teresa then went on to establish the Missionaries of Charity Brothers as well, with both active and contemplative branches for both the Sisters and the Brothers. A movement for diocesan priests and lay people was founded by Mother Teresa as well.
What is one thing shared in common? Each branch of the Missionaries of Charity shares a strong desire to serve the poor and make Jesus known to them, while striving to attain personal holiness. This desire is born in each branch of the religious family through taking vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and "wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor."
What do the active Sisters do? Active Sisters are "carriers of God's love," mainly serving the poor through active care in the schools and homes created by the Missionaries of Charity. Active Sisters serve God through serving others.
What do the contemplative Sisters do? Contemplative Sisters "live the Word of God in Eucharistic Adoration and Contemplation" and proclaim the Word of God to others. Contemplative Sisters serve God through praying for others.
What is one thing shared in common? Each branch of the Missionaries of Charity shares a strong desire to serve the poor and make Jesus known to them, while striving to attain personal holiness. This desire is born in each branch of the religious family through taking vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and "wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor."
What do the active Sisters do? Active Sisters are "carriers of God's love," mainly serving the poor through active care in the schools and homes created by the Missionaries of Charity. Active Sisters serve God through serving others.
What do the contemplative Sisters do? Contemplative Sisters "live the Word of God in Eucharistic Adoration and Contemplation" and proclaim the Word of God to others. Contemplative Sisters serve God through praying for others.
Sources: motherteresa.org