Maryknoll Sisters

Scheduled to Visit:
Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Dexter, and St. Agnes Parish, Pittsfield

Maryknoll Sisters have been engaged in God’s mission for more than a century. Established in 1912, nurtured by the spirit of Mother Mary Joseph Rogers, they became the first group of Catholic Sisters in the United States founded for overseas mission.

They are committed to nurturing the entire One Earth Community, through:

  • Transforming the culture of war and violence into a culture of peace
  • Opposing modern-day slavery and attending to the healing and empowerment of survivors
  • Promoting the healing of the earth and the sustainable use of natural resources
  • Affecting economic, political, and social structures to benefit indigenous peoples, migrants, and refugees
  • Building bridges of understanding and acceptance among cultures and religions within society

They endeavor to do this through service as nurses, doctors, teachers, theologians, social workers, pastoral ministers, environmentalists, justice advocates, and more. In the process, they say the people among they live and serve make God’s love visible to them in countless ways.

“In this, we are greatly blessed, and it is our faithful donors, people like you, who partner with us in mission to make this exchange possible,” writes Sister Claudette LaVerdiere, a Maryknoll Sister from Winslow, Maine.

Today, there are approximately 350 Maryknoll sisters serving in 24 places around the world, including in the U.S. Their membership is multicultural and includes many women from the countries where they initially served in mission – places that now have also become mission sending churches.

“We are privileged to serve with and among people who are economically challenged and often marginalized. Some of the issues we face together are: civil and human rights, hunger for spiritual enrichment, economic development, non-violent conflict resolution, education needs, environmental concerns, health-care challenges, human trafficking crimes, and effective women’s advocacy,” says Sister Claudette. "Through your generosity, you join hands with us in this urgent task of mission in our wounded world today. Thank you for reaching out with us. May God bless you always."

If you would like to learn more about the mission of the Maryknoll Sisters, visit their website.