Missionary Sister of the Most Precious Blood

Missionary Sister of the Most Precious Blood – “The Red Sister”-  Sister Maria del Rey, C.P.S.                                                          Congregatio Pretiosi Sanguinis                                                                              “To live the Paschal Mystery, honor in a special way the Blood of Christ,                                        and to witness in the world and for the world the redeeming love of Christ”

“Ora et Labora”  –  “Pray and Work”

Founder:  Trappist Abbot Franz ( Francis ) Pfanner, O.C.S.O.                                                                                    Mother Paula Emunds   ( Josephine Emunds, the First Mother Superior )

Place:  Mariannhill, (near Durban) South Africa

Year:  September 8, 1885 A.D.

Her Charism:  As a Eucharistic woman with fearless missionary zeal, this Sister is called to live the Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection in her daily life.  Joyfully, gratefully, and compassionately, she declares the Blood of Jesus as the source of redemption, reconciliation, hope, peace, and new life.  She responds to Christ’s cry from the Cross, “I thirst” by offering herself with an eager heart and loving care in service to lighten burdens of those who suffer, especially the poor, the marginalized, and the most vulnerable in society.  Her focus is on the family and the holistic education of children and youth.  Ora et Labora  (“Pray and Work”) is her motto which has been handed down to her through her Benedictine heritage.  International in scope, this Sister’s work in Africa has helped in the formation of many African Sisterhoods from every tribe and tongue, people and nation.  Her mission is the Kingdom of God and that has no boundaries.