Maryknoll Missionary Sister of St. Dominic

Maryknoll Foreign Missionary Sister of St. Dominic –  Sister Mary Christopher, M.M.                                   † The first Order of American nuns founded to be sent to foreign missions †                                                “To those who love God all things work together for good.”

Founders:  Mother Mary Josephine  (“Mollie”) Rogers                                                                                               Bishop James Edward Walsh, M.M.  (Wha Lee Son:  Pillar of Truth)

Place:  Maryknoll, (Ossining) New York

Year:  1912 A.D.

Her Charism:  In some mysterious way, God chose this Sister to walk in the giant footsteps of Saints Paul and Francis Xavier.  As a woman of courage, this “herald of the poor” is committed to crossing boundaries – whether cultural, social, religious, geographic, or economic – to proclaim the Good News of the reign of God.  This Sister’s journey is not only to the ends of the earth, but to the interior of her own soul.  She loves and identifies with the sick and suffering, the poor, the dispossessed, and the marginalized, and accompanies them in their struggles for peace, justice, and human rights.  She is tireless, thorough, simple, systematic, vigorous, disciplined, determined, and confident (and has a good sense of humor).  This “trailblazer in a habit” often arrives to a village weary, perspiring, and perhaps footsore, but engages with her goodwill in all types of mission work at home and abroad to promote unity and sow peace, under any circumstances and no matter how difficult.  She is the bridge over which the Truth can cross.  Hence, there are many diversified occupations available to young adventurers for the Lord in this Sisterhood.  This totally selfless and spirited Sister can be a doctor, a teacher on all scholastic levels, a social worker, nurse, catechist, editor, photographer, writer, musician, or an artist.  Her spirit can only be described as a simple but sublime achievement of vocational fidelity to God and an authentic reflection of His Love for all His children.  Her vocation is an invitation to give one’s flesh and blood for Jesus.                            † There is also a cloistered branch that prays for the Sisters in active ministry. †