SISTER SERVANT OF THE ETERNAL WORD

Sister Servant of the Eternal Word –  Sister Grace Marie of the Merciful Redeemer, S.s.E.W.                                                   “Veritas, Caritas, Maria”  –  Truth, Charity, Mary”                                                                                           “She teaches spiritual things spiritually”

Foundress:  Mother Mary Gabriel Long

Place:  Birmingham, (Irondale) Alabama

Year:  1987 A.D.

Her Charism:  Rooted in prayer, this Sister Servant is an active extension of Mother Angelica’s Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration.  She was born out of a contemplative spirit and a zeal for studying and teaching the Catholic Faith, whether it be through formal retreats, presentations, religious education programs, or simple acts of kindness toward people she meets throughout the day.  She rebuilds the Church in Truth and Charity.  Her spirituality and her traditional habit are combinations of both St. Francis, the great mendicant, and St. Dominic’s influence.  It is a coupling of Dominican (white) tradition an customs of self-emptying in imitation of Our Lord with Franciscan (brown) devotions and love of the humanity of Christ.  Since her spirituality is a perfect blend of poverty, a contemplative spirit, and the study of Divine Revelation and Church doctrine, these saints were chosen as patrons of the Order.  The unity of this Sister Servant’s saintly heart in Jesus Christ and her devotion to His Immaculate Mother typify the unity, love, and zeal that gave impetus to and sealed their friendship.  Her charism is the perfection of charity within the framework of a life consecrated to God.  She is dedicated to catechesis, retreats, prayer, evangelization and virginity.  Sometimes it is not the knowledge that is gained from study through which she catechizes as much as the simple witness of a life lived joyfully that is dedicated to God, wearing a religious habit, and the charity with which she treats all people.  No one can look at her without thinking of Christ.