1954
Showing the difference our services are making to people and their lives has always been very important within the Society. Indeed, over the years, impact from healthcare and other service delivery has been captured very creatively by Medical Mission Sisters.
Today, as we continue to measure and capture what we do and achieve in meaningful ways, it is interesting to be reminded of how the Society’s members across 18 medical centres worldwide kept meticulous records from the beginning of those who benefited from their services and training year after year. The drawing opposite comes from the Society’s Annual Report in 1954. It shows how 405,288 patients were treated and cared for in MMS’ healthcare missions around the world that year.
Specifically, the Society’s healthcare and education services brought change for:
50,084 in-patients;
354,404 out-patients;
10,384 patients undergoing surgical operations of which 2,561 were major, 7,863 were minor;
7,360 babies newly born; and
275 student nurses and midwives newly trained.
The statistics, however, are not only numbers, but it is stated in the Annual Report: “… an account of the generosity of our Benefactors: the business man who wrote the cheque; the priest who pleaded for apostolic prayers; the small child who sacrificed; and the women who played and sewed and saved. The statistics are the result of corporate effort. They are a manifestation of your love for Christ and His sick poor.”
Links in the chain, as displayed opposite, show how, in different countries and across continents, the Society’s members worked independently, but together as well, to achieve this result. Whilst involved in mission activities at local and national level, they remained joined, in Spirit, globally - closely ‘interconnected’, one might say, in pioneering and sharing their professional experience, know-how and learning to benefit many.
In 2026, just as much as in 1954, 'charity' continues to be the link that binds the Medical Mission Sisters to our benefactors, patients and the sick poor for whom we care throughout the world.
Together, we continue to journey towards Oneness in our purposes and aims, building a world that is a little bit closer to the great visions of all religions.