Society News | Medical Mission Sisters

Associates make their commitment

In a joyful liturgical celebration, Nine Medical Mission Associates in Unit North America made their commitment on Sunday, May 6, 2018. Associate Bonnie Templeton made her first commitment while associate Peg Pfaff made her life time commitment. Seven of the nine associates renewed their commitment for five years; Loretta Cody, Karol Feld, Fran Pelham, Phil Pryjma, Jane Jones, Ray Mattern and Rita Maute.

Medical Mission Sisters recognized for their pioneering spirit

In an analysis of the historic role of midwives in safeguarding healthy births, Global Sisters Report noted the contributions Medical Mission Sisters have made to the field. In 1944, MMS opened the Catholic Maternity Institute in Santa Fe, California, training nurse midwives and attending local indigenous birthing mothers for more than 20 years. Today, our sisters continue to heed the call, in some cases providing life-saving care to mothers in remote regions of the world.

Survival and Celebration

In Hajipur, India, as elsewhere, Covid 19 has disrupted the normal life of the people, especially children. Trafficking, child marriages, child labor are on the rise. Some children have to cook for the entire family as parents go out early in the mornings to search for food. As Medical Mission Sisters go about their lives and mission, they have been inspired by the generosity and creativity that ordinary people exhibit not only to survive but also to help others survive as well. Still Christmas was a day of joy.

MMS Stand With Hajipur Communities

For thousands of years, people in India considered to be in the lowest class in the caste system in India have suffered discrimination, persecution, poverty and many other forms of injustices. This is occurring even in modern India, especially in the rural areas. The Mahadalits (the untouchables) are still considered unworthy of all the benefits and favors accorded to the people in high castes.

Praying for Peace

MMS in Frankfurt, together with many other Christians, gathered in the Cathedral and remembered the implications of war on people, animals and creation. Together we prayed for peace and integrity of creation. Every year people design a logo for these peace candles. Then the beautifully decorated candles are presented in an ecumenical opening prayer service. The service takes place on September 1^st, the Antiwar day in Germany, which marks the beginning of World War II.

Empowering Women in Ghana

In Ghana, West Africa Medical Mission Sisters chose the empowerment of women from the Millennium Development goals (MDGs) to work on. The sisters wanted to increase the skills of local women with skills to enable them to have income generating projects. Sister Colette Beru invited a group of women to share their ideas and dreams of what they would like to learn. The women asked for talks about family life and to learn how to make soap, pomade, powder, pastries and other items for home use.

Floods in North East India

As if the Covid-19 pandemic is not enough to upend people’s lives heavy rains have added to the problems of the people in North East India. In Assam, one of the states, the situation continues to worsen as the Brahmaputra River floods low lying areas. In the Garo Hills landslides have wreaked havoc in villages and destroyed farmlands. Many people have lost their lives, belongings and properties and have taken shelter in government relief camps.

Distributing Food, Teaching Safety

Medical Mission Sisters in Hajipur, India have been busy in collaboration with many people at their community development project, Swabhiman Bhawan, with Covid-19 pandemic action and relief services. The lock down in India came as a shock for many of the people, especially the poor and migrants.

Affordable Handwashing in Ghana

It is a sight to see the colors all over the place!” MMS in Ghana write in response to the growing popularity of “Veronica buckets.” Originally invented 30 years ago by a woman named Veronica Bekoe, the buckets provide a safe and affordable option for handwashing. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, Veronica buckets are now appearing in large numbers at the entrance of shops and other facilities across Africa!

Food for Frontliners

In the Philippines there is a growing concern for the well-being and safety of medical and health care workers in the frontline of this pandemic. Medical Mission Sisters in the Philippines have committed themselves to provide food for those on the front line in responding the medical needs of those with Covid-19 once a week. Every Saturday the sisters prepare and deliver healthy snacks of meals for the health staff at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City.

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