United States of America

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A Medical Mission Sister with a child at the US-Mexico border

Our history in the United States of America

Medical Mission Sisters was founded in the United States of America by Dr Anna Dengel in Washington DC in 1925.  For many years, the MMS Unit North America provided leadership, funding and personnel for ministries started in other countries. Over the years, however, the Society evolved:  MMS grew in numbers internationally; hospitals and clinics were handed over to local people in their own countries; and the Society headquarters were moved first to Rome and later to London. MMS also set up its own ministries in the USA.  To read more about this rich history of MMS in the region, please visit our North American website at www.medicalmissionsisters.org

Many of the Sisters, although now unable to continue to work directly in the field or assume internal community leadership positions, remain actively involved in prayer, in companionship with each other, and stay up-to-date with local, national and international news.  They are intentionally conscious of being a healing presence with all those whom they encounter and have retained meaningful friendships with Sisters and Associates around the world, sharing their wisdom, guidance and support.  

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A child at the border

Focus of our mission in the USA

Advocating with and for the marginalised

Offering de-addiction programmes

Delivering healthcare

Engaging in pastoral work

Performing music and the arts

Involvement in liturgical ministry

Promoting intercultural living

Representation at the UN

Campaigning to combat trafficking

Calling for peace and justice

Advocating with and for the marginalised

We are engaged in:

  • Tuscon, Arizona

Thousands of people from northern Central America and other regions in crisis are crossing the Mexico-US border, seeking asylum.  The immigrants, including many children and youth, are fleeing violence, climate change, rising poverty and Covid-19.  Medical Mission Sisters work at three different centres near the southern US border, two of them preparing meals, doing the laundry and providing a supportive and loving presence to the migrants before they move on after a few days to join their sponsors.

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We accompany immigrants coming to Philadelphia from all over the world and participate in a variety of social justice networks.  Sisters are living and working in Kensington, providing meals to the unhoused, organising regular events for women, living in the neighbourhood, and assisting in running a women’s centre for women who have suffered over the years: from trauma, often from within their family situation; from substance dependency; and from being unhoused.

  • East Haddam, Connecticut

Associate Bonnie Buongiorne founded the Ray of Light Farm, an animal rescue and therapy centre to bring people and animals together in a healing environment. Learn more about Ray of Light here:  https://www.rayoflightfarm.org/

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A welcome from MMS at the border in Arizona
At the border in Arizona
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A father and daughter whom we support
A father and daughter whom we support
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Laundry loads
Laundry loads

Offering de-addiction programmes

In an under-resourced neighbourhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sister Margaret McKenna started a programme called New Jerusalem for people recovering from addiction. 

Hundreds of men and women have found hope and healing in their stay in the residence which includes four houses and a community garden. 

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Sister Margaret McKenna
New Jerusalem's community garden

Engaging in pastoral work

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we are:

  • Engaging and lead interfaith dialogue;
  • Collaborating widely with other agencies involved in pastoral work; and
  • Teaching.
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An Associate acts as a Grief Warrior
An Associate acts as a Grief Warrior

Performing music and the arts and teaching women's leadership

In Hartford, Connecticut:

  • Professor Emerita Sister Miriam Therese (MT) Winter was the Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute at Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut, for over 25 years. Her focus is on transformational spirituality and leadership;
  • For long years, she has been a prolific songwriter and author and continues to write new music today; 
  • Many congregations across the world know the Medical Mission Sisters through singing Sister MT's songs.

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

  • We are conducting art classes and workshops and offer studio space for creative expression to the local community.
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Sister Imma makes new friends at the Women's Leadership Institute
Sister Imma makes new friends at the Women's Leadership Institute, Hartford Seminary, CT
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Cover Album of a MMS song, Joy is Like the Rain
Joy is like the Rain - 1966 Cover Album

Involvement in liturgical ministry

Liturgical celebrations nurture Sisters and Associates, as well as friends, who join the gatherings. 

These efforts within our chapel are a significant corporate witness to our spiritual life and charism.  The services include reflections on scripture, prayer, artwork, poetry, dance and music. 

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Unit North America liturgical ministry
Unit North America liturgical ministry

Promoting intercultural living

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

  • Sisters from around the world come to stay in our community and engage in ministry.  This offers an ongoing platform for cultural exchange. 
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Intercultural living
Being together across cultures

Representation at UN Level

In Philadelphia and New York:

  • Sister Mary Jane Caspillo from the Philippines is living in our Philadelphia community and currently representing MMS at UN level; and
  • As a founding member of the Justice Coalition of Religious (JCOR), we are active within this group of 20 non-governmental organisations which are accredited to collectively represent over 200 congregations of Roman Catholic women and men religious at the UN Headquarters in New York. 
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Logo of the Justice Coalition of Religious
Justice Coalition of Religious

Campaigning to combat trafficking

Sisters and Associates volunteer at a centre for women who have been trafficked, a place that gives the women an opportunity to come off the streets for a shower and meal and participate in supportive services.

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U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking - logo
We are active members of this coalition

Calling for peace and justice

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

  • Sisters and Associates living in the USA have a long history of addressing social justice issues. 
  • Although many of the Sisters and Associates are no longer physically able to participate in protests, visit the offices of legislators or teach in universities, they keep up with current developments in social affairs and write letters and make phone calls to politicians and others to campaign for justice for all.
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2003 protests
2003 protests
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Singing on the lawn, Philadelphia, 1966