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 | Our foundress: Maria del Rufugio of Mexico City.
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Did you know that a widow and mother who lived a hundred years ago made a profound impact on the world - one that continues today?
This 29-year old woman, Maria del Refugio, attended a retreat, which focused on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. These practices inspired a spiritual renewal, and Maria del Refugio felt the desire to love and serve others while bringing them to Christ. She wanted particularly to reach children and young people.
In particular, she wished to start a religious community to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, while offering reparation for the many offenses against the Eucharist. Our congregation, the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, was founded in 1910, and has continued to spread since then.
Persecution is a Cause for Expansion
By the early 20th century, the Mexican Revolution had begun. Hostile to Catholics, the Mexican government began a persecution, which threatened our Mercedarian Sisters. To prevent the Order from being wiped out - as well as to remain open to vocations - Maria del Refugio established houses for her Sisters in foreign countries. Several of the Sisters kept a low profile in Mexico City, staying away from danger in the basements of nearby houses when necessary. After the revolution, in 1929, our religious family expanded to Cuba, El Salvador, Chile, Spain, Colombia, Italy, and the United States. The Sisters ran these Catholic schools to educate children not only in academics, but also in virtues.
Currently, the Institute has a presence in twelve countries (lately, they have opened houses in Guatemala, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Mozambique) where we take part in the New Evangelization, ministering to Catholics and non-Catholics through eighty-three schools and five missions. Our mission is to help children and youth to develop a loving relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist.
Mercedarian Sisters Today in the U.S.
In the United States, the special focus of the Mercedarian Sisters is catechizing in schools. We run schools in Ohio, California, and Texas for children ranging from pre K to 8th grade. Louisiana is home to our prayer center for the sick and terminally. Among other ministries, religious classes and spiritual counseling are offered here to children, teenagers, and adults.
The work of our Sisters and charisms of our Order can be found on the Mercedarian Sisters' website. Photo albums on the site show some glimpses into our community life. Whether it is working in the kitchen, praying as a community at Mass, or building a snowman, we strive live with the joy of Christ.
If you think you may be called to become a Mecedarian Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, take our simple Test Your Call survey. I'll write a personal response.
Also, why not like our Facebook page?
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If you have any questions or would just like to talk, email me at eucharistvocations@yahoo.com.
Yours in Christ,
Sr. Jeanette Marie
Vocation Director
Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament
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