United States of America
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
