| We are
an international Franciscan Religious Congregation of Women who
follow the spirituality of St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, OFM
Conventual, in an active-contemplative life founded on his Total
Consecration to the Immaculate. We are also spiritual daughters
of Saint Therese of Lisieux. A unique characteristic is our
Fourth Vow by which we pledge to be at God's disposal, like
Mary, without reserve, for the "greatest glory of God" through
the salvation of all in Jesus Christ.
We were founded by
Mother Maria Elisabetta Patrizi, SMMI in Rome, Italy with the
assistance of Father Elia M. Bruson, OFM Conv., on August 14,
1983 and canonically erected in that Diocese in 1993.
From God's merciful
love, attained in liturgical and private prayer, the SMMI go
forth and they manifest the maternal love of Mary:
By caring for
children in day cares and elementary schools;
By working with youth
in religious education, youth programs and summer camps;
By being there for
others in parish missions, one on one encounters, and Family of
Mary Immaculate groups;
By caring for the
elderly through home visitations, hospital visitations, nursing
home care;
By serving the
Church's clergy and the faithful in parishes, shrines, and
retreat houses.
The Sisters Minor of
Mary Immaculate currently number over 80 members from 12 nations
and are present in. Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey,
France, Slovenia, United States of America. |