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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q:What is the Medical Mission Sisters?
A: The Medical Mission Sisters is an international community of 650 Catholic Sisters from 23 nations. It serves through health care and education; wholeness and wellness programs; development of women; work for justice; worship and spirituality; and music and song.
As members of the MMS, we share one mission: "To be a healing presence at the heart of a wounded world." We are women full of passion for wholeness, for justice, and for life in a world with so much suffering and pain in order to promote healing and wholeness in all aspects of life. (back)
Q: Who founded the Medical Mission Sisters?
A: A young Austrian woman doctor, Anna Dengel, founded the Medical Mission Sisters on September 30, 1925 together with three women – another young doctor and two nurses – who responded to her invitation in Washington D.C. (back)
Q: What were the circumstances that prompted Anna Dengel to establish the Medical Mission Sisters?
A: Working in what was then North India in the early 1920s, Anna Dengel experienced firsthand the unnecessary sickness and death of countless Muslim women and children, whose customs isolated them from medical care administered by male physicians. She became convinced that a group of women health professionals, who dedicated their lives to God, could make a difference in helping women to have access to the health care they deserved. (back)
Q: Why is the Medical Mission Sisters considered as women religious?
A: The Medical Mission Sisters is considered as women religious because members of this religious congregation profess public vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Our vow of poverty means we aim to live simply, interdependently, and responsibly, making connections between our personal life and the well-being of our planet and its people.
Our vow of chastity is a commitment to love and to be loved. Our celibacy is a witness to the liberating love of God which is unconditional and inclusive. (back)
Our vow of obedience means that we live and work in a spirit of dialogue, discernment, and shared decision-making. It is a commitment to place our personal gifts at the service of our mission.
Individually and corporately, we share our material resources and ourselves, trusting in God's goodness and care through prayers and through our communities.
Prayer is integral to our life and a constant source of vitality. Gathering to share the Word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist is intrinsic to our prayer.
Community is an expression of our commitment to one another. Our bonds of loyalty and friendship are a source of strength and joy. (back)
Q: What is the internationality of the Medical Mission Sisters?
A: Internationality is part of our heritage as members of the Medical Mission Sisters. As we discover the intrinsic unity and harmony which lie at the heart of all life, we have a view of our world which is broader than the perspective of any one nation. Our interconnectedness leads us to create ways of linking and networking among ourselves and with others.
Our "First Four" members in 1925 were of three different nationalities. Today our 650 Sisters come from a total of 23 nations.
We now serve in 19 nations such as Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Malawi in Africa; India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and The Philippines in Asia; England, The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Italy in Europe; United States and Mexico in North America; and Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil in Latin America. (back)
Q: Why is the Medical Mission Sisters committed to justice?
A: It is because justice is integral to healing, which the Medical Mission Sisters are committed to, so that members are expected to:
Q: How can one help the Medical Mission Sisters?
A: One can help the Medical Mission Sisters by becoming a partner through (1) prayer and action, (2) financial support, or through (3) membership.
Through Prayer and Action The Medical Mission Sisters welcomes your partnership in its global mission of healing. Together we really can make a difference in people’s lives.
Through Financial Support
Your contributions to our mission of healing are greatly appreciated and can be sent to:
Medical Mission Sisters 30 F. Collantes Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City Philippines Tel. Nos.: (632) 4260644 & 4265613
Please send your tax-deductible donation with your name, address, email address, and mission interests.
We would be grateful if you also considered remembering the Medical Mission Sisters in your Will. Contact us at (632) 4260644 or 4265613 for other ways to financially support our healing mission.
Through Membership
We encourage anyone who wishes to explore membership in or association with the Medical Mission Sisters to contact:
Medical Mission Sisters 30 F. Collantes Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines Mobile Nos.: (632) 9192409601 & 9269464763 Email: mmsphil@philonline.com & mmsphil@zpdee.net (back)
A: Yes and No. It’s a Yes for Associate Membership, but a No for Canonical Membership. (back)
Q: What does Associate Membership with the Medical Mission Sisters mean?
A: Associate Membership belongs to women and men who are drawn to the spirituality, mission, and passion for healing and justice of the Medical Mission Sisters. They commit to live the vision and values of the MMS community within the context of their own lives and responsibilities. (back)
Q: What does Canonical Membership in the Medical Mission Sisters mean?
A: Canonical Membership is the essence of being in a mission as an MMS sister by undergoing the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, trusting in God's goodness and care through prayers and through our communities for life. (back)
Q: How long will it take to become an MMS sister?
A: Initial incorporation involves Pre-Candidacy – normally a 6-month to 24-month phase of introduction to the Medical Mission Sisters Candidacy – approximately two (2) years of coming to a deeper understanding of a call to life in mission as an MMS sister Temporary Commitment – three (3) to six (6) years of living as a Canonical member with vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience Profession of Vows for Life |
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