The Sisters of Mary, Ministers to the Sick are a Roman Catholic religious institute founded in 1851 in Madrid, Spain, by Maria Soledad Torres y Acosta. Their mission is to provide compassionate care to the sick and poor, primarily through home nursing, hospices, and clinics. With over 160 years of service, they have established themselves as a beacon of hope for those in need of medical and spiritual support across the globe.
The Founding of the Sisters of Mary, Ministers to the Sick
Maria Soledad Torres y Acosta, a young woman from Spain, felt a deep calling to serve the vulnerable. At the age of 25, she was waiting to join a religious order when Father Miguel Martínez y Sanz, a member of the Servite Third Order, approached her with a vision. His idea was to create a religious congregation of women who would dedicate themselves to caring for the sick in their homes, offering not just medical assistance but also spiritual solace.
On August 15, 1851, Maria and six other women who shared her passion for service took on the religious habit of the new congregation, under the approval of the Bishop of Madrid. This marked the official founding of the Sisters of Mary, Ministers to the Sick.
Growth and Challenges
As with any new venture, the early years of the congregation were marked by both growth and challenges. By 1856, the group of seven sisters had grown to 12. Around this time, Father Martínez was called to serve as a missionary in Fernando Pó, a Spanish colony off the coast of Africa, and he invited half the community to join him in this mission.
During this period, Maria Soledad Torres y Acosta took on the role of Superior of the community. However, internal disputes led her to step down temporarily. After an investigation by Gabino Sánchez, an Augustinian Recollect friar, Maria was reinstated, and her leadership proved pivotal to the growth of the congregation.
Expansion and Global Reach
The congregation expanded rapidly, opening its first community outside Madrid in Valencia in 1868. In 1875, the Sisters extended their service to Havana, Cuba, then still part of the Spanish Empire. By the time of Maria Soledad Torres y Acosta’s death in 1887, there were 46 communities of Sisters of Mary across Europe and Latin America.
Today, the Sisters continue their mission of mercy in countries like the United States, Cameroon, and the Philippines. Their services range from home care for the sick to working in clinics and hospices, where they provide a combination of medical care and spiritual support.
Illustrious Members of the Congregation
The Sisters of Mary have been graced with several illustrious members who have contributed to the growth and recognition of the order:
Maria Soledad Torres y Acosta: The founder of the congregation was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970, recognizing her life of service and dedication to the sick.
María Catalina Irigoyen Echegaray: Beatified in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI, she was a Spanish religious sister known for her commitment to the order’s mission.
Aurelia Arambarri Fuente: Martyred during the Spanish Civil War, Aurelia and several other sisters were beatified in 2013 by Pope Francis for their courageous faith and sacrifice.
Modern-Day Service
In the modern world, the Sisters of Mary, Ministers to the Sick continue to embody their founding principles of care, compassion, and devotion. In 2011, the congregation had around 1,628 religious sisters serving in 114 houses worldwide. They remain dedicated to their mission, providing a holistic approach to care that addresses both the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve.
The Sisters are especially recognized for their work in hospice care, where they provide not only medical treatment but also emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. Their presence in the United States has been particularly impactful, with notable service in places like Kansas City and the Bronx, where they have been praised for their dedication to the sick and dying.
Conclusion
The Sisters of Mary, Ministers to the Sick have created a lasting legacy of compassionate care that continues to resonate around the world. Founded on the vision of Maria Soledad Torres y Acosta, the congregation has grown from a small group in Madrid to a global community serving the sick and needy. Their dedication to both the physical and spiritual well-being of their patients is a testament to the enduring power of love and service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who founded the Sisters of Mary, Ministers to the Sick?
The congregation was founded by Maria Soledad Torres y Acosta in 1851 in Madrid, Spain. She was canonized as a saint in 1970 for her dedication to the sick and poor.
2. What is the mission of the Sisters of Mary, Ministers to the Sick?
The Sisters are dedicated to caring for the sick and poor, particularly through home nursing, hospices, and clinics. They provide medical care alongside spiritual support.
3. In which countries do the Sisters of Mary serve today?
The Sisters of Mary currently serve in various countries, including the United States, Cameroon, the Philippines, and several nations in Europe and Latin America.
4. How did the congregation grow during its early years?
The congregation grew from seven sisters in 1851 to 12 by 1856. Despite internal challenges, the leadership of Maria Soledad Torres y Acosta helped the community expand across Spain and into Latin America.
5. How is the legacy of the Sisters of Mary recognized today?
The Sisters of Mary are recognized globally for their work in hospice care and home nursing. They have received numerous accolades for their compassionate service to the sick and poor. The beatification and canonization of several members, including their founder, highlight their enduring impact on the Catholic Church and society.