When explaining our charism to others, there are a number of passages from scripture that we often reference: Mary at the foot of the Cross, the Good Samaritan, Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, Christ’s words “I was sick and you visited me”, etc. Reflecting on the gift of our call as Servants of Mary, I am reminded of when Jesus was asked to summarize the Law of the Old Covenant. He did so by pointing to two commandments: Love of God and love of neighbor. It seems to me that our charism and identity can also be summarized by these two commandments and explained by the two parts of our Congregation’s name:

 Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick

We are servants of Mary, the Handmaid of the Lord, she who loved God with her entire being. We live our consecration to God under her protection and maternal intercession, following Christ through our Vows, encountering Him in our community life, striving for perfect charity as Mother Soledad did so that we too may become souls formed according to the Heart of Christ.

We are also called to be ministers to the sick by placing ourselves at the service of our sick brothers and sisters through diligent and gratuitous care for them, preferably in their own homes, seeing in them Christ himself and bearing witness to the great love God has for them.

What a beautiful calling to be a Servant of Mary, Minister to the Sick! Could God be calling YOU to this ministry of mercy and compassion, either as a Sister or as lay associate? Take a moment to pray and listen to where He may be leading your heart!

“May the Lord give us his divine grace, so that we may fulfill our obligations as we should as Spouses and Servants.” – Mother Soledad

- Sister Teresa