Patrons of the Congregation
Mary Immaculate
The model of our life and action is Mary, who devoted herself completely to God, expressing this with the words: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).The Founder wanted apostolic activity and consecrated life in our Congregation to be characterized by an attitude of service and a patient, maternal love for all those in need of help.
The Blessed Virgin Mother Mary is an example to us. We listen to her advice: “Do whatever he tells you” (J J 2:5). From her we learn how devotion to God should increasingly lead us to practice virtues, above all humility and obedience, fortitude and chastity. These virtues give us a share in the humblement of Christ and his spiritual life. Like Mary, we participate in christ’s salvific work through the love shown in our apostolic activity.
Patronage feast: December 8
St. Rose of Lima
Our founder chose St. Rose of Lima to be our patroness. He was fascinated by her life. Because of her full devotion to Jesus and the harsh path of repentance she had imposed upon herself, she was despised and considered abnormal. She had to endure insults and slurs. In return, she did not have a light spiritual life at all. She experienced many of the most diverse difficulties and inner experiences, such as loneliness, abandonment, and coolness in prayer for many years. Despite so many external and internal difficulties, her entire life continued with God.
She was very sensitive to the poverty of the most vulnerable and despised people. Her uncompromising devotion to Jesus and her sensitivity to the poverty of the poor and most vulnerable, the help of the poor girls and women deprived of the family homes, inspired the Founder in his path of vocation and prompted him to also leave to the Sisters of Mary immaculate St. Rose, as patroness.
Feast August 23
Saint. Joseph
The Readiness of St. Joseph to accept the full mystery of God’s plans, is a model of our trust in God and obedience. His service role in the Holy Family is an example of our apostolic and charitable work.
We try to draw spiritual inspiration for religious formation. St. Joseph was able to see God’s inspiration, humbly perform the tasks entrusted to him, and this shapes our conviction that we are guided by God and obliged to do the works that God instructs us in the apostolic service and to serve others quietly, simplicity and in trust.
Feast March 19
Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine is a very well-known and spiritually rich figure. Our Constitutions are based on the Rule of St. Augustine.
For our Religious life, the main message of this Rule, which emphasizes the community life, is very important, “And therefore live all in unity and harmony, and worship in one God whom you have become a temple.”
These words remind every Sister of Mary immaculate the will of our founder.
Feast August 28
Saint Hedwig
Saint Hedwig lived and worked in Silesia, the land where the Congregation was founded.
Throughout her life, Hedwig has been in mind for the welfare of people and has done much to deepen the Christian faith among simple people.
She is also famous for her many charitable works. She and her husband funded churches, hospitals, kitchens and shelters for the poor and for pilgrims. That’s why Fr. Johannes Schneider, establishing a new religious congregation in Wrocław, placed it under the care of Saint Hedwig, the one who remained in a grateful memory in Wrocław, as an exemplary model of active charity.
Feast 16 October