The Medical Missionaries of Mary are an international missionary congregation of Catholic women religious. They were founded by Marie Martin in Nigeria in 1937 to bring the love of God to others through a service of healing. They are also known by their official initials: MMM.
They follow Christ, who “went about doing good”, healing the sick and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom. They live “that all may have life and have it in its fullness”. Their charism (spiritual gift to be used for the community) as medical missionaries places them in the world of health and medicine, for the service of the universal Church. They serve preferentially in missionary situations where the need for human development is great and the people are awaiting the liberating and healing power of the Gospel.
Medical Missionaries of Mary make public lifelong profession of vows of chastity, poverty and obedience lived in community. The Gospel is the basis for their lives. Like Mary, the model of the Church, they are called to be contemplatives who are active in the world.
At present there are about four hundred members from nineteen countries. They work in fourteen countries in Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Their motto is: “Rooted and Founded in Love” (Eph 3:17).
Their Motherhouse is in Drogheda, Ireland. Their MMM administrative headquarters is at their Congregational Centre in Dublin, where members of their Congregational Leadership Team and other staff reside.
Associate members
As well as Sisters with life-long religious vows, there are over one hundred Associate MMMs, both women and men, who feel drawn to their healing charism and spirit. They apply the values that are important to MMM in their own vocations, life choices, and commitments. Associates make an annual covenant, as they deepen their commitment to global mission in a formal way. They are found on six continents.
Friends of MMM
MMM friends are just that: the countless people who have extended the hand of friendship to them all over the world. They include people who support them with their prayers and financial contributions. Others share their skills locally and overseas. Many friends, especially other religious Sisters, extend their hospitality to MMMs and Associates who travel long distances to speak about their work in parishes. They are their good neighbours who are willing to help their work of holistic healing in any way they can.
Volunteers
They welcome volunteers to join them and share their gifts. They ask cross-cultural volunteers to make a commitment of a minimum of two years and to have orientation before arrival in the country. If you are interested in making such a commitment, contact them.
