Marianitas Sisters

By Juana Maria Armijos, R.M.

The Marianitas Sisters are a group of women of different nationalities. We are called to live in this institute of a radical Community Life nourish in our lives with the Eucharist and by reflecting on the Word of God commiting our lives to self denial by embracing the cross and loving others.

We follow th charism and way of life of Mercedes de Jesus (Mercedes de Jesus Melian y Ayala). She was born in Guayaquil-Ecuador, S.A. on September 24th, 1828. She came from a wealthy Christian family, she was third of three children; when she was three years old, she lost her father and at the age of 15 her beloved mother. Since then, she was under her older sister's care enjoying her fortune and luxurious life.

At 21 years of age, she had an accident, breaking her arm and was forced to rest for many days. During that time she had long hours to reflect and contemplate a Crucifix. Here is where and when she resolved to live only for Jesus and made a commitment of chastity for her entire life at the same time she renounced her wealthy possesions, selling her fortune and then distrubuted the money among the poor and needy.

Mercedes de Jesus acted as a gentle and loving mother, shared the Word of God in her work as catechist, teacher and nurse. She left the mission at the direction of her Spiritual Director, he lead her to Riobamba, Ecuador, where she had a vision of God's Providence.

On 14th April,1873 in Riobamba, Mercedes de Jesus with her three friends made vows of chastity, poverty and obedience in public with the presence of the Bishop. In this way the institute was founded and approved by the Diocese of the Service of the Church.

During her years as a Religious, she was a great example for her sisters and she was very confident that the Institute would spread out to the world and will serve to save many souls.

Now there are sisters from the Marianitas Order in 16 countries all over the world, proclaiming the Good News, giving our lives in the services to others.

Mercedes de Jesus died on 12th June, 1883 in Riobamba- Ecuador. She was proclaimed Blessed on 1st February, 1985 by His Holiness John Paul II in Guayaquil-Ecuador, U.S.A.

Originated from the third world country, the apostolate of Mercedes de Jesus are mostly in the developing world.

To live among the poor is to challenge us to testify through our way of life that God loves us and sent his Son Jesus Christ to free us.

Hermanas Marianitas (Marianitas Sisters) came to Wassisi, in Aitape Diocese, PNG in 1997. Beginning with four sisters, they are five and work as well in Nuku, the district centre.

Soon they will open a formation house in their parish town of Wewak. Their work is mainly with women and girls i the pastoral centre and in their village homes.