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Our Charism and Spirit

Margaret Mary Healy Murphy founded the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate in 1893 in San Antonio, Texas, with a charism for ministering to the poor in their need.

The spirit of our foundress was one of faith and trust in God and compassion for those in need.

We believe we are called by God to be women of faith and trust who live together in simplicity, humility and love to manifest the compassion of Jesus to the poor, especially those who are denied respect for their human dignity.

Our works in education, pastoral ministry, social work and health care are an expression of this compassionate presence.

In order to be imbued with the spirit of the Gospel and that of Mother Margaret we try to live in such a way that the light of the Holy Spirit guides our life and the fire of the Holy Spirit quickens our love; we endeavor to be open and responsive, like Mary, to the needs of people in the different situations in which we find ourselves.  (Constitutions. p.3, #3)

General Chapter 2015 ~ Direction Statement

During our chapter proceedings we shared with each other the promptings of the Holy Spirit from our personal and communal prayer and sharing. We know that God called our Sisters of the Holy Spirit & Mary Immaculate to continue the charism of Mother Margaret and to be aware of, and responsive to the changing needs of our society and our church.

We committed ourselves to

  • continue to address matters of injustice and inequality in our society
  • be good stewards of our resources and all that is entrusted to our care
  • use our resources to empower people who are marginalized
  • evaluate all our ministries through the lens of social justice
  • continue to invite new membership to our congregation

We believe that as Sisters of the Holy Spirit we are called to develop a more contemplative lifestyle that sustains us and compels us to become stronger prophetic witnesses for justice in our world today.

Charism of Sisters of the Holy Spirit & Mary Immaculate - Congregation's Emblem

We are here to make a difference, a day at a time, for as long as it takes to make the world a place of justice and compassion…. It is by our deeds that we express our faith and make it real in the lives of others and the world.

To Heal a Fractured World
by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

As you see, the mission of the Holy Spirit Sisters is to be a prophetic voice for justice.

What is your mission in life? 

What difference would you like to make in the world?

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