IHM: IHM Missions

IHMs in Overseas Missions

Many IHM Sisters have chosen the challenging opportunity to minister among some of the world's poorest people in other countries. They have served several Latin American and African countries since the 1940s. IHMs minister to reduce suffering and improve quality of life through education, social justice work, health care, economic development, self-help entrepreneurial cooperatives and pastoral ministry. They are also involved in pastoral ministry, the formation of faith communities and training catechists and lay apostolic leaders. IHM Sisters presently serve in Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Africa and Uganda, as well as missionary situations in the U.S.

Because IHMs perform missionary work in impoverished communities, they are not adequately compensated to meet personal and community needs. Prayers and contributions from friends and donors assist these sisters in their vital ministries.

Sister Peg (Cornelia) O'Shea has ministered in Africa for 14 years. She has played a vital role in protecting children through her involvement with the GECKO project - Giving Each Child Kindness and Orientation. GECKO works to provide safe and clean accommodation, food, clothing, substance abuse rehabilitation, life skills counseling and education.

"One of the saddest things I have experienced in South Africa is the high number of street children in every town and village."

- Sister Peg (Cornelia) O'Shea

There are several IHM Sisters in Africa today in a variety of ministries. Sister Marie-Esther Haflett, IHM, Ph.D. serves in Uganda, East Central Africa, at Uganda Martyrs University (UMU). She is the registrar and the dean of business administration. As dean of science, she set up the faculties of science, math, statistics, computer science and economics. She is also associate professor on the faculty of science and teaches several classes each semester.

"Our enrollment is steadily increasing. When UMU opened in 1993, 84 students were enrolled. Now we have about 800 on campus and another 8,000 in outreach programs throughout Uganda."
- Sister Marie-Esther Haflett

Also serving in educational and pastoral ministries in South Africa are Sisters Judith (John Vincent) Coyle, Annette St. Amour and Susan Rakoczy.

Sister Janet (Gabriel Mary) Hill is a teacher at Sagrad Familia Schhol, San Juan, Puerto Rico. This Catholic elementary school was founded in 1964 by two IHMs, Sister Juanita Bernard and Catherine Senia, and is in the Lloren Torres public housing project.

"Despite their daily life that is often in an environment of drugs and violence, many of our students' families have strong Christian values. I choose to stand with them, preparing them educationally to achieve their goals and lead full human lives now and in the future."

Four other IHMs serve in Puetro Rico in a variety of educational, pastoral and counseling ministries: Sisters Juanita (Guadalupe) Bernard, Lisandra Pedraza Burgos, Carolina (Esperanza) Diez de Andino and Candyce (Lauren) Rekart.

Thank you for considering a gift in support of IHMs in overseas ministry. For additional information, e-mail or call the Development Office at 734-240-9860.