Who we are
We belong to an international community of Catholic women religious, officially founded in 1856 by Father Theodosius Florentini and Sister Maria Theresia Scherer.
Our vocation as Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross is summarized in the first article of our Constitutions: “The spirit of our community is the spirit of the Gospel as it imbued St. Francis and our founders, Father Theodosius Florentini and Mother Maria Theresa Scherer”. The fact that they are affected by the gospel and the basic spiritual values that develop from it shape our vocation and identity as Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross and give our mission its special character. As individuals and as a community we walk in the footsteps of the merciful and crucified Jesus. Following his example, we commit ourselves to live in evangelical poverty, obedience and celibacy.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF OUR LIFE FORM ARE:
- Life in spiritual community: The community is a space for mutual sharing and concern, mutual appreciation and reconciliation. The single sister experiences encouragement, support and security.
- Anchoring in God through common and personal prayer: We allow ourselves to be shaped by the Word of God, in the Liturgy of the Hours, through the sacraments and in meditation.
- Mission into the world: We are involved in social and charitable works, in health care, in school and education, in pastoral work, pastoral care and proclamation.
How we actually implement our mission varies depending on the time, place and social environment.
Our Motto
The need of the Time is the Will of God.
Where we are found
Over years, the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross have responded to the needs of the time in many parts of the world ; Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, India, Brazil, Taiwan, USA, Russia, Uganda and Kenya. At present we are 3726 living sisters all over the world, with 71 sisters in Uganda Vicariate.
More than 16,200 Sisters have already gone before us interceding for us.