IRMAS: A Film about the Life of the Sisters of Mary
This powerful documentary, filmed in Tanzania, Brazil, and the Philippines, brings to life the mission, sacrifices, and hope woven by the Sisters of Mary in serving children living in poverty. IRMAS—meaning “Sisters” in Portuguese—traces their journey of love, showing how they rescue, nurture, and educate those who would otherwise be forgotten.
The film was conceived as both a tribute and a call to action. Caroline Duclert, one of its creators, shares that in 2021 she met the Irmãs de Maria caring for girls in the poorest regions of Brazil. Determined to share their story, she set out to capture their mission on film, not just as a human story but as a witness that solutions to child poverty are possible. Watch IRMAS»
How You Can Engage
- Watch & Share: View IRMAS via its official channel and share it with your network.
- Host a Screening: Encourage your church, school, or community to host a viewing event.
- Donate: 100% of donations to IRMAS go straight into the mission to support the Sisters’ work
- Spread the Word: Use social media, newsletters, and conversations to highlight this film and its message.
Sisters of Mary World Villages for Children
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending child poverty through education and care. We provide vital financial support to the charitable programs of the Sisters of Mary, empowering children from impoverished backgrounds to build a brighter future. To date, we have helped over 160,000 children and their families break the cycle of poverty through access to quality education, safe shelter, nutritious food, and medical care.
Each year, thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, we serve more than 20,000 children living in poverty. In addition to academic education, our Villages offer vocational training that equips students with real-world skills for long-term success.
About The Sisters of Mary
Our Purpose
To inspire charity to the poor.
Our Plan
To help children break free from a life of poverty. Learn more about how we help children, on the Life at Our Villages page.
Our Priorities
Sisters of Mary World Villages for Children works through 20 different schools in 6 countries: The Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and Tanzania.
Our Values
We serve with a light-hearted joy.
We care deeply.
We value service above self.
We treat people with dignity.
Meet The Sisters
For over 60 years, The Sisters of Mary, founded by Venerable Aloysius Schwartz, have worked tirelessly, operating our charitable programs in the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and Tanzania. In each country, the Sisters work to not only give children a safe roof over their heads, food, and education, but also provide the spiritual and emotional guidance needed in order to overcome the tragedy of poverty and become successful adults. Today, more than 400 Sisters continue Father Al’s mission across Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, the Philippines, and Tanzania.
Venerable Father Al Schwartz
Our founder, Father Al, was a devoted missionary priest who dedicated his life to bringing hope to the world’s most underprivileged, particularly children.
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- Inspiring personal stories of transformation from the children we serve
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