Sisters of Mary
Serving the Lord with Joy!
Facts
Founder: Venerable Aloysius Philip Schwartz (1930-1992)
Founded on: August 15, 1964
Officially decreed as a Diocesan Religious Congregation on: March 2, 1993
Declared as Religious Institute of Pontifical Right on: March 2, 2000
Headquarters: Sisters of Mary of Banneux, Inc., Biga II, Silang, Cavite, Philippines
Let Us Serve the Lord with Joy!
The Sisters of Mary are a Catholic religious congregation of over 400 Sisters serving poor children across six countries worldwide. They operate charitable programs in the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and Tanzania, bringing hope to vulnerable communities. In each location, the Sisters provide children with a safe home, nutritious food, and education tailored to their local culture. Their mission is to prepare children for a better future—right in their own country—at no cost to their families.
Each year, the Sisters care for over 20,000 disadvantaged children, providing safety, support, and the opportunities for lifelong success. Beyond child care, they also maintain hospitals, schools, homes, and vocational training programs to uplift their families and communities.
The children’s formation follows the timeless pillars set by the founder, Venerable Fr. Aloysius Schwartz: Study, Play, Work, and Pray. Through this holistic model, the Sisters nurture the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth in every child under their care. Children receive a Christian education and see in the Sisters a daily example of joyful service, discipline, and compassion. The Sisters’ dedication inspires the children to grow into responsible, faith-filled adults ready to serve others and lead virtuous lives.
Their motto, “Let us serve the Lord with joy!”, continues to guide their mission and daily life around the world.
“God Calls. We Respond”
The Sisters of Mary were founded on August 15, 1964, by Monsignor Aloysius Schwartz, a missionary priest devoted to helping poor children. He established the congregation to serve the poorest of the poor with love, compassion, and a life of joyful service. Their name honors the Banneux pilgrimage site in Belgium, where the Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated as Benefactress of the Poor.
Today, Mother Superior Sister Elena Belarmino leads the congregation, following Fr. Al’s original vision. Sister Elena oversees both the religious community and the many charitable institutions the Sisters of Mary operate worldwide.
The Sisters of Mary congregation is officially recognized by the Catholic Church and respected by both Church and State authorities. The congregation’s headquarters is located in Cavite, near Manila in the Philippines. Their spirituality is rooted in humility, service, joy and faith, following the example of Mary and the mission of Fr. Al.
“It is not enough to give the poor food and clothing. They need education that gives them the skills to build a dignified existence for themselves.”
– Fr. Aloysius Schwartz, Founder
