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Mother Mary of the Apostles
Born Theresa von Wuellenweber in Myllendonk,
Germany, February 19, 1833. Entered the Society
September 5, 1882. Co-founded the Congregation
of the Sisters of the Divine Savior, December
8, 1888. Died in Rome, Italy, December 25, 1907.
Prayer to Blessed Mary of the
Apostles |
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| Blessed Mary of the Apostles whose
baptismal name is Mary Theresa von Wullenweber, was
born at the family's castle of Mylendonk near
Monchengladbach, Rhineland, Germany, on February 19,
1833. Strongly attracted to the missionary ideal,
Mary Theresa wanted to consecrate herself to God as
a missionary Sister. In her times, however,
missionary congregations for women were just in
their beginnings, and the German "Kulturkamphf"
barred religious foundations in her homeland.
Theresa sought ways to respond to her vocation,
first in the Society of the Sacre Coeur, and later
as dedicated parish helper in Brussels. However, the
urgency of her longing for an apostolic missionary
commitment left her no rest. Theresa returned to her
family, searching for ways to do something to bring
faith to those who lack its joys. In 1876, she
rented and later bought part of the former
Benedictine Abbey at Neuwerk. Her dream: a community
of missionary Sisters, a small group of women
following a common rule, though not openly because
of the Kulturkampf.
Finally, a light: in 1882, at 49 years of age,
Theresa met Father Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan
who, in 1881 had founded the Apostolic Teaching
Society in Rome. Father Jordan's totally apostolic
spirit convinced her immediately that here was the
road willed for her by God. She became a member of
the Society on September 5, 1882, ready to leave all
to follow the Founder's call.
On December 8, 1888, the foundation of the
Sisters' branch of the Society of the Divine Savior
(Salvatorians), as the Society is called today, took
place in Tivoli near Rome. Mary of the Apostles
became the Community's mother and guide.
Both Founders had always wanted the center of the
Congregation to be in Rome, center of the universal
Church. This became a reality in 1894, and from
there the Community has spread throughout the world.
Today, the Sisters are present in 30 countries on
five continents.
The Foundation had been laid, and Mary of the
Apostles' life task was accomplished. She died in
Rome on Christmas night, December 25, 1907. Paul VI,
declaring her Blessed on October 13, 1968, confirmed
her as an exemplar and intercessor for a truly
apostolic life. Her remains are preserved in a
special chapel in her honor at the general
motherhouse of the Congregation in Rome. Her feast
is celebrated on September 5. |
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Father Francis Mary of the
Cross Jordan
Born John Baptist Jordan in Gurtweil, Germany,
June 16, 1848. Ordained July 21, 1878. Founded
the Society of the Divine Savior, December 8,
1881, in Rome. Died in Tafers, Switzerland, September
8, 1918.
Salvatorian
Mission Prayer - Burning Torch |
| After much prayer, prudent planning
and with the Holy Father's personal blessing, John
Baptist Jordan founded the Apostolic Teaching
Society on December 8, 1881 in Rome. Exactly seven years
later to the day, he founded the Sisters'
branch of the Society in Tivoli, near Rome. Blessed
Mary of the Apostles, who totally shared his
apostolic and missionary ideals, assisted him in
this enterprise and became the guide of the new
community. Since 1894, both foundations have borne
the name "of the Divine Savior"
or Salvatorians, and are now active in more than 30 countries
worldwide. Father Jordan founded his communities
on confidence in God and gospel poverty; he inspired
them to a deep apostolic zeal and humble
service, urging them to use at all times and
everywhere all the means which the love of Christ
inspires. He grounded them in unremitting prayer and
courageous acceptance of hardships, for "Nothing
flourishes", he wrote, "but in the shadow of the
Cross". |
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