by Therese Horvat
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Recognized for their charitable service and joy, the Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, have many reasons to celebrate this year.
The worldwide religious congregation is marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of its foundress, St. Maria Soledad, the 175th anniversary of its founding in Spain, and the 150th anniversary of papal approval of the order.
Since 1917, the Servants of Mary have continued the vision and ministry of St. Maria Soledad in the Kansas City area. Other U.S. convents are in New Orleans and the Los Angeles area.
To formally recognize this significant moment for the congregation, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Jubilee Year for the Servants of Mary and has granted a plenary indulgence to Catholics who meet required conditions.
On July 11, a Mass at the Servants of Mary Kansas City convent celebrated the 150th anniversary of papal approval of the congregation.
In his homily, Father Joseph Arsenault, SSA, the community’s chaplain, reflected on the blessing the community has been to the church.
“[In 1876], the church said ‘yes,’ what you are doing is of God, and we rejoice in that work.”
“This is a time of grace for us . . . the church and for people in general,” said Mother Catherine Bussen, SM, superior of the Kansas City convent.
“We invite everyone to different opportunities to receive grace as they meet, pray and celebrate with us,” she added.
Opportunities to celebrate
Observances with opportunities to receive a plenary indulgence are taking place throughout the year (see sidebar).
The first of these events on July 5 was designed for the Spanish-speaking community and attracted 50 guests to the pilgrimage. Along the route from the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Kansas City, Kansas, to the convent, neighbors stood outdoors to watch. At the invitation of one of the Sisters, some bystanders even joined the rosary procession.
Sister Lucero Garcia, SM, hopes that through the Jubilee Year observances, people will come to know Mother Soledad.
“She was so giving and was known especially as the ‘mother of the poor,’” said Sister Lucero. “She wants to help all of us.”
Father Anthony Saiki, archdiocesan chancellor and promoter of justice, and rector of the cathedral, agreed.
“It’s a real joy to be able to celebrate these observances with the Servants of Mary in gratitude for their ministry and care given to so many,” he said.
“With the shrine to their foundress at the cathedral,” he continued, “we hope that Catholics will take the opportunity to get to know Mother Soledad and her witness to the sick and dying and turn to her in times of need with intercessory prayers.”
“We want to share the gifts that we’ve received — our beautiful charism and many graces — with people of the archdiocesan church,” said Mother Catherine.
“The anniversary and Jubilee Year observances present opportunities for us to open our doors and invite people to experience these blessings,” she said.
