Sisters of St. Mary, Western Region

06/15/2026

Happy Birthday to Sister Clara Vo!

Sister Clara's journey to the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur is a beautiful story of God’s providence. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, she lived in religious community for 35 years before facing difficulties that led her to question her vocation.

Through a miraculous series of connections — a childhood friend, Sister Yolanda Cruz and Sister Barbara Wilson — Sister Clara was welcomed into the SSMN.

“I have found with the Sisters of St. Mary a life worth living — a life of service, of love and a life that has respect for differences,” she reflects. She spent 15 years serving joyfully in Wichita Falls and now continues to serve at OLV.

Sister Clara's journey reminds us that Jesus pursues us with His love, and it's never too late to begin again.

Happy Birthday, Sister Clara! We're blessed by you!

06/13/2026

We were so excited to welcome Sister Lola home from Belgium! Be sure to watch for her story in the next issue of the Connections newsletter. Not sure if you receive our newsletter? Sign up here: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1838759/1790554/

06/11/2026

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

The Sisters would love to pray for you and what's on your heart.

Whatever you're carrying — worry, grief, joy, a big decision, health concerns, family needs — Jesus invites you to bring it all to Him. And we'd be honored to pray alongside you.

Share your prayer requests below or message us here: https://www.ssmnwestern.org/prayer-request.

You are not alone. We are praying with you and for you.

06/05/2026

Pray with Pope Leo this month for the values of sports.

Sports have the power to unite people, break down barriers, and teach respect and solidarity. In a world where competition can become empty rivalry, we pray to rediscover the true meaning of sports as a school of fraternity and respect.

“For the values of sports, that we might discover in sport a universal language that brings cultures together, unites peoples and sows respect, solidarity and personal growth.”

When you pray, you join millions worldwide!

The values expressed in sports can unite people, break down barrier...

05/29/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Sister Lola!

Today we celebrate Sister Lola and give thanks for her life, her service and her joyful presence in our community. May this year bring her abundant blessings, good health and continued grace.

We're so grateful for you, Sister Lola!

05/21/2026

We want to pray for you!

The Sisters gather regularly in prayer and would be honored to lift up your intentions. What's on your heart? What do you need prayer for?

Submit your prayer requests here: https://www.ssmnwestern.org/prayer-request

Or share in the comments below. Your prayers are safe with us, and we're honored to bring your needs before the Lord.

05/16/2026

Today we honor all who serve in the United States Armed Forces — those in active duty and those who have served. We are grateful for your sacrifice, courage and dedication to our country.

The Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, as passionate supporters of non-violence and promoters of peace, pray for all service members — for their safety, for their families and for a world where peace prevails.

Today we offer this prayer, shared with us by Clifford and Claudia Cardoza of Hollister, California:

Oh God, our Heavenly Father, You have blessed us with brave men and women who are willing to defend our freedom. May Your protection and grace surround them each day. Let Your healing hand be upon those who suffer wounds and injuries. May those who have made the ultimate sacrifice rest forever in Your Holy Presence. Comfort the families who mourn and are left to remember the precious lives of their loved ones. Let us ever be mindful of each sacrifice made on behalf of the American people by our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, and friends. Amen.

Thank you to all who serve. May God protect you and grant you peace.

05/10/2026

💐 Happy Mother's Day!

Today we honor all mothers — those who gave us life, those who raised us, those who mothered us through their love and care.

We also remember the ultimate mother, Mary, who said “yes” to God and gave the world Jesus. She shows us what it means to love sacrificially, to be present in suffering and to trust God completely.

Sister Rosemary shares this prayer today:

"O Gracious God,
On this Mother’s Day, we give thanks for all mothers, living on earth or in eternity, our biological mothers, adoptive mothers, foster mothers or spiritual mothers. We give thanks for the many ways they give birth to us and continue to nourish us and all the beautiful creation in our universe. May they always know they are loved, honored and supported. O God, bring comfort and peace to all who struggle for any reason. Surround them all now and always with your deep unending love and care. We pray this through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our mother, now and always. Amen."

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, spiritual mothers and women who have loved us like mothers! 💙🌷

05/05/2026

🌾 Pray with Pope Leo this month for ensuring everyone has access to quality food.

Food is a basic human right, yet millions go hungry while food is wasted daily. Pope Leo calls us to examine our own habits and work toward a more just food system.

The Sisters of St. Mary of Namur have always served the poor and hungry — from handing out sack lunches to the homeless to working in communities facing food insecurity around the world. We know that access to quality food is about dignity, health and justice.

This May, how can you help ensure everyone has enough to eat? Reduce waste? Support food banks? Advocate for just policies?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a60VaSe3tY

"

1K likes. "Pray with the Pope: That everyone might have food | May 2026"

05/01/2026

A sacred and joyful day!

We are overjoyed to share these photos from Sister Lupe's final vows as a Sister of St. Mary of Namur.

In the presence of her community, family and friends, Sister Lupe made her lifelong commitment to God through vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. What a beautiful witness to love, faith and dedication!

Sister Lupe's yes to religious life continues the legacy of the SSMN. We are blessed to call her Sister.