Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Taipei (Agenzia Fides) – The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (or Immaculati Cordis Mariae), ICM celebrated their 50th anniversary of their presence on the island of Taiwan with a Mass presided by Archbishop Hong Shan Chuan of Taipei, celebrated in the Parish of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, on Sunday May 24, Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven and the second World Day for Prayer for the Church in China. They also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the perpetual vows of Sister Maria Claeys and Sister Hilda Van Hoolst.
The Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary were forced to leave the mainland 50 years ago, thus traveling to the island of Taiwan. In spite of the many difficulties they found, the missionary spirit of their Mother and Founder, Marie Louise de Meester (who had founded the Congregation in Mulagumoodu in India, in 1897) sustained the missionaries, who managed to overcome their cultural, linguistic, and other difficulties so that the people of Taiwan could receive the message of Christ's Love. After half a century, the sisters have not only carried out a great missionary work, but they have also been a witness in the fields of health, education, and social services. In addition to Taiwan and Hong Kong, the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary are active in Belgium, Brazil, Burundi, Congo, the USA, India, Philippines, and Mongolia. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 1/06/2009)
