Stop 2 - The foundresses

You are now standing in front of the pictures of Mother Maria and Mother Josepha: the two co-foundresses of the SSpS Missionary Sisters.

Both were active in supporting missionary work even before the Missionary Sisters existed. They worked hard in the household of the mission house of the SVD Missionaries, with the desire to become missionaries themselves. But years would go by before Arnold Janssen agreed to the founding of an order of sisters.

One after the other, both led the young order and had a great influence in shaping the community. Neither of the foundresses had the privilege of going to a mission country themselves, although that was their great dream. And although they never left Steyl, they laid the foundation for a globally active, international community, and their mission lives on to this day.

To your right is the door to the side chapel of the convent's church. Here the foundresses are buried in a sarcophagus. This was artistically decorated with precious coloured stones. These, like the woods that frame their pictures in the chapel, come from various countries where we have missionary sisters. They were both beatified after their death.

What's behind it all?

Vocation

What is vocation?  There are many different interpretations, but in a spiritual context it means an inner longing. A call that you feel and that urges you to act. However, you first have to find out where this call draws you. It is not always crystal clear and loud. Sometimes it takes time and several attempts.

A long time ago, two young women, Helena Stollenwerk and Hendrina Stenmanns, heard this call and had the courage to follow it with determination.

Helena had wanted to become a missionary in China since she was a child. She had always heard and read about the missionaries there and wanted to do the same. But as a woman, this was still impossible at that time. When she heard about Arnold Janssen and his mission house, the call drew her to Steyl in 1882. For almost 7 long years she worked in the mission house as a domestic helper, until in 1889 the Steyl Missionary Sisters were finally founded. She became the first leader and took the name Sr Maria.

Hendrina was the eldest of 7 children. She was very involved in her village and cared for all those in need. People sought advice from the young woman who was always full of joy and had a positive charisma. She too heard the call that led her to a life in a convent. So she too worked as a kitchen help in the mission house in Steyl from 1884 onwards, in order to support the mission. After the foundation she also joined and took the name Sr Josepha.

Both women had heard a call, felt an urge. Something had grabbed them early on and made them leave their homes to pursue it. However, even after they had already set out, they had to wait 7 years for the fulfilment of their calling. At no time did they have the certainty that they would be missionaries, and perhaps there were days when they themselves could no longer believe it. But they persevered, did their work and never gave up their dream, their vocation.

Impulse for you

Helena and Hendrina were fortunate to see their vocation clearly before them at an early age. But this vocation was outside what was possible for them. As missionaries to China? Impossible. However, with their goal in mind and an inner urge, they had to try. And so they took the first necessary step. They went out and did everything in their power to support the mission of which they wanted to become a part. And step by step, with a lot of patience, they managed to achieve the impossible and thus their dream.

Do you already have your goal in mind? Do you have an idea of your vocation?

What would be your first necessary step?