Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – The Lay Missionaries of Charity, the lay movement of the spiritual family begun by Mother Teresa of Calcutta has begun in the Philippines. They have been started by the Philippines Province of the Missionaries of Charity and are consecrated lay members with the same charism as the Missionaries of Charity, living in constant adoration of God and service to the poorest of the poor.
In the Philippines, the movement already has 8 members, all with various different professions, for example doctors, teachers, and theologians. All of them have decided to dedicate their entire life to serving Christ in the poor and suffering present in each sick person, and thus try to quench “God's thirst” which is present in each person, following the example of Mother Teresa.
The laity of the movement describe their vocation and mission in this way: “Feed the hungry: not only the food that passes away, but the Word of God, prayer, and the Sacraments; give drink to the thirsty: not only water, but wisdom, truth, justice, peace, love, and joy; clothe the naked: not only with clothing, but with human dignity; shelter the homeless: not only a house made of bricks, but with a heart that is understanding, that protects and that loves; visit the sick and blind: not only those who are physically sick, but also those who are sick in mind and spirit; visit the imprisoned: not only those behind bars, but also those who are slaves to their passions, to their selfishness, to sin, to indifference, and to ignorance; bury the dead: not only their bodies, but also their bad habits, sins, and selfishness.”
The Lay Missionaries of Charity (LMC) is an International Association of consecrated lay persons who live according to the charism of the Family of Missionaries founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta. They include single and married persons. Over the course of time, they have been divided into two branches. They have an International Leader, assisted by three representatives of the three main languages: English, Italian, and Spanish.
The Movement officially began in 1984 and was recognized by the Holy See in 1987. Today, it is present in 40 countries. The number of members are constantly growing. Those interested in forming a part of the Movement must undergo a three year-long formation program. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/11/2008)
