Empowering
Mothers & Children
For over a century, the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers have been dedicated servants of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our mission extends far beyond geographical boundaries; it reaches the hearts of those who need it most. Through love, compassion, and unwavering faith, we serve the marginalized, the forgotten, and the vulnerable across the world.
In many of the countries where the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers work, mothers face unimaginable challenges. They often struggle to provide for their children, and not every child experiences the love and protection God intended. Some grow up without adequate food, shelter, education, or even a mother’s presence.
Here are just a few examples of how our missioners are addressing the needs of women and children in some of the poorest countries of the world:
Fr. Edward Phillips who has dedicated his life to serving those in need, particularly through the Eastern Deanery AIDS Relief Project (EDARP) in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya.
Since its inception in 1993, EDARP has been a beacon of hope for countless mothers and families facing the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS. He’s worked for decades on comprehensive holistic care to those in desperate need, regardless of their circumstances.
Fr. Joyalito Tajonera, M.M. runs a ministry for migrant workers in Taiwan. Some of them are mothers who have left their children behind to search for work. “You see the pain in their eyes,” says Father Joyalito. “But these women are determined to give their children a better life – even if it means being separated from them for long periods of time.”
Some mothers are recruited under false pretenses or they experience abuse once on the job. Father Joyalito’s mission is their safe haven. He offers them protection and he advocates for the cause of migrants.
In three learning centers, serving 170 children with teachers and volunteers, Fr. Paul Sykora offers tutoring to children in a poor area of Cochabamba, Bolivia. Many migrants from rural areas in Bolivia live there. Families from indigenous cultures must adapt to life there. The children now live in a world that their parents do not understand. Learning Spanish is the first step in advancing in school. It is also key to adjusting to their new home.
As you read this, know that you are part of our mission. Your prayers, your support, and your heart for humanity contribute to the tapestry of grace we weave. Together, we can continue to spread the light of Christ, illuminating even the darkest corners of our world.
