Medical Mission Sisters Shift Focus to Holistic Healing

Changanacherry, January 14, 2025: The century-old Medical Mission Sisters, a congregation known for its global healthcare services, have transitioned from managing multispecialty hospitals to promoting alternative therapies in India. The congregation’s 200 members across three Indian provinces primarily consist of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. This shift, rooted in a paradigm change initiated in the 1980s, aims to redefine their mission as a “holistic healing mission,” addressing environmental, empowerment, and justice issues.

“We have handed over most of our hospitals to local dioceses or other women’s congregations to focus on grassroots healing,” explained Sister Lilly Joseph, head of the South India province to Global Sisters Report (GSR). Sister Eliza Kuppozhackel, a senior member, noted that this shift emerged after a “soul-searching exercise” inspired by the Second Vatican Council.

Founded in 1925 in Washington, D.C., by Austrian laywoman Dr. Anna Dengel, the congregation initially provided healthcare to marginalized women. Over the decades, their mission evolved, and in Kerala, they donated their hospitals to local dioceses.

The congregation currently operates alternative healing initiatives, including the Ayushya Centre for Healing and Integration in Changanacherry, led by Sister Eliza, who has trained hundreds in integrative medicine. Their holistic efforts extend to supporting marginalized communities, conducting health camps, and addressing issues like HIV/AIDS, cancer, and infectious diseases.

Marking their centenary year, which began on September 28, 2024, the sisters announced a project to support 100 individuals with housing, medical treatment, and education sponsorship. Sister Lilly acknowledged the challenges of aging members and limited new recruits but expressed faith in their mission’s future to GSR. “We trust in God’s providence to guide us as healing handmaids of the Lord,” she said.

The Medical Mission Sisters continue to embody their mission of compassionate service, redefining healthcare and demonstrating unwavering faith in their mission to heal a wounded world.

By Catholic Connect Reporter