WHO WE ARE
NEWNEW
LIST OF THE PREQUALIFIED SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR FY 2026/2027, 2027/2028 & 2028/2029
We belong to an international community of Catholic women religious, officially founded in 1856 by Father Theodosius Florentini and Sr. Maria Theresia Scherer.
Our vocation as Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross is summarized in the first article of our Constitutions: “The spirit of our community is the spirit of the Gospel as it imbued St. Francis and our founders, Father Theodosius Florentini and Mother Maria Theresa Scherer”. The fact that they are affected by the gospel and the basic spiritual values that develop from it shape our vocation and identity as Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross and give our mission its special character. As individuals and as a community we walk in the footsteps of the merciful and crucified Jesus. Following his example, we commit ourselves to live in evangelical poverty, obedience and celibacy.
Our Motto
The need of the Time is the Will of God.
OUR CHARISM
OUR VISION ANDMISSION
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF OUR LIFE FORM ARE:
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Life in spiritual community: The community is a space for mutual sharing and concern, mutual appreciation and reconciliation. The single sister experiences encouragement, support and security.
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Anchoring in God through common and personal prayer: We allow ourselves to be shaped by the Word of God, in the Liturgy of the Hours, through the sacraments and in meditation.
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Mission into the world: We are involved in social and charitable works, in health care, in school and education, in pastoral work, pastoral care and proclamation. How we actually implement our mission varies depending on the time, place and social environment.
OUR EMBLEM
SPECIAL FEATURES OF OUR EMBLEM
Ours is a unique and meaningful emblem, round shaped, containing a Cross on a shield at the center. It originates from a threefold peak and is surrounded by a crown of stars.
Above the cross, Our Lady of Immaculate is depicted with two angels holding the shield on both sides. The outer circle of the emblem is engraved with the following words:
CONGREGATION OF SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE HOLY CROSS, INGENBOHL
The Meaning of the Emblem:
The Cross is the sign of our salvation. The threefold peak signifies the foundation on which our religious life is built; three symbolizing the Triune God and our total self surrender through the three religious vows.
The crown of stars is a reference to the text in Revelation: “A great sign appeared in the skies – a woman clothed with the sun and the moon at her feet with crown of 12 stars on her head.” Rev.12:1
The angels are depicted in reference to Ps.90 (91)
“God will put His angels in charge of you, to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up in their hands, to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones.”
Thus the emblem depicts two fold characteristics of our spirituality: Christ centered and Mary centered.
Mary the Immaculate is venerated from the initial stages as the patron and protector of our Institute. She is placed above the cross as she had fully partaken in the sufferings of Christ, therefore in His victory. Thus she is our inspiration, a model and a sign of hope.