Austin Prep Welcomes The Daughters of Mary

Austin Prep Welcomes The Daughters of Mary

Austin Prep is privileged to welcome the Daughters of Mary to the School community, beginning July 1st.

A little over a year ago, Austin Prep began conversation with representatives of some congregations of women religious about the possibility of expanding their ministry to Austin Prep. With the permission of His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, the Archbishop of Boston, and the approval of His Excellency Most Reverend Severus Jjumba, Bishop of Masaka (Kampala, Uganda), we are pleased to welcome the Daughters of Mary to campus.

Founded in 1910 in Uganda and placed under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Bannabikira Sisters were elevated to Pontifical status by Pope Pius XII in 1958. The mission of the Bannabikira Sisters is to educate young people, care for the sick, and engage in social work, all inspired by the spirit of the Motherhood of Mary. In coming to Austin Prep, the Daughters of Mary will expand their apostolate to our School and the Archdiocese of Boston. The Daughters of Mary have several apostolates, including St. Aloysius Girls Secondary School in Kalungu, Central Region, Uganda. In addition to educating young women, the School provides food, clothing, medical care, and domicile for their students.

The Superior General of the Order, Sister Noelina Namusoke, is sending five Sisters to Austin Prep. The Sisters hold advanced degrees and have backgrounds in science, math, theology, campus ministry, and school leadership. Through an arrangement with the Archdiocese of Boston and the hospitality of Father David Lewis, Pastor of St. Adelaide’s Church in Peabody, the Sisters will live in a convent at the parish. 

The arrival of the Bannabikira Sisters is a blessing and opportunity to deepen Austin Prep’s connection to a global world, to broaden our horizons and perspectives about culture, race and the lived experiences of others, and to advance the work we do in the Lord’s Vineyard to spread the Kingdom of God. We look forward to being in touch again to share more information about the Sisters' arrival to campus.