Established | November 10, 1845 |
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Founders | Theresa Maxis Duchemin, IHM Louis Florent Gillet, CSsR |
Type | Centralized Religious Institute of Consecrated Life of Pontifical Right (for Women) |
Purpose | Committed to proclaiming the Gospel message in the spirit of Jesus the Redeemer |
Location |
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Members (2017) | 300 |
Superior General | Sr. Ellen Maroney, IHM |
Post-nominal initials | IHM |
Affiliations | Roman Catholic |
Website | www |
The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.) is a Catholic religious institute of sisters, founded in 1845 by Fr. Louis Florent Gillet, CSsR, and Mother Theresa Maxis Duchemin, a co-founder of the Oblate Sister of Providence.
Via their first Superior, Mother Duchemin, they were the first predominantly White order founded by a Black Catholic (though the order hid this fact for 160 years).[1]
Founded (and still headquartered) in Monroe, Michigan, the sisters originally began as teachers. They have since added ministries of: pastoral care in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health care settings; parish ministry and outreach to poor communities and individuals in need; social services; working with those with AIDS; providing spiritual direction and retreats; advocacy efforts; programs and services for older adults in a variety of settings; and working to improve the environment.
The IHM is divided among three separate congregations. The Motherhouse currently houses more than 200 sisters, more than 100 of whom are aging and require supportive care.