Who We Are

The Marian Missionary Sisters of the Poor (MMSP) are a community of Catholic women called to witness to Christ’s compassion through prayer, service, and simplicity of life.

We seek to bring the compassionate love of God to the poor, the vulnerable, and the socially excluded — to serve those in need and offer hope where it is most needed.

Founded on 29 December 2000, the Feast of the Holy Family, by Mother Maria Chioma Emeagi, and co-founded by Rev. Fr. Dr. Augustine Ihedinma, the congregation was born from a deep desire to respond to “the signs of the times” and to live the Gospel message:

“I was hungry and you gave me food.”

(Matthew 25:35)

We are a diocesan congregation of the Diocese of Brentwood, and are blessed to be the first Black-founded congregation of religious sisters in Europe.

 Mother Maria Chioma Emeagi MMSP
Foundress of the Marian Missionary Sisters of the Poor

Rev. Fr Dr Augustine Uzoma Ihedinma
Co-Founder of the Marian Missionary Sisters of the Poor

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to bear witness to Christ’s life and love through compassion, prayer, and active service. We follow the example of Jesus — who went about doing good — and of Mary, our Mother, who said:

“They have no wine…
Do whatever He tells you.”
(John 2:3-5)

We seek to meet the spiritual, emotional, social, and educational needs of all those we serve, guided by these values:

  • Faith and Prayer: centring all our work in daily Eucharist, adoration, and community life.

  • Compassion and Service: reaching out with love to those who are poor, excluded, or in need.

  • Simplicity and Joy: finding Christ in humble service and everyday life.

  • Justice and Inclusion: creating opportunities for every person to flourish.

Our Life and Ministries

The Sisters live a rhythm of prayer, work, and community, supported by God’s grace and the inspiration of Mary.

Our apostolate is diverse but united in purpose — to show God’s love in action.

We serve through:

  • Education and Family Support: schools, after-school clubs, inclusion programmes, and support for families in difficulty.
  • Pastoral and Spiritual Ministry: catechesis, retreats, Eucharistic adoration, and spiritual formation.
  • Outreach and Care: short-break services, support for disabled and vulnerable children, and community projects.
  • The Marian Retreat Centre (Nympsfield): a place of peace and renewal for individuals and groups.

All these works flow from our prayerful life together — the heart of our vocation.

Our Charism

Our charism is “Compassion, love, and active service to the poor and needy.”

It calls us to respond to the world’s changing needs with courage and mercy — to listen to what events tell us, read the signs of the times, and act in faith.

Each Sister strives to live with understanding, forgiveness, and care — bringing Christ’s love into families, communities, and places of suffering.

Our vision

We envision a Christ-centred world where love, justice, and peace prevail, a world where every person, especially the poor and marginalised, can live in dignity and hope.

“Our vision is of an integrated human society living in love, freedom, justice, peace, and harmony with God’s creation.”