Mother Josepha - Hendrina Stenmanns

Co-Foundress of the Mission Congregation of
the Servants of the Holy Spirit

Important dates in the Life of Blessed Josepha Stenmanns

1852                      Hendrina was born in Issum, Germany

1884                     She arrived in Steyl, Holland and there she waited for the
                              foundation of the Mission Congregation.

1889                     She became a postulant. The novitiate followed it.

1894                     She made the first vows. Hendrina was given the name
                              Josepha.

1903                      Mother Josepha died.

2008                    She was "beatified" (called Blessed) by the Church.

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Prayer to Bl. Josepha

Loving God, we thank you for having gifted us with Mother Josepha. We praise you for her loving heart and motherly care for all, especially for the poor, the sick and the needy - an expression of the Father's compassion for humankind, made visible in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Mother Josepha's love for your Spirit made her a woman ofoutstanding sensitivity and simplicity, with a deep longing for your will alone; offering herself totally for the mission of your Son. Open our hearts to see your presence everywhere and to listen to the cries of the world for love and life, so that, like Mother Josepha, we become ever more your missionaries, with hearts ever ready for you and your people at all times and all places.
Amen