~~ MARIST MISSIONARY SISTERS ~~ REGION OF THE AMERICAS : *** JAMAICA *** PERU *** UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ***
~~ MARIST MISSIONARY SISTERS ~~ REGION OF THE AMERICAS : *** JAMAICA *** PERU *** UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ***
Our Story
The Marist Missionary Sisters in the U.S.A. are part of an International Catholic Religious Congregation - Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (SMSM) was approved by Rome on December 30, 1931. We belong to the Society of Mary. We began with 11 French women who traveled to the Pacific Islands between 1845 and 1860 to serve in the missions begun by the Marist Fathers. The Sisters lived close to the people, teaching and nursing, and followed a way of life based on the rule and spirit of the Marist Fathers.
SMSM PIONEER SISTERS
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SMSM PIONEER SISTERS ~ ~
Some women from the islands joined our number, and later women from other countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America began to join. After many years these Sisters, scattered as they were throughout the Islands, became organized into one religious congregation. We dedicated to missionary work, particularly among the poor and the marginalized. Inspired by the spirit of Mother Mary, they serve with humility in different countries around the world. Go and make the whole world MARISTS.
Our early Sisters in the Pacific with some women and children.
Early Marist Missionary Sisters, moved by deep faith and Mary’s spirit, answered God’s call. Through prayer, community, and quiet witness, they built lasting foundations that still inspire the mission.
Gradually our mission extended beyond the Pacific Islands to many other countries. New members began to come from Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. We are still a small congregation, with less than 400 members, but we are present today in 23 different countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, as well as in the Pacific.
Some of our Sisters and other Marist family members…
With simplicity, humility, and availability, our sisters served wherever they were needed, especially among the poor and marginalized.
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With simplicity, humility, and availability, our sisters served wherever they were needed, especially among the poor and marginalized. 〰️
Sr. Senitila Latu with Marist Young Professionals who visited Jamaica, January 2026.
Sisters in the Region who were at the Assembly - June 2025
A group photo from the Regional Chapter of the Americas - 2023 was held in Mandeville
A group photo of all the SMSM-Participants and the Presenters at the Conference of the Major Superiors for the Pacific Islands (CMSPI), Suva, Fiji, October 2025.
LEADERSHIP TEAMS:
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LEADERSHIP TEAMS: 〰️
For further information about our history, spirituality and world-wide mission, visit our international website, based in Rome at www.smsmsisters.org and for Sr. Cristina Giustozzi, our Congregational Leader - scristinasmsm@gmail.com
Generalate…L-R: Sisters Aubierge Amoussou from Benin, Cristina Giustozzi (Congregational Leader) from Italy, Denise McMahon from Australia, and Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Tonga.
Walking together on Mission with Mary.
WHERE ARE THE SMSM IN THE WORLD?
For information about the mission in a particular place, contact the following addresses:
THE AMERICAS - Jamaica, Peru, United States of America
Regional - Sister Palepa Ioane, smsm
Email: palepaioane@maristsmsm.org
Srs. Catia Conterno from Brazil-USA, Palepa Ioane from Samoa (Regional), Margarita Tavara from Peru and Senitila Latu from Tonga, (2026-2028).
AFRICA-EUROPE - Burundi, England, France, Italy, Madagascar, Rwanda, Turkey and Senegal
Regional - Sister Athanasie Hakizuwambasa, smsm
Email: afriqueuropesmsm@gmail.com
Sisters Christiana Nshimiyimana from Rwanda, Marisa Besacchi from Italy, Athanasie Hakizuwambasa from Rwanda (Regional) and Telesia Masei from Futuna (2026-2028).
ASIA-PACIFIC - Australia, Bangladesh, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu
Regional - Sister Malia Koleti ‘Uvea, smsm
Email: apregionalsmsm@gmail.com
Sisters Lusia Meanadrau from Fiji, Monika Pagatele from Futuna, Malia Koleti ‘Uvea from Tonga (Regional) and Jennifer Clarke from Australia, - 2026-2028.
OCEANIA- Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna
Regional - Sister Malia Nive Kepu, smsm
Email: smsmoceania@gmail.com
Sr. Malia Nive Kepu from Tonga (Regional) and Council (2026-2028), Srs. Anunisia Fifita from Tonga, Masela Tenisio from Samoa and Patricia Leamy from New Zealand.
Sr. Cristina Giustozzi (Congregational Leader) and New Regional Teams with some of the Sisters in Fiji during the Orientation Session in October 2025.