Crossing Borders
to Give Life
We are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first missionary foundations of the Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz.
A story born of the Spirit of Redemption, open to the world, and called today to continue giving life.
100 Years of a Mission That Is Very Much Alive
We celebrate the transformation of the Mercedarian Monastery of La Vera Cruz in Berriz—a cloistered convent hidden in the mountains of Biscay since 1541—into a missionary institute that is now active on all five continents.
That movement began gradually in the heart of Margarita María López de Maturana. Her desire to make Jesus known grew until it spread to the entire world. What began as an inner longing gradually inspired the students, the community, and, finally, an entire missionary family.
On September 19, 1926, the first six missionaries left Berriz for Wuhu, China. That first mission definitively opened the gates of the cloister, allowing them to live out and express the universality of God’s love.
"The spirit of redemption has made us missionaries"
Margarita María López de Maturana
This quote from Margaret Mary lies at the heart of what we celebrate. It speaks to us of an experience that is still alive—that the redeeming Spirit transforms, opens, sends forth, and sustains.
It is from that source that we understand our history. It is from there that we give thanks for the journey we have taken. It is from there that we seek to renew our charism today. And it is from there that we feel the call to share it with creativity, boldness, and passion.
A Centennial to Experience in Three Acts
To thank
To reflect on the warmth with which this has been received. To acknowledge Margaret Mary’s boldness, the dedication of the first sisters, and God’s grace at work in our history.
Start here >
Recreate
To return to the treasure that gives meaning to our missionary vocation—namely, our experience of Jesus, the missionary spirit, communion, and the Redemptive Fourth Vow.
Continue here >
Share
To share the charism we have received so that it may continue to bear fruit for humanity and creation, with creativity, passion, and hope.
Join Us >
From Berriz to the World
In just two years, between 1926 and 1928, the first four MMB missions were underway:
Wuhu (China)
Saipan (Micronesia)
Tokyo (Japan)
Pohnpei (Micronesia)
Many more missions would follow: Mexico, the United States, Africa, South America, the Philippines, Central America… and new callings that have helped us to bring the charism to life in every place and at every time.
"The mission led us to new lands—
—new peoples, and new ways of bringing life."
Crossing Borders to Give Life
This motto captures who we are and what we want to continue experiencing.
Crossing
The constant act of setting out on a journey, of not standing still. It involves risk, courage, and trust in the one who steers the boat. It speaks to us of setting out, the journey, and openness...
Borders
In addition to geographical borders, we are talking about existential borders—the borders of exclusion, of hopelessness, and of new forms of human captivity. Places where our mission awaits us: cultures, peoples, wounds, fears, limitations, and new realities.
To bring to life
The ultimate purpose. Like Jesus, so that they may have life—and life in abundance. A life that is freedom, justice, and redeeming love. To give one’s life so that others may have life.
May this centennial help us to give thanks for the history we have inherited, to renew God’s gift within us, and to joyfully share the charism that continues to give life.
"The Spirit of Redemption continues to inspire us
to cross borders to bring life."