“Every Catholic an apostle” is the motto. These words embody the spirit of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. We stand before a testament to faith and service. This is a story of dedication to those most in need.
The Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity also known as Trinity Missions has a compelling history. It began with Father Thomas Augustine Judge. He was a Vincentian priest with a vision.
Born in 1868, Father Judge dedicated his life to serving the marginalized. He saw a need to empower the laity. He wanted to bring God’s hope to the poor and abandoned.
In 1921, Father Judge formally established the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. His work in Opelika, Alabama, inspired the foundation. Some who assisted him up North followed him. Bishop Edward Patrick Allen of Mobile recognized the congregation.
The Missionary Servants’ mission quickly expanded. They reached out to communities that often did not welcome Catholics. They worked in economically depressed areas. They ministered on Native American reservations. The members served in tropical rainforests and isolated towns.
The order grew to include priests and brothers. They serve as pastors, professors, lawyers, chaplains, and counselors. Their work extends across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. They also serve in Costa Rica, Honduras, Colombia, and Haiti.
The Missionary Servants purchased the Jordan Springs Estate in 1953. It was intended as a Monastery and Seminary. The property was later leased out and is now an event center.
The Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity have a unique governance. They do not have a superior general in the conventional sense. Instead, a general council leads them. The council consists of a vicar-general and three general councilors. New leadership is elected every four years.
The Missionary Servant Habit is distinctive. It includes a black cassock that closes at the right shoulder. Three buttons symbolize the Holy Trinity. The cincture has three tabs. They represent the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
An affiliated women’s congregation exists. It is called the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity. In 1916, Margaret Louise Keasey joined Father Judge. She taught in a mission school. She later became Mother Boniface.
Today, the Missionary Servants continue their vital work. They preserve the faith and empower the laity. They bring comfort to the neglected. Their commitment remains strong.
The Missionary Cenacle Volunteers provide opportunities for young Catholics. They volunteer in the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica. This ensures the mission continues.
As we stand here, let us reflect on the legacy. It is a legacy of faith, service, and unwavering dedication. The Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity embody their motto. They ensure that every Catholic is indeed an apostle.