About Us

Maryknoll: What We Do

Because of what we believe, we have one simple mission: to change lives and give hope.

So how do we do that?

To begin with, we build. We help construct churches, schools, hospitals, clinics and nurseries. We put floors where there was only dirt and raise roofs to protect from the rain and erect walls to give shelter from the wind. We give poor communities in forgotten corners of the world places of safety, healing, learning and faith.

We also build things people can’t see. Things like trust and community, friendship and dignity. We build relationships. We build self-confidence. We build healthier families, helping children get proper medical care and supporting mothers living with HIV in countries where treatment can be scarce. We help build a belief in a better future.

We feed the hungry. We help feed people facing starvation and malnutrition in places like Kenya and Chile. We also feed those who are spiritually hungry, in every country where we serve — bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ, offering catechism classes and religious education, providing nourishment that feeds the soul and lifts the heart.

We heal the sick. Maryknoll brings medical care and attention to impoverished villages, whether people are battling AIDS or coping with cancer. And our missioners often provide care that can bring hope to the hopeless. In Bolivia, we offer counseling; in Kenya, we help women to start their own small businesses and support themselves; in Tanzania, we work to give street children dignity.

In short, at Maryknoll we are what we believe, and we live to do what Jesus taught us to do: “Love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 13: 34)

Why Do We Do It?

If you want to know why we do what we do, we can sum it up in three simple words:

Because we believe.

We believe. 

We believe in a loving and merciful God who came into the world through his son, Jesus. We believe in the message and mission of Jesus Christ, and we believe we are called as Catholic Christians to continue what he began, to help God’s kingdom of love and compassion grow here on earth.

We believe we can make a difference.

We believe in rolling up our sleeves, putting on boots and heading into the field to help people desperately in need — the poor, the hungry, the persecuted, the victimized.

We believe in being there for them when no one else is. We believe in staying when others have left and offering comfort and support when nobody else can.

We believe in a loving and merciful God who came into the world through his son, Jesus. We believe in the message and mission of Jesus Christ, and we believe we are called as Catholic Christians to continue what he began, to help God’s kingdom of love and compassion grow here on earth.

We believe that by serving the most vulnerable and most marginalized in our troubled world that we can offer that most precious commodity, hope!

We believe that in giving people hope, we can give them a future. We believe that future can include a better education, better tools for living, and better skills for improving their lives and the lives of those around them.

We believe we can not only save lives, but also save souls. We believe we do that best by showing to others the face of Jesus and by being for them his hands, his arms and his feet. 

We believe every life has dignity and purpose, and that we honor God when we honor and work to uplift his children, especially the poorest of the poor.

We believe this is the most meaningful and beautiful work we can do during our time here on earth, and we love being able to do it.

We believe this is a powerful way for us to share our faith in Christ Jesus, live our faith in the Catholic tradition, and publicly witness our faith in God’s love for his children.

Yes. It’s just that simple. We believe!