Blooming where we are planted
We Associates (men and women) come from all walks of life, drawn together by the life and spirit of Mother Magdalen and the Sisters. Inspired by her example, we meet to pray, to reflect, and to learn how to live her values in our everyday lives — striving always to bloom where we are planted.
We are not vowed, and our first commitment is to our families and our local Church. Guided by Mother Magdalen’s deep respect for the dignity of every person, we seek to bring her spirit into all that we do. For many of us, our lifelong connection with the Sisters has naturally grown into a deeper sharing in their charism.
Rooted locally and reaching globally, we support the Church’s mission in East Africa through fundraising, while also responding generously to needs within our own communities.
Our Associates in Liverpool
We meet monthly to pray, to listen, and to share. Through reflections by Associates or guest speakers, we explore Mother Magdalen’s life alongside today’s realities, always in a spirit of friendship and shared values. We hold our families, the sick, and one another in prayer, and in times of difficulty, we feel the deep strength of belonging to a supportive community.
Whenever possible, we gather with other Associate groups, strengthening our bonds of friendship and mission, just as Mother Magdalen encouraged. We journey together on pilgrimages and respond to local needs with generosity.
Those new to the Associates often speak of the warmth, hospitality, and joy they encounter — a space centred on prayer, family, Church, and spiritual growth. Our meetings lift the heart and awaken a sense of God’s living presence among us.
Through formation, commitment, and an annual renewal on the Feast of the Annunciation, we carry Mother Magdalen’s charism forward — alive in our families, our communities, and in new and unfolding ways of serving God’s people.
Stories from our Associates
Eucharia McCarthy shares a little of her personal story for the 150th Celebrations of the SMG Sisters in Co. Cork, Ireland
I have lived in Carrigtwohill all my life and grew up with the SMG Sisters.
Firstly, I attended the national school where I prepared for my First Holy Communion and Confirmation. One of my earliest memories is of being welcomed into the convent for tea after my first Communion.
From there, I went to St. Aloysius College, and throughout my education, the Sisters taught there and always encouraged us.
During the years that followed my schooling, I would meet the Sisters at various events in the village or at the church.
I cooked at ‘Meals on Wheels’ with Sr. Teresa. I went to Baptismal visits to homes with Sr. Eucharia and swapped reading times at Sunday Mass with her on different occasions.
More recently, I enjoy a warm welcome every Wednesday from fellow Associates and Sisters who meet as a prayer group in the Convent.
Sheila O’Gorman, an SMG Associate and member of the 150th Preparatory Team, together with her husband, lovingly recreated the front page of a newspaper dated June 21st, 1875.
Displayed in the Community Hall as part of the exhibition, it drew widespread admiration for its richness and detail.
An A3 version was specially produced for our two schools, St. Aloysius’ Secondary College and Scoil Chlochair Mhuire Primary School. Recently, Sheila returned to Scoil Chlochair Mhuire to share the newspaper with pupils and staff. Now beautifully framed and hanging in the main corridor, it stands as a meaningful link between past and present — all the more special as Sheila herself taught in the school for many years.
All are welcome to become Associates
For more information, please contact:
UK: Sr Frances Ennis
Ireland: Sr Mary Holmes
Venezuela: Associates Venezuela