Year of Service: Sisters of the Institute Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará

Since 2021, the sisters of the Institute Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará have been serving in Perth Amboy, New Jersey — teaching, leading catechism, supporting parish life, and accompanying families in faith. On August 22, 2025, they shared the results of this mission with Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak.

In their daily work, the three sisters (Sr. Veronica, Sr. Svitanku, Sr. Trijtsi) minister at Assumption Catholic Church and Assumption Catholic School, engaging in both educational and pastoral service.

The sisters taught Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian to students from pre-K through grade 8, organized the Sodality of Mary for girls, and conducted catechism classes at the convent. They further supported the school community by assisting in the principal’s office and providing weekly before- and after-school care.

At the parish, the sisters prepared children for First Holy Communion and led seven catechetical groups for children, youth, and women in both Ukrainian and English. They also organized the Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Theater, coordinated a Bible Camp for approximately 60 children, and assisted the pastor in the preparation and celebration of parish feast days, including the Feast of St. Joseph.

In addition to their service at Assumption parish, the sisters participated in priestly ordinations within the Philadelphia Eparchy, attended annual monastic gatherings, and contributed to the catechists’ conference. They accompanied youth on visits to the Metropolitan and organized spiritual retreats for Ukrainian refugees.

In her cover letter accompanying the report, Mother Mary Immaculate Conception Ambrogio, SSVM, Provincial Superior, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Gudziak for the opportunity to serve within the Archeparchy of Philadelphia. She assured him of the prayers of the sisters and humbly requested prayers for their religious community.