May 20
Josefa Hendrina Stenmanns (1852–1903)
Religious missionary founder
German nun and co-founder of the Missionary Servants of the Holy Spirit, Josefa Hendrina Stenmanns began her service in the kitchen of the Steyl missionary house.
Biography
She had worked as a weaver and cared for her siblings, postponing her desire for consecration for years. Together with Saint Arnold Janssen and other companions, she laid the foundations of a female missionary congregation. As a trainer she transmitted simplicity, joy, a spirit of prayer and availability for missions, living each hour without anxiety about the future.
Practical advice
Focus today on fulfilling your present responsibility well and give God a concern for the future.
Example of
Missionary zealPrayerFounding spirit