Sisters of The Little Mary Company

“We have a power within us of doing good, of living for God and the good of those around us.” These passionate words from Venerable Mary Potter, foundress of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, set the tone for the quality medical care provided at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center.

While Mary Potter was growing up in England in the mid-1800s, she developed a spiritual consciousness, and a missionary zeal began to burn within her. Frail and young, but possessing a fierce determination and unwavering faith, Mary established the first Catholic religious congregation of women specifically dedicated to nursing when she was only 30 years old. This congregation, known as the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, is named for the "little company" of faithful followers who stayed with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, at the foot of the Cross on Calvary.

Mother Mary Potter attracted a core group of women to her congregation and their ministries spread throughout the world. Though she died in 1913, her charism and spiritual writings live on. In 1988, Pope John Paul II declared her 'Venerable" Mary Potter, opening the door to her eventual canonization. Today, the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary’s health care ministries include hospitals, home care, hospices, extended care, spiritual direction, parishes and outreach programs.

Worldwide, the Sisters minister in South Korea, Tonga, Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.