The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius are a religious institute dedicated to apostolic works. The Congregation was founded in response to the influx of immigrants from Slovakia to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Rev. Matthew Jankola, a Slovak priest from the Scranton Diocese, founded the Congregation for the purpose of educating the children of Slovak immigrants in parish schools. The Congregation began its existence when five young Slovak women were accepted by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scranton, Pa., to begin their initial formation in religious life. In 1909, the Congregation received canonical approbation and the first three sisters pronounced their vows.
Our patrons are Saints Cyril and Methodius, who were born in Thessalonica to an aristocratic family. They were teachers, philosophers, politicians and priests. They stepped into history when they were asked to help the people of Great Moravia have a better understanding of their faith. For the purpose of this mission, Cyril devised the Glagolitic alphabet, which was suited to match the specific features of the Slavic language. Its descendant script, the Cyrillic, is still used by many languages today. They were men of great courage and faith, they were innovators and collaborators, and we are happy to have them as our patrons.
Throughout most of its history, the Congregation was primarily focused on teaching, but the Sisters also cared for orphans at Jednota Home in Middletown, Pa., and senior adults at St. Anne’s Home, also in Middletown. Currently, the Sisters serve in numerous ministries, including schools, health care facilities, parishes, retreat centers and national offices as educators, pastoral associates, as directors of religious education, chaplains, nurses, principals, counselors, authors, artists, musicians, and support staff, and related parish activities. All of the ministries carry forward the intention of Father Jankola, whose commitment to the life of the people of the parish addressed the full spectrum of both spiritual and social needs.
Special interest in ecumenical endeavors has also characterized all our service. Today, we have Sisters serving in these varied ministries in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.
The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius believe that the Kingdom is in our midst. We are sensitive to contemporary needs, especially justice and peace, and we reach our in compassion to evangelize and teach, to care for the elderly, the young, the sick, the poor, and lonely wounded families and immigrants, and to work and pray for the unity of Christians so the that gospel vision of the Kingdom may be fulfilled
(Information provided directly by the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Visit www.sscm.org.)
The Sisters of Saint Cyril and Methodius invite you to help us celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life
Sundays: April 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17
Meet a Sister; Pray with us.
Refreshments at 3:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer at 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Villa Sacred Heart
Danville, PA 17821
Call beforehand 570-275-0910
