Mother Theresa Maxis IHM Center
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- M - F 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding holidays and university break periods)
The Mother Theresa Maxis IHM Center
The Mother Theresa Maxis IHM Center advances mission-driven initiatives inspired by Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and rooted in the values of Marywood University. Guided by the vision of Pope Francis and the timeless call of Pope Leo XIV to foster a “culture of encounter,” the Maxis Center affirms the inherent dignity of every person and promotes just relationships within the human family and with all creation. The Center's work reflects a strong commitment to serving marginalized populations—particularly individuals and communities experiencing poverty, displacement, or systemic disadvantage—through education, outreach, and collaborative action.
The Center’s focus is deeply collaborative, engaging with the ongoing ministries of the IHM Congregation, which exemplify a spirit of hospitality, mutual respect, and loving service. These efforts encompass a wide range of initiatives rooted in advocacy, justice, peace, care for the environment, and solidarity with those who experience exclusion or hardship. The Maxis Center also promotes initiatives that encourage the full participation of all members of the human community, recognizing the richness that diverse life experiences bring to the collective pursuit of the common good.
Marywood University’s participation in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, begun in October 2021, affirms this vision. As one of the first institutions to join the 7-Year Journey Toward Integral Ecology, Marywood commits to an action-oriented, holistic response to pressing social and ecological challenges. This commitment shapes the work of the Maxis Center, integrating sustainability, justice, and spiritual reflection into its programs and partnerships.
Honoring the Legacy of Mother Theresa Maxis
The Center is named in honor of Mother Theresa Maxis, co-founder of the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM). Her prophetic leadership and unwavering commitment to justice remain central to Marywood’s mission and our IHM heritage.
Before co-founding the IHM Congregation, she was a charter member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence (OSP), the first permanent community of Black Catholic sisters in the United States. (First photo shows Mother Theresa in the OSP habit, second photo shows her in the IHM habit.)
Mother Theresa Maxis’ life from the beginning was paradoxical, a contrast of advantage and liability which amazingly combined to create a determined and responsive personality and ultimately, a resourceful and dynamic leader. Born of unwed parents and of mixed racial lineage into a society that held both conditions in contempt, she nevertheless received a rearing and education far superior to most women of her time, attributed to the kindness of her adoptive family, the Duchemins. Through them she was immersed in the French language, culture, and heritage. These resources were pivotal in the development of her life and provided her with the key to open doors otherwise closed to her.
Her life exemplified courageous service, bold vision, and deep faith. As a pioneer of inclusive education and compassionate outreach, Mother Theresa continues to inspire the work of the Maxis Center and the university at large.
Through education, awareness, and mission-driven action, the Center honors her legacy by encouraging the Marywood community to cultivate a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world—one in which every person is seen, valued, and empowered to flourish.
“The past is no longer yours; the future is not yet in your power. You have only the present wherein to do good.” - St. Alphonsus Liguori
Elevate Your Knowledge
Learn more about the life of Mother Theresa Maxis, co-founder of the IHM Congregation, by reading Paths of Daring Deeds of Hope, the fascinating collection of letters by and about Theresa, edited by the late Sister Margaret Gannon, IHM. The second edition of the book is available on Amazon.
Pacer Pledge
In spirit of Mother Theresa Maxis, and in keeping with our mission and core values, all members of the Marywood community are encouraged to take the Pacer Pledge, focused especially on our Core Value of RESPECT, which honors the uniqueness and human dignity of all persons.
"Theresa at Home," a bronze sculpture of Mother Theresa Maxis, created in 2002 by Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM