Sister Mary Alice Mannix:  A Woman of Special Ability

“Preach at all times; when necessary, use words.”

St. Francis of Assisi said that. Sister M. Alice Mannix, when asked, will share her experiences of preaching in a variety of ways.

She’ll tell you about the multitudes of special-needs friends she has met in her work with the National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry and the Victorious Missionaries – organizations that provide service and support for persons with disabilities. She’s been deep in the heart of this very special ministry in the Church for more than 30 years. One of the things that keeps her going, is that “We experience healing and hope each time we give of ourselves or time or talents for others.”

The Victorious Missionaries, a support organization for those who suffer handicapping conditions, is preparing to celebrate 40 years of proclaiming that all are welcome, that persons with physical, mental, or emotional challenges are vital members of the church. For her dedication to the organization, Sister M. Alice was awarded the Father John Maronic Outstanding Achievement Award in 2000. The award is named after the Oblate priest who founded the organization in 1964.

She is humble about her contributions to the Missionaries, whose membership includes men and women in seven states and in Canada and Ireland. The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Ill., has been the site of much of Sister M. Alice’s work. She’s also given service to Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield, Ill., where she teaches religious education to special needs students.

Sister M. Alice’s own spiritual journey has included adjusting to a physical disability in the knees that has required years of surgeries and a diagnosis of arthritis. Her struggle with her own physical pain and disability has enriched her ministry, she says, and “helped me to be more accepting of my disabilities and to be more open to allowing God to speak and act through me.”

After more than 50 years of religious profession, Sister M. Alice has come to the realization that every person is disabled in some way, yet is called to go ahead anyway. “I preach how I live and speak by allowing myself to be open to the Spirit and let Him take charge,” she explains. She has allowed her would-be burdensome disability to become an opportunity to help the misunderstood or marginalized members of the church become comfortable with who they are.

As she serves on boards, assists city planners, guides friends spiritually, writes for newsletters, participates in liturgical committees, leads a host of groups in various directions, and makes rosaries, she re-energizes herself to stay upbeat, concerned and generous.

Others on the quest for holiness and service may want to further observe Sister M. Alice’s preaching as she witnesses to Paul’s admonition: “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other.”(1 Peter 4:10).

This article first appeared in the
Winter 2004 issue of Just WORDS.
Copyright 2004
Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. All rights reserved.