About Madonna of the Streets
Madonna of the Streets (MOS) was founded in the Spring of 2001 at Franciscan University of Steubenville in response to the call of Pope John Paul II:
Do not be afraid to go out onto the streets and into public places, like the first apostles who preached Christ and the Good News of salvation in the squares of cities, towns, and villages.
From the beginning, MOS desired to form women who are deeply rooted in prayer and boldly sent on mission — women who would help build a Culture of Life and a Civilization of Love through the New Evangelization.
We were founded under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Pope John Paul II, who was Holy Father at the time. After his death and canonization, we began asking his intercession as one of our heavenly patrons. In the years that followed, we also embraced Saint Teresa of Calcutta as a patroness, inspired by her fearless witness to Christ in the poorest of the poor.
From the beginning, our household advisor was Father Michael Scanlan. Upon his passing, we began asking his intercession as well, grateful for his spiritual fatherhood and steady guidance during our formation and growth.
Our Covenant
Madonna of the Streets is built upon a shared Covenant — a public declaration of who we are and how we intend to live.
We commit ourselves to a strong personal and communal prayer life: frequent reception of the sacraments, daily fidelity in prayer, weekly household Mass, the Rosary, a weekly Lord’s Day celebration, and intentional sacrifice. Rooted in this rhythm of prayer, we go outward — into apostolic service, evangelization, and monthly prayer at the abortion mill — seeking to bring Christ into the public square.
Our mission is simple and demanding: to become holy women and to proclaim the Gospel not only with our lips, but with our lives.
We entrust and consecrate our household to Our Lady, asking her to form us as she formed Christ — hidden, faithful, courageous, and wholly given.
Our Sisterhood
When a woman enters Madonna of the Streets, she is entrusted to a big sister — a mentor who walks with her in prayer, formation, and mission.
Over the years, this relationship has formed a visible lineage. From our founding sisters in 2001 to today, each member is part of a family line of big and little sisters. Upon induction, each sister also receives a “Street” name — a gift from our brother household, Servants of the Savior — marking her entrance into the mission.
Brother & Sister Households
On February 21, 2005, Servants of the Savior (SOS) became our official brother household.
Together, we profess a Joint Covenant rooted in Christ’s command to “go forth and make disciples of all nations.” As brother and sister households, we support one another in prayer and mission while remaining primarily faithful to our own household covenants.
Just as MOS models her love after Our Lady and SOS models their love after Christ, we seek to love one another as Jesus and Mary loved each other — united by the Holy Spirit, strengthened for mission, and consecrated to Our Lady.
With the courage and humility given by the Holy Spirit, we go forth together to proclaim the Good News.