About Us: Who We Are — History

A Selected Timeline of MKLM
Following is a brief history of some of the milestones celebrated by MKLM since the sending of Maryknoll’s first Lay Missioner in 1930. Please download a full timeline here.

• Maryknoll’s first Lay Missioner, Dr. Harry Blaber (Brooklyn, NY), serves in China. He makes a five-year commitment and agrees to be paid $100 a month plus room and board. He opens a hospital, then returns to the U.S. after completing his contract, marries his fiancée and returns to China in 1936 where his daughter is born. He serves one additional year in China before returning to the U.S. with his family.

• The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers' Regional Superiors recommend the formation of a program to involve U.S. laity in the missionary apostolates in the Maryknoll regions.

• The Maryknoll Sisters, at their Ninth General Assembly, vote to facilitate the presence of lay persons in mission.

• The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers’ Sixth General Chapter authorizes an experimental program for Lay Missioners for six years.

• Based upon regional requests, two Maryknoll Lay Missioners are sent to teach with Maryknoll Sisters in Hong Kong, two are assigned to Venezuela, one to Peru.
• Lay Missioners signed formal, written agreements, that are co-signed by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers' Superior General & Treasurer and President of the Maryknoll Sisters.

• The Lay Mission Office begins to function independently under the direction of Father Jack Sullivan, MM. Sr. Mary Anne O’Donnell, MM was later appointed Assistant Director. It functions as a collaborative effort of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers and the Maryknoll Sisters.
• The first formal orientation program for Maryknoll Lay Missioners is begun.

• The first joint sending ceremony takes place with Lay Missioners and the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers members.

• The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers decides to invite a Maryknoll Lay Missioner to each of their Area meetings and to select a Lay Missioner as an official observer of their Chapter meeting.
• First Maryknoll Lay Missioners are assigned to Nicaragua.

• The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers designates the Bethany building (built in stages by the Maryknoll Sisters from 1925 to 1956) for the Maryknoll Lay Missioner Program and for the Mission Renewal Program. In the fall, the first orientation program takes place at Bethany that includes joint formation activities with the candidates for Maryknoll Fathers, Brothers and Sisters.

• At their Eighth General Chapter, the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers agree to make the Maryknoll Lay Missioner Program an Associate Program of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers and adopt the term “Associate Maryknoll Lay Missioner.”

• Maryknoll Mission Association of the Faithful (MMAF) is officially founded at the Founding Assembly. MMAF is to be incorporated as a non-profit organization under the laws of the State of New York with the goal of achieving canonical recognition.

• MMAF is incorporated under New York State law as a non-profit, tax exempt organization.

• MMAF formally separates from Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers' Financial and Fundraising Operations.

• Popular name is adopted, Maryknoll Lay Missioners (MKLM).

• MKLM revises its mission statement to more adequately describe the nature and purpose of the organization.
• MKLM establishes a new form of governance that includes the establishment of an independent Board of Directors.
• MKLM adopts a new management model which includes a restructuring of the Association Leadership Team.