ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
The Congregation of the ‘Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles’ (Societas Missionalis Sororum Reginae Apolostolorum, SRA) is a Roman-Catholic Missionary society which was canonically established in Vienna, on 1st July 1923.
The Founder of Congregation is Fr. Antonius Maria Bodewig, a Jesuit Missionary priest of the German Province whose time & stay in Igatpuri, Nashik in India changed his life. Seeing people struggle with poverty, injustice, and inequality, especially women and children, he felt God calling him to do something new. This missionary Congregation was founded for the mission in India. But the Congregation has been always open to heed the voice of the Spirit to move into places where the need is great.
CO-FOUNDERS
The vision of Fr Bodewig was carried forward by our Co-Founders, Fr. Paul Sonntag and Dr. Theodore Innitzer, Mother Xaveria Blass. They nurtured and cherished this dream of founding a missionary Congregation.
Fr Paul Sonntag
Cardinal Theoder Initzer
Mother Xaveria Blass
Under Mary’s guidance as Queen of the Apostles, the Congregation was officially founded on July 1, 1923. We were privileged to celebrate the Centenary Year of Canonical Establishment of the Congregation on July 1, 2023.
The first group of Missionary Sisters travelled to India and began serving the poor with joy and compassion. The first community was established in Chunar, Allahabad Diocese, India.
Today, SRA Sisters work in India, Austria, Slovakia, the Philippines, and Uganda. There are 6 Provinces in India, 1 Province in Europe, Philippine Delegation, Tamil Nadu Delegation and Africa Mission.
Sisters teach, heal, empower women, stand with the poor, and bring God’s love wherever they go. Inspired by Mary, Queen of the Apostles, they live a life of prayer, community, and service.
For young people seeking purpose, the SRA offers a path to make a real difference in the world by loving God deeply and serving His people wholeheartedly.
OUR ADMINISTRATION
The Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles (SRA) is governed through a structured and collaborative administrative system that ensures unity, accountability, and faithful service to the mission of the Church. The Congregation is led by the Superior General and her Council, who guide and coordinate the worldwide mission from the Generalate.
For effective governance and mission outreach, the Congregation is organized into Provinces, Delegation(s), and Missions, each led by a Provincial Superior or Delegate Superior with her Council. At the local level, communities are animated by Local Superiors who foster prayer, community life, and apostolic service.
Through shared leadership, consultation, and discernment, the administrative system promotes responsible decision-making while remaining rooted in the charism, spirituality, and missionary vision of the Congregation.