Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary invite you to Saturday morning reflection on “Delexi Te” (I Have Loved You), Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation. 

Saturday.  February 7, 2026.  10:00 am.  Mark your calendar.

Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Basement meeting room. 

‘Delexi Te’ is an important letter to all Christians on the theme of service to the poor. It was begun by Pope Francis and finished by Pope Leo. It calls on Catholics to eradicate unjust social structures that contribute to poverty; so that we learn to approach each person with dignity and the same love that Christ has for that person .  “Just as you did it to one of the least of these brother and sisters of mine, you did it to me.”

Saturday, February 7, 2026. 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Free & secure parking in adjacent Bless Sacrament Cathedral parking lot..

 Speakers. Shared Table discussions. Personal Reflections.  No $ fee.

Sisters HVM are very pleased to have Fr. David Buersmeyer lead us in this Saturday morning reflection. Fr. Buersmeyer is a well-known speaker on Catholic Social Teachings.   See https://www.churchworldkingdom.org

Click links below for additional information on Delexi Te:

Delexi Te summary

CNN news article

US Conference of Bishops: “May it call us to renewal of our Church and society so that we learn to approach each person with the same love Christ has for that person.”

Text of Delexi Te

RSVP appreciated:  313-340-9998.    No $ charge.  Free will offerings appreciated.  

Hope to See You There!

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If you love me … feed my flock.  

Click here to view the entire Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary website.

Click here to donate to Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary.

If you wish to stop Sisters Home Visitors of Mary news in the future, let us know via email to shvmblog@yahoo.com

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If you love me … feed my flock.  

Click here to view the entire Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary website.

Click here to donate to Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary.

If you wish to stop Sisters Home Visitors of Mary news in the future, let us know via email to shvmblog@yahoo.com

The Sisters Home Visitors of Mary in Detroit are moving!

In response to changing space and location considerations, the Sisters Home Visitors of Mary are moving from their current residence at 121 E. Boston Boulevard, Detroit, to a smaller residence in the University of Detroit neighborhood north of W McNichols Six Mile Road.

SHVM supporters well remember 121 E. Boston Boulevard as the one-time home of Joseph L. Hudson and  the location where J.L. Hudson’s beloved niece Eleanor Lowthian (Hudson) Clay was wedded to Henry Ford’s only son Edsel Ford.  Click here  for more fascination history.  And click here to take a virtual photo tour of parts of this beautiful early 20th century mansion home.

121 E. Boston Blvd

An ESTATE SALE will be held at 121 E. Boston, daily, Thursday, November 13 through Sunday, November 16, to dispose of the numerous items what will not be moved to the new location. This is your chance to visit or re-visit the historic 121 E. Boston property and explore all 4 stories of the spacious building that was so much a part of Detroit history. A nominal cash entry fee will be charged.

Items for sale will include housewares, artwork, 1000’s of books, some furniture items, file cabinets, book cases, office supplies and more.  Find the perfect treasure, keepsake, Christmas gift!  Everything must go!  Proceeds will support the SHVM Nigerian mission.

Plenty of safe and secure parking is available in the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral parking lot. Enter 121 E. Boston Boulevard through the back gate from the parking lot.

The new SHVM residence is at 18024 Fairfield, Detroit, MI 48221.

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If you love me … feed my flock.  

Click here to view the entire Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary website.

Click here to donate to Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary.

If you wish to stop Sisters Home Visitors of Mary news in the future, let us know via email to shvmblog@yahoo.com

The 18th Sisters Home Visitors of Mary Gala was held at St. John’s Armenian Cultural Center  in Southfield, MI, on October 12, 2025.  It was both enjoyable and successful!  We celebrate and offer special thanks to those who support the SHVM ministries which continue to thrive because of you your generosity … serving children in schools, providing legal services to the poor, offering Pastoral and Spiritual formation.  

The Home Visitors acknowledge Beatrice Cochran.  1929 – 2025

During more than ten years as chairperson of our SHVM Fundraising committee, Bea was dedicated to supporting the HVM Nigerian mission which has grown by more than 25 sisters!  She was a source of pride and uplifting sprit for so many.  Thank you Lord for blessing us with this wonderful woman.

Bea Cochrane

Photos below from wonderful 18th Gala!

Assembly at St. John’s Armenian Cultural Center

Lift Up Our Hearts With Song. Detroit Catholic Choir, Directed by Marjorie Gabriel-Burrow

Friend Mario in Nigerian attire

Presentation to Kevin Piecuch. L to R: … Sr. Clare, Melissa Blevender, Kevin Piecuch, Hugh Buchanan

Sr. Clare Emeroum, Administrator of HVM

Kevin Piecuch, Founder and CEO of Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center

Raffle prizes supporting the Sisters missions.

I Like To Feel Like Dancing!

A lesson for All!

Sisters Home Visitors of Mary extend heartfelt thanks to our Fundraising Committee: Diane Anderson, Melisa Belevender, Loretta DeLoach, Ed Etim, Martha Lum, Jean Vernetta Merrill, Samuel Onyene, Marian Ostrowski, James Smith, Christine Wolsyk.

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Upcoming St. James Parish Event:  Proceeds support Sisters Home Visitors of Mary Nigeria schools.  Scan QR Code below for tickets.

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If you love me … feed my flock.  

Click here to view the entire Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary website.

Click here to donate to Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary.

If you wish to stop Sisters Home Visitors of Mary news in the future, let us know via email to shvmblog@yahoo.com

Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary are blessed to have a full schedule of upcoming events furthering their mission of universal love to all people, especially those marginalized by society.  Events include thoughtful Saturday group reflections at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, the popular annual fundraising Gala at St. John Armenian Center in Southfield, the joyful Octoberfest dining and musical celebration at St. James parish in Novi.  Mark your calendar and join us!

See details below or at Upcoming Events.

October 4, 2025.  Saturday Morning Reflection.

Support the Education of Children in Nigeria!   Sunday, October 12

HVM Annual Fundraising Gala.  Sunday, October 12, 2025.  2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Join other supporters of Sisters Home Visitors of Mary at the beautiful St John Armenian Conference Center, 22001 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI for the Annual SHVM fundraising gala. Dinner at 3:00 pm. Raffle. Choir. Dancing. Proceeds go to support SHVM education of children in Nigeria!  Tickets: $95.00 per person or $650.00 table of 8.

Write, email or call Home Visitors for tickets. Or purchase online using Donate/Contact tab above. Be sure to include a note saying payment is for tickets to the Gala.

This year’s special Honoree is Kevin Piecuch, founder and director of Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center.  Kevin lives our HVM mission: TO WITNESS UNIVERSAL LOVE TO ALL PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THE MARGINALIZED.

Attorney Piecuch received his law degree from the University of Michigan thirty years ago. Out of a deep calling for social justice, Kevin incorporated Southwest Detroit Immigration and Refugee Center in 2014. Initially the office provided free legal services once a week near the Ambassador bridge. Now SWIRC has expanded to three locations that provide free and low-cost legal services five days a week.  Immigration and housing are major focuses of the legal clinics.   Attorney Piecuch passionately believes that all are entitled to access to legal representation.  SWIRC is the largest provider of free and low-cost legal services in this part of the state.  Kevin and his wife Clarisa are Church today, both active in parish ministries!

The Home Visitors of Mary Look Forward

Every four years the Sisters gather to discern life and mission and elect an administrator and her council. Sr. Clare Emeroum was elected for another term. Her councilors are: Sr. Martha Mary, Sr. Callista, Sr. Anne and Sr. Lydia.

Home Visitors of Mary Chapter Meeting, August 20225.

In closing the week-long chapter, Sr. Clare reflected: our HVM vocation calls us to be one Body in Christ – diverse in gifts, united in spirit. Our mission remains unchanged: to witness the gospel in both word and deed, to spread the Good News in a personal ministerial approach. We are called to serve the poor, the marginalized and suffering – revealing Christ’s love and justice to the world. As Sr. Mary Agnes McInnis, our co-foundress, often said: LET US LIFT EACH OTHER UP.

Beatrice Cochran: Rest in Peace Our Beloved Friend

Bea Cochran, a truly great woman – a source of pride and uplifting spirit to so many – recently passed to her eternal reward.  She lived a long and inspiring life.  Bea was loved, respected and appreciated by all who were lucky enough to encounter her on their path through life.  She initiated the HVM development fund in 2005 and was dedicated to supporting children through foster care programs and the HVM Nigerian mission.  Thank you, Lord, for having blessed us with this wonderful woman.

Other Upcoming Events

Sat. Morning Reflections: 10:00-12:00 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral
        -Oct. 4 The Challenge of Living with the”other”
        -Nov. 8 Peace: Michigan Peace Team

St. James Parrish, Novi, Michigan.  October Fest.  October 25.  

Scripture Reflections 6:30-7:30 pm.  1st Wednesdays.

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If you love me … feed my flock.  

Click here to view the entire Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary website.

Click here to donate to Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary.

If you wish to stop Sisters Home Visitors of Mary news in the future, let us know via email to shvmblog@yahoo.com

Sisters Home Visitors of Mary will offer assorted attic treasures for sale 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025 to raise funds in much-needed support of SHVM missions in Nigeria.  Items will be displayed on the beautiful porch and front lawn at the Sister’s home at 121 E. Boston, Detroit.

121 E. Boston, Detroit, MI

9:00 am to 2:00 pm.   Saturday, August 9.   121 E. Boston.

Bargains Galore!  Art works and crafts, household items, office furniture and supplies.   Proceeds support HVM Sisters in Nigeria.

Sisters Home Visitors of Mary sale will be held in coordination with Arden Park-East Boston Historic District annual Attic Sale event.  Items will be displayed and sold by residents of many of the nearby beautiful neighborhood homes .

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If you love me … feed my flock.  

Click here to view the entire Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary website.

Click here to donate to Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary.

If you wish to not receive Sisters Home Visitors of Mary news in the future, inform us via email to shvmblog@yahoo.com

Strangers No Longer is having a “Procession to ICE” on Monday, July 14, 2025, holding a solemn and prayerful march from the plaza in front of Most Holy Trinity Church, 1050 Porter in Detroit to the ICE Regional (MI/OH) Field Office, 985 Michigan Ave. The theme is to “confess” to ICE we are standing with immigrants as our brothers and sisters, and to request a meeting with the Regional Director of ICE.

Clergy and Catholic organizations presence in this short and prayerful procession is encouraged. We want to put the face of the Church on our concerns for our brothers and sisters. This is not a political march so any signs would need to be relevant to Church teaching.

For more information please contact Bill O’Brien at Strangers No Longer at obrien.b@strangersnolonger.org

“Immigration policy must begin by recognizing the humanity of the immigrant.”  Read Archbishop Weisenburger’s article from AMERICA Magazine and share it with others. 

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If you love me … feed my flock.  

Click here to view the entire Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary website.

Click here to donate to Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary.

If you wish to stop Sisters Home Visitors of Mary news in the future, let us know via email to shvmblog@yahoo.com

Violence Not Far Away from Sisters, HVM

Pope Leo XIV condemned the terrible massacre of approximately 200 persons that occurred last Friday night , June 13/14, 2025, in the village of Yelewata, Benue State, Nigeria. Families in homes and shelters were attacked without warning in the dark of the night. Men, women and children were indiscriminately set aflame, shot and cut with machetes.

Pope Leo prays:  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-06/pope-terrible-massacre-guma-yelwata-benue-state-nigeria.html

News:  A familiar pattern of bloodshed:  https://globalvoices.org/2025/06/16/nigeria-witnesses-one-of-its-deadliest-attacks-in-2025/

News:   Yelewata Massacre:  https://opitanglobalmedia.com/tragedy-in-benue-over-100-feared-dead-in/

Video: https://apnews.com/video/yelewata-community-in-mourning-after-gunmen-kill-150-in-north-central-nigeria-3837f6a8df8046fa9473c03b7c076aec

Pope Leo prayed for “security, justice, and peace” in Nigeria, especially the “rural Christian communities of the Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence”. Nigerian Church officials were grateful for Pope’s support and prayers.

Home Visitors of Mary Sisters teach at 2 schools in Benue State not far distant from Yelewata: in Ichama and in Korinya.

Please join with Pope Leo and with the Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary in pray for peace and an end to bloodshed in Nigeria and throughout the world.

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If you love me … feed my flock.  

Click here to view the entire Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary website.

Click here to donate to Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary.

If you wish to stop Sisters Home Visitors of Mary news in the future, let us know via email to shvmblog@yahoo.com

May Easter joy be your source of hope!                                                                                          Enter all with the joy of our Lord. First and last, rich and poor dance together. (Cf. Sr. John Chrysostom)

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DO YOU LOVE ME.  At his March 18 installation as Detroit’s bishop, Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger challenged us from the Easter scene.  Jesus asks Peter: Do you love me? Peter replies with a yes. And if you say you love me, Jesus responds, feed my lambs, my sheep. Archbishop Weisenburger begins his ministry here in Detroit asking us to hear Christ’s question and Christ’s call to love deeply … a call to serve.  Click here for Detroit Catholic excellent coverage of Archbishop Weisenburger’s installation. 
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Our Sisters in Nigeria respond to Christ’s call to serve in the reality in which they live. Children in five schools, day care centers and religious education programs know they are loved and respected. Your support makes this possible.

The HVM school &  convent in Apo resettlement area is almost fully open! 

Children of the Home Visitors Day Care and School say: Thank you. The one-room daycare now serves children from 6 months to high school in the new convent/school in Apo.  Funds from generous St. James, Novi, parish contributed to lighting.  Help for furnishing the classrooms and convent are still being sought.

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Sr. Mercy Ngunan Baaki, HVM, a nurse at St. Joseph Comprehensive Health Center in Korenya, Nigeria, joyfully received a grant from the International Union of Religious Superiors to expand outreach to nearby villages with the clinic’s mobile unit, health education and immunization. The grant will assist in training diverse, gender sensitive staff.

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Sr. Calista, HVM, is chairperson of  Arise-Nigerian Conference of Women Religious, Abuja Province.  The NCWR, Abuja Province, in collaboration with Arise Foundation in UK decided in the face of human trafficking to take the bull by the horns by organizing skill acquisition training programs for vulnerable women and youths within Abuja Province.   Some of these women and youths are internally displaced persons, widows, orphans, and some are from indigent homes.  Click her for details and photos > Empowering Vulnerable Women & Youth.

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Pray for the Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary as we prepare for future.  Thirty-five Sisters will gather in Gwagwalada in July 2025 to discern directions of the HVM for the next four years and elect leadership, director and four counselors. Our theme is:
For I know the plans I have for you … plans to give you hope and a future (Jer.29:11).

Spirit fill us with a burning love, especially for the poor and those marginalized by society as we go forth with your Good News.

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Home Visitors of Mary Associate Alta Sears entered into glory March 11, 2025. Alta dedicated much to St. Charles Lwanga Parish (St. Cecilia) in Detroit.  As her family said so well: She had great compassion and empathy for others. She never met a stranger. She was passionate about her church, family and friends.

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Josephine  Woodruff, sister of Home Visitors of Mary Associate Martha Lum, passed to eternal reward on March 28, 2025, at age 91.  Loved by her sisters, brother, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters Home Visitors of Mary.

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Save the date! HVM Gala Fundraiser for Nigerian Mission will be on Oct. 12, 2025 at St. John Armenian church in Southfield. 

Kevin Piecuch, founder and director of South West Immigration and Refugee Center is our honoree. Attorney Kevin Piecuch began his one day free legal clinic at the Michigan Plaza near the Ambassador bridge ten years ago. SWIRC now serves hundreds of people five days a week in three locations-southwest Detroit, eastside Detroit and Pontiac. The free legal clinics serve an array of issues. Learn more about SWIRC at their website: South West Immigrant and Refugee Center. This Jubilee year and our country’s reality reminds us that immigration justice, love of our poor brothers and sisters is a priority.

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He has Risen!

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If you love me … feed my flock.  

Click here to donate to Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary.

Click here to view the entire Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary website.  If you wish to stop Sisters Home Visitors of Mary news in the future, let us know via email to shvmblog@yahoo.com