Fr. Sebastian Vazhakala, MC. + St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
FOUNDER + Co-Founder
Fr. Sebastian Vazhakala, MC, is the Founder along with Co-Founder St. Mother Teresa of the Missionaries of Charity.
The Movement known as the Lay Missionaries of Charity (LMC) is an International Association of Lay people: married and single who adhering to the Spirit and Charism of the M.C. Family make private (juridically) vows of Chastity (conjugal), Poverty, Obedience and the fourth vow of Whole-Hearted Free Service to the poorest of the poor beginning with the members of one's own family. Remaining in the heart of the world, the LMCs consecrate the world itself to God everywhere offering worship by the holiness of their lives expressed through prayer, penance and works of mercy, after the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
In the Beginning
Their movement began in Rome, Italy in 1984, in the presence of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, M.C. and Fr. Sebastian Vazhakala, M.C., with four lay people who wanted to live a life of greater holiness and union with God, and a greater affiliation to the life and work of the Missionaries of Charity.
Patricia Rein, LMC
local link 2022-present (Spring)
Pat made her first vows in 2019 and is currently serving as the local link for the LMC community in Spring, Texas.
Lori Kananen, LMC
local link 2025-present (BUNKER HILL)
Lori made her first vows in 2019 and is currently serving as the local link for the LMC community in Bunker Hill Village, Texas.
Our Local Community
Spring, TX
In the fall of 2016, a small group of 27 men and women attended a pilgrimage for the Canonization of Mother Teresa. It was led by Fr. Desmond “Desy” Daniels the then current spiritual director for the Lay Missionaries of Charity in Galveston-Houston Diocese. From the 27 pilgrims, 10 began to meet regularly and learn about the charism. On October 24, 2017, seven began formation under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Fr. William “Bill” Bueche, C.Ss.R.. as a parish-based community. The then current link for the Houston Community, Mary Bernadette Martinez, LMC accompanied them during their two year formation. On March 16, 2021 the second Houston community was founded in Spring, Texas at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church with Fr Xavier Bilavendiran as their spiritual director. Read more...
Weekly formation meetings: Mondays 10:00am - 12:00pm
bunker hill village, TX
In the fall of 2025, the third Houston community was founded in Bunker Hill Village, Texas at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center with Fr Xavier Bilavendiran as their spiritual director. Weekly formation meetings: Tuesdays 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Photo: After the Pilgrim's Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Dr. Anthonisamy Neethinathan D.D., from the Diocese of Chingleput, South India, also known as Bishop Neethi and concelebrated by Rev. Desmond "Desy" Daniels at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Spring, Tx.
Our Community Worldwide
There are 2614 LMCs worldwide in over fifty countries. Currently there are 228 professed, 79 vowed for life, and 89 aspirants in the United States. They gather in various cities, consisting of 67 communities in 30 states in the U.S. and 1 community in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit our National website