Our MMCAA International Chapters have continually laid down the groundwork for the Maryknoll/Miriam spirit to live on and continue burning in the hearts of our alumni based in different parts of the world. Bonding together through social media despite time and distance and also through face-to-face encounters, the bonds of sisterhood and camaraderie have reached new heights. Through varied projects and creative undertakings, our international chapters have created opportunities for volunteerism and fellowship. They have created a network of Knollers in Canada, USA and Europe and have maintained ties with the Alma Mater no matter where they are around the world.
Here are some of the updates from our USA, Canada and European International Chapters:
USA WEST COAST
MMCAA USA West Coast Chapter: Living the Charism Through Sisterhood and Spirit
Over the past year, the MMCAA USA West Coast Chapter has gathered in faith and friendship, nurturing the Maryknoll/Miriam legacy of compassion, faith, and sisterhood through reflections, reunions, and meaningful outreach.
In October 2024, we met at the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Residence in Los Altos, CA for an afternoon of sharing, Mass, and dinner. We were moved by the inspiring mission stories of the Maryknoll Fathers.
In November, we came together virtually in a rosary prayer of thanksgiving.
Our December Christmas party in Bradbury, CA brought together alumnae from the ’60s through the ’90s for a festive day of laughter and connection.
During Lent, many joined the Maryknoll Sisters in Monrovia, CA for the Way of the Cross, and on Good Friday, we participated in a self-guided Stations of the Cross at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre.
In March, a webinar on planning for aging loved ones offered valuable insights from former MMCAA board members.
In April, Miriam College International Studies students visited the Maryknoll Residence, engaging with the Fathers and embracing the Maryknoll mission, vision, and charism.
May featured a book presentation by alumna Marie Silva Vallejo on Dauntless, honoring Filipino-American WWII heroes.
In June, we enjoyed a heartfelt lunch in Brea, CA with Ms. Bernadette Windsor and Mrs. Sonia Arce.
In July, we hosted a meet and greet supporting the Sayawatha Dance Troupe as they represented the Philippines at the World of Dance Summit.
We are blessed to be located near both the Maryknoll Fathers in Northern California and the Maryknoll Sisters in Southern California. Their presence continues to inspire us to live out the mission, vision, and charism that unite us across generations.
We look forward to hearing more of what the USA West Coast Chapter has in store for the rest of the year. Like MMCAA USA West Coast on Facebook and Follow on Instagram:
USA EAST COAST
Since February 2024, the current Board of Directors’ aim for the Chapter has been to make us a community by publishing a monthly Newsletter, a way for us to get to know each other. A month later, our first Newsletter was published and our website was launched. Within four months, our Board of Directors decreased to three with one advisor. But we persevered, and as of July 2025 published Newsletter #17. By getting to know our members, our Chapter submitted two candidates for this year’s “Amazing Alumni Achievement” Award. And in preparation for MC’s 100-year anniversary, we started a series on the “History of Maryknoll” on our Newsletter. This Board of Directors also created a purpose for the Chapter: to collect donations and apportion them to the Maryknoll Sisters in Ossining NY, to our Alma Mater, and to our chapter. We were able to fulfill this purpose last year and contributed to the Maryknoll Sisters’ Gala 2024 and to our Alma Mater’s Project MMARIA. Another donation we gave to our Alma Mater is a signed print, “The Divine Shepherdess,” by Sr. Marie Pierre Semler, dedicated to the Maryknoll Sisters of Ossining NY. It will be on display in Maryknoll/Miriam College’s Museum. We hope to continue to accomplish our purpose this year. Our Chapter Head has been doing in-person Meet-and-Greets since last year. In May, we had a study session on “The Book of Ruth” with Sister Helen Graham and were joined by Knollers from Eastern Canada, Europe, and Tanzania. Finally, in anticipation of this year’s election for the new Board of Directors, and to reflect the changes that our community has experienced under the current Board of Directors, we have updated our By-Laws that will continue to serve as our guidebook on how to uphold the integrity of our Chapter.
The chapter has a Facebook Group that you can join if you are based in the area. You may also contact them through e-mail at mmcaa.eastcoast@gmail.com.
WESTERN CANADA
MMCAA Eastern Canada Chapter: Staying Connected and Growing Stronger The MMCAA Eastern Canada Chapter is on the move! Our vibrant sisterhood continues to grow, with new members joining, stronger friendships forming, and more alumnae participating in our events each year. From our September Soiree and festive pre- Christmas celebration to a recent get-together luncheon, each gathering has been filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful reconnection – keeping the Maryknoll/Miriam spirit alive and well. We also previously hosted a successful webinar titled “An Invitation to Change” led by Josephine “Joey” Ruiz, a fellow MC alumna and Registered Psychotherapist based in Ontario, Canada. Joey offered thoughtful insights on how to support loved ones facing addiction and mental health challenges. The webinar was warmly received and offered valuable new perspectives. Looking ahead, we’re excited to host a summer alumni picnic – open to family members and friends. In the Fall, we will feature another inspiring webinar by a fellow alumna and cancer survivor, who will share her journey of resilience, healing and hope. To stay better connected, we have launched a Facebook page! Search for MMCAA Eastern Canada Chapter or click https://www.facebook.com/groups/mmcaaeasterncanada to join us.This platform helps Let us stay in touch, share updates, and celebrate milestones – anytime, anywhere. We’re proud of the strong and supportive community we have built together. With each event and connection we strengthen the legacy of Maryknoll/Miriam and the lifelong bonds we all cherish.
EASTERN CANADA
MMCAA Eastern Canada Chapter: Staying Connected and Growing Stronger
The MMCAA Eastern Canada Chapter is on the move! Our vibrant sisterhood continues to grow, with new members joining, stronger friendships forming, and more alumnae participating in our events each year. From our September Soiree and festive pre- Christmas celebration to a recent get-together luncheon, each gathering has been filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful reconnection – keeping the Maryknoll/Miriam spirit alive and well.
We also previously hosted a successful webinar titled “An Invitation to Change” led by Josephine “Joey” Ruiz, a fellow MC alumna and Registered Psychotherapist based in Ontario, Canada. Joey offered thoughtful insights on how to support loved ones facing addiction and mental health challenges. The webinar was warmly received and offered valuable new perspectives.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to host a summer alumni picnic – open to family members and friends. In the Fall, we will feature another inspiring webinar by a fellow alumna and cancer survivor, who will share her journey of resilience, healing and hope.
To stay better connected, we have launched a Facebook page! Search for MMCAA Eastern Canada Chapter or click https://www.facebook.com/groups/mmcaaeasterncanada to join us.This platform helps Let us stay in touch, share updates, and celebrate milestones – anytime, anywhere.
We’re proud of the strong and supportive community we have built together. With each event and connection we strengthen the legacy of Maryknoll/Miriam and the lifelong bonds we all cherish.
EUROPE
Maryknoll/Miriam Europe Chapter: Connection, Growth, and Milestones in 2025
The Europe Chapter of the Maryknoll/Miriam College Alumni Association continues to flourish with renewed energy, meaningful milestones, and deeper connections among Knollers across the continent. Since the start of the year, we’ve embraced a flexible “à la carte” menu of online activities, allowing members to engage based on their interests and availability. These offerings included interactive Meet & Greets and informative webinars on cooking, EU integration, job search strategies, career growth, the role of AI in daily life, and self-care and wellness. We also proudly launched Kubbuk 2, holding mini-reunions in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark and introduced “Alay Panalangin”, the first in a new virtual rosary series that deepens our shared spiritual connection. And as tradition goes, we held our chapter reunion in Paris, highlighted by a moving pilgrimage to St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus in Lisieux — a cherished moment of reflection and togetherness.
This year, we have expanded our focus by exploring new thematic gatherings led by fellow alumni—providing spaces to learn from each other and strengthen the bonds that unite us across borders with participants from both the USA West and East Coast chapters and the Philippines. A key milestone this year has been the steady growth of our Europe-based alumni base. We’re witnessing an inspiring rise in participation and engagement, with new faces joining from across the region and beyond.
As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we carry forward a shared intention to recharge, reconnect, and draw strength from one another. With continued support from our vibrant community, we remain excited for what lies ahead.
Australia/New Zealand
The MMCAA-Australia & New Zealand chapter reached a key milestone in June 2025 with the induction of its inaugural Board of Directors. This is a significant step forward for what started with simply a handful of committed graduates who met socially via Viber or face-to-face in familiar places in Sydney – sharing stories, laughing and reminiscing about our Maryknoll/Miriam College days.
What’s particularly remarkable about the chapter’s early growth is how organically it unfolded—driven largely by word of mouth and personal networks. “Someone knew someone who had also graduated from Maryknoll/Miriam, and that’s how most of us connected,” Ting Ramos, chapter head recalled. “It really shows the power of alumni networking. Many of us didn’t even know there were other graduates living nearby until someone made that introduction.” We now have members from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Auckland.
On July 12, 2025, we held our first official Zoom meeting welcoming new members from across the Tasman. After a fun icebreaker, we brainstormed on ideas on keeping members engaged, growing the chapter in the next 1–3 years and building a chapter legacy. But we agreed on intentionally keeping things light and simple in the short term, with an emphasis on growing membership and to bond in another familiar way: through food. We also recognise that establishing a regular cadence of meetings (both virtual and in-person) will help keep the momentum and engagement going.
Plans are underway to host monthly virtual meetups, alongside local gatherings and roadtrips and to represent Maryknoll/Miriam at the Grand Soirée – Philippine Alumni Extravaganza on October 25, 2025 in Sydney
Interested in joining or know of graduates living in Australia or New Zealand? Please contact or share this email address: mmcaa.ausnz@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/mmcaa.ausnz.
If you are a Knoller in a region that doesn’t have an official MMCAA chapter yet, contact alumni.mmcaa1979@gmail.com to set up one! Together let’s keep our global Knoller spirit flying high.
