The Co-foundresses, Mother Maria Helena Stollenwerk and Mother Josepha, Hendrina Stenmanns, were never called “formators”; neither did they ever follow a course for formators. Yet Helena Stollenwerk and Hendrina Stenmanns were able to live their God-given gift, their charism, in such a manner that it radiated to others. They had the ability to form others in the spirit by which they themselves were led and to inspire these others for the ideal that drew them to dedicate their whole life.

The following reflections were presented at the Formators’ Seminar in Steyl in October 1994, and, in view of the beatification of Mother Maria, Helena Stollenwerk, this material was published.

You will discover some of the qualities and attitudes of our co-foundresses that appear essential for the formation personnel of a missionary congregation; and, we hope they will prove a help to all who wish to know and love our co-foundresses and their charism and spirituality, especially in the aspects where they can be guides for those who are guiding the ministry of formation in the Arnoldus Family.