Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará
The Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará (also known as the Servidoras) is a religious community of Diocesan Right founded in 1988 in Argentina by Fr. Carlos Miguel Buela. Together with the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE) and the Third Order, they form the Religious Family of the Incarnate Word.
As women religious, the sisters believe their primary vocation is to be a Sponsa Christi (Spouse of Christ). They live out this consecration through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, alongside a fourth vow of Marian slavery of love according to the spirituality of Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort.
Our Identity and Spirituality
- Our Name: The title “Servants” honors the faithful women who stood at the foot of the Cross (Luke 8:1–3). The “Virgin of Matará” refers to the historic 1595 Cross of Matará carved by a native youth in Argentina. This cross represents the inculturation of the Gospel, which is the core framework of our spirituality.
- Our Core Goal: The specific charism of the Institute is the evangelization of the culture. The sisters strive to prolong the Incarnation of Christ into all human realities, transforming families, schools, and communities from within.
- Spiritual Focus: The congregation anchors its daily rhythm around the Holy Eucharist, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Pope.
Pastoral Ministry in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough
The Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará actively support the spiritual and community life within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough. Established locally in December 2010, the Community of Saint Marie de l’Incarnation serves the diocese with joy and dedication.
The sisters carry out their mission through vibrant parochial and educational apostolates:
Parochial Care & Administration
Four sisters are currently stationed in the diocese, operating across two key IVE-staffed parishes: St. John the Baptist and Sacred Heart. They manage vital parish administration, maintain sacristy care, and provide liturgy support.
Faith Formation & Youth Outreach
Rooted in their charism of evangelization, the sisters coordinate parochial catechesis and sacrament preparation for children and adults. They host weekly school visits and operate a youth oratory, providing formation and holy recreation for young people.
Community Witness
Through regular visits to the sick and elderly, leading spiritual retreats, and extending pastoral charity, the sisters bring the love of the Incarnate Word to the margins of society. You can easily recognize them throughout the diocese by their symbolic grey tunic and bright blue scapular, which represent Christ’s humanity and divinity.