A community of warmth – a network of humanity
With an eventful history and numerous influential personalities, the sisterhood has constantly developed its commitment over the centuries. From 1997 until the beginning of January 2025, the congregation was under the leadership of Sr. Mag.a Dr.in Maria Gerlinde Kätzler; since 2 January 2025, Sr. MMag.a Dr.in Barbara Flad has been in office as Superior General.
Mission statement and values
The order is characterised as a strong community of women whose central concern is to address the needs, concerns and challenges of their fellow human beings. The focus is on value-based cooperation based on respect, tolerance and consideration for one another.
The motto "Caritas Christi urget nos – The love of Christ compels us" is not just a motivation but a daily driving force that enriches and deepens life through service to others.
The "Mutterhaus" in Zams
The Mutterhaus of the order in Zams in Tirol is the heart of the community. It serves as the headquarters of the order's management, administrative centre and as a place of exchange. This is where key decisions are made, locations are developed and future plans are drawn up. At the same time, it is a spiritual space where people pray and celebrate together.
Social commitment and social work
The Order plays an important role in society through its diverse fields of activity. The work of the Sisters of Mercy extends across Tirol, Vorarlberg, Carinthia, South Tirol and Peru and includes medical and nursing care, social and catering services as well as educational institutions. People are always at the centre of our work – whether in caring for the sick, training young people or in our day-to-day commitment to the common good.
Contact
Mutterhaus of the Sisters of Mercy
Klostergasse 10
6511 Zams
Phone: +43 5442 62484
Symbols of our values
The logo of the Sisters of Mercy of Zams
The heart stands for love and humanity. It is divided into small and large, coloured areas that symbolise each employee in their different tasks and positions. Each person, with their own special part, contributes to the shape of the heart. It is only through all of them together that the complete picture emerges: the heart that embodies our community.
The cross symbolises suffering, pain and death, but also their final overcoming through Jesus Christ. The crossbeam of the cross rests on the heart to illustrate that compassionate love – both human and divine – bears the suffering of the other and thus makes it more bearable. The open form of the cross stands for human imperfection and brokenness, which is dependent on the support and cooperation of others.
The motto of the Sisters of Mercy Zams is: "The love of Christ compels us" (2 Cor 5:14). In the experience of being loved ourselves, we find the strength and the desire to pass on love. Christ is our role model and benchmark when it comes to translating love into action.
© Marcel Hagen - studio22.at
© Marcel Hagen - studio22.at
© Marcel Hagen - studio22.at