The Blessed Trinity Missionary Institute (BTMI) is part of the Missionary Cenacle Family, an international community committed to evangelization and the preservation of the faith, particularly among those most in need.

Origins and Foundation

BTMI was born of the missionary charism inspired by Father Thomas Augustine Judge, CM, a Vincentian priest, and Dr. Margaret Healy, a committed laywoman. Father Judge, marked by Vincentian ideals of service to the poor, founded the Missionary Cenacle Family in 1909, a movement that sought to mobilize lay and religious for evangelizing mission. Dr. Healy’s vision crystallized in the founding of BTMI as a secular institute in 1950, with canonical recognition under the 1947 decree Provida Mater Ecclesia issued by Pope Pius XII, which established this form of consecrated life. From its inception, BTMI stood out as an association of the faithful committed to mission within their own contexts of life and work.

Structure and Consecrated Life

Unlike traditional religious orders, BTMI brings together consecrated lay people who live outside of religious communities, performing secular jobs and maintaining their own homes. However, they share a “Rule of Life” that guides their spirituality and mission. Members participate in monthly meetings, retreats and formation activities to strengthen their charism and unity. This flexible model allows them to respond to the needs of the environment in which they find themselves, whether accompanying young people, caring for the elderly or supporting families in need.

Mission and Vision

The members of the Institute participate in the work of evangelization of the Church, “in the world and from the world”. Their presence and life witness act as leaven in the dough of bread.

Their mission is to be a permanent witness in daily family and social life so that, through their activities, God’s grace may reach those who need it most.

Members dedicate their lives to the Blessed Trinity through the private profession of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

The Institute’s mission is to preserve the faith in spiritually neglected and abandoned areas and individuals.

Its main effort is to develop a missionary spirit among the laity, in all areas of secular life, with the goal that every Catholic be an apostle.

Devotions

The Missionary Cenacle Family has many devotions and spiritual practices that enable it to fully live its missionary call and mission. Among these, four main devotions stand out:

1. The Holy Trinity: The Missionary Cenacle Family contemplates the Triune God in the glory of all creation and in the faces of the people it is called to serve. The relationship of love between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit serves as a model for the fraternal relationship enjoyed both with the sisters of the congregation and with the laity, priests and brothers who are part of the four branches of the spiritual family.
2. The Eucharist: Considered the sun and the center of their lives, each Missionary Cenacle has a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is found. The Eucharist is the source of spiritual nourishment that nourishes their missionary work.
3. The Holy Spirit: The community seeks to invoke the Holy Spirit to set their hearts on fire with the love of God, bringing this fire to those around them. They ask to be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially those of wisdom and strength. Since 1913, they have been praying together a perpetual novena to the Holy Spirit.
4. The Incarnation: The celebration of Christmas and the Annunciation reminds the members that God assumed human nature and walked alongside them. This mystery teaches them that God is not distant, but knows and loves them deeply. In response, the Missionary Cenacle family strives to share that love with others.

With these devotions, the Missionary Cenacle Family lives its missionary vocation and strengthens its spirituality.

International Presence and Expansion

Since its founding, BTMI has extended its influence to several countries. In Puerto Rico, the institute began its presence in 2004 with the “Cenáculo Providencia de Dios,” and has played a crucial role in promoting retreats and spiritual formation. In Mexico, the mission began in 2015, integrating consecrated women in missionary and social projects. Currently, the institute also has a presence in the United States, Nigeria and London, consolidating its global reach and demonstrating its adaptability to diverse cultural contexts.

The Vincentian Charism and its Influence

The Vincentian charism of BTMI is reflected in its focus on the poor and marginalized. Faithful to the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, the institute seeks to be an “evangelical leaven” in the world. Its motto, “Preserving the faith, especially among the poor and abandoned,” embodies this mission. Members dedicate their lives to service through the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience, living in the world but deeply rooted in prayer, reflection and missionary action.

Challenges and Future

BTMI faces the constant challenge of attracting new vocations in a secularized world. Nevertheless, its secular structure and focus on day-to-day spirituality make it an attractive option for those seeking to integrate consecrated life with their personal and work responsibilities. In addition, collaboration with other branches of the Missionary Cenacle Family strengthens its missionary impact.

— – —

The Holy Trinity Missionary Institute is a living witness to the Vincentian charism, adapted to the demands of the 21st century. Its focus on consecrated life in the world and its commitment to those most in need position it as a relevant model of evangelization and service. With deep roots in the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul and a renewed spirit of mission, BTMI continues to be a beacon of hope and faith for many communities around the world.