Sister Mary Ann Smith

masmith_lgSister Mary Ann Smith
Location – EUS Region, NY

Mary Ann Smith was born November 17, 1932 to Anna (Daley) Smith and John F. Smith in Archbald, PA. She had one brother, John. Mary Ann graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Olyphant, PA in 1949.

Mary Ann entered the Maryknoll Sisters September 2, 1952 at the Venard in Clarks Summit, PA. She professed First Vows September 8, 1955 at the Center and Final Vows September 8, 1961 in the Philippines. Her first assignment was Congregational Service at the Maryknoll Society (Fathers and Brothers) Center from 1955 – 1956.

Sister Mary Ann’s first overseas mission assignment was to the Philippines in 1960, she studied the Ilocano Language and began teaching in elementary and secondary schools. She founded the Diocesan Adult Training Center for the Vicariate of the Mountain Provinces, fostering adult education and community development. This still exists as an independent NGO, The Development Agency for the Tribes of the Cordillera. Her years in the Philippines launched her search for justice and concern for the integrity of the environment, a search and concern which continue today.

At the Center in NY Sister Mary Ann served in the Research and Planning Office. Assigned to the Eastern US Region in 1982, she served as a resource specialist for CODEL, Inc. (Coordination in Development) a consortium of ecumenical organizations whose goal was to assist development activities among disadvantaged people overseas. She gave International environmental and development workshops.

From 1998 – 2006, she was formerly on the staff of NETWORK, a national Catholic social justice lobby, and served as Education Program Coordinator. She co-authored the book, “Learning about Taxes: Toward a Just and Fair System”; the Popular Education Series: “Voter Education”; and “Shaping a New World: The Catholic Social Justice Tradition.”

Sister Mary Ann served ten years (1991- 2006) as board member and was the president of ECPAT-USA, an international movement in more than fifty countries focusing on commercial sexual exploitation of children. She also served on the board of the Maryknoll Mission Institute, was a member of the Maryknoll Sisters Centennial Planning Core Committee, a volunteer with the Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns and with ECAT (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking, USA.