A mother and her infant were recently able to move into their newly furnished home with the help of the Sisters of Life and the NYC Area Order of Malta Mobile Ministry.

The Sisters of Life provide housing and support for pregnant women and new mothers, especially those without strong financial or family support. After helping one mother secure a new apartment, they faced a significant challenge: transporting furniture too large for their minivan. Often, even if a new mother can find stable housing, the time and costs of a move can affect her lease, stability, or even ability to care for her child. When the Sisters mentioned this challenge to Michael Smilek, KM at a chance run-in after Sunday Mass, they discovered the NYC Area Mobile Ministry’s 15-passenger van could provide exactly the help they needed. The Sisters and the Order worked together to coordinate the move, allowing the mother and her baby to settle into their new home.

On the day of the move, Michael drove the Order’s van to the Convent. As the Sisters finished their prayers, they quickly assembled and got to work. Together they carried furniture through the Convent, sharing stories and laughter along the way. Michael bonded with Sr. Mary Casey over mutual friends and was impressed by the ease with which the Sisters maneuvered furniture while wearing their habits. Their explanation was simple: they spent a lot of time in them.

After the furniture was loaded, the Sisters invited Michael into the Convent kitchen for a well-earned Gatorade and proudly showed him the renovations made possible by the NYC Area Order of Malta’s recent grant.

The van was soon packed from front to back, and the group made its way to the new apartment. There, the Sisters directed the unloading while preparing to help the mother and her child settle into their new home. As the final pieces were carried inside, the family stood smiling at the beginning of a new chapter.

What began as a simple conversation after Sunday Mass had become a tangible act of service—one that we hope will lead to many future collaborations between the NYC Area Mobile Ministry and the Sisters of Life.

“Over 900 years of service,” one Sister said, pointing to the words on the Order’s van. “You are part of that.”