Our Founder

Venerable Aloysius Schwartz was born in Washington, D.C., on September 18, 1930. From his youth, he carried a burning desire to become a missionary priest, dedicating his life to the service of the poor.

In 1944, he entered St. Charles Seminary in Maryland, completed his B.A. at Maryknoll College, and pursued theology at Louvain Catholic University in Belgium. During his vacations, he spent time among the rag-pickers and outcasts of French society, serving them with compassion. A visit to Banneux, where the Virgin of the Poor appeared, profoundly touched his heart and inspired him to consecrate his priesthood in serving the poor in fulfillment of her message.

On June 29, 1957, he was ordained a diocesan priest, and later that year, he was sent to Busan, South Korea. There, on August 15, 1964, he founded the Sisters of Mary, followed by the Brothers of Christ in 1981. His vision gave birth to Boystowns and Girlstowns—safe havens where orphans, abandoned children, and youth from the poorest families could receive care, education, and hope for a brighter future. He also built hospitals, sanatoriums, hospices, and homes for the homeless, the handicapped, the elderly, unwed mothers, and children with disabilities. His mission was always rooted in defending life and dignity.

In 1985, he expanded his charity programs to the Philippines. Four years later, he was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a terminal illness. He accepted this cross with serenity and joy, calling it a gift from God. Even as his body grew weak, his spirit remained strong. In 1990, despite his illness, he established Boystown and Girlstown in Mexico.

With humility and courage, he endured trials, criticisms, and immense suffering, yet never ceased to serve. Even confined to a wheelchair, he continued to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, hear confessions, preach, and inspire others by living the virtues of truth, justice, chastity, charity, and humility. His love for God and the poor consumed him completely—he did not only help the poor, he chose to live as one of them.

On March 16, 1992, Venerable Aloysius Schwartz returned to God at Girlstown in Manila. He was laid to rest at Boystown in Cavite, Philippines.

Today, the Sisters of Mary and the Brothers of Christ continue his legacy, serving over twenty thousand of the poorest of the poor in Korea, the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, Tanzania and Kenya. His life remains a shining testimony that true greatness is found in humble service and love for the least of our brothers and sisters.