We are Franciscan women, who believe that St Francis and St Clare’s vision and wisdom in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is as relevant today as it was in the 13th Century. As FMDM we desire to live the Gospel values they embraced in responding to the needs of our world today wherever we are called to serve.
Franciscan – a radical living of the Gospel is at the heart of who we desire to be. St Francis and St Clare of Assisi lived and embraced this call to be sister and brother to all, and in particular to the most vulnerable and poor. They had a deep and passionate love of the Crucified Christ, recognising Him in those who suffered and were most despised and rejected in the society of their time. Towards the end of his life St Francis said to his brothers, “I have done what was mine to do, may Christ show you yours”. As FMDM, we strive to listen to this call in our own time and cultures.
Missionaries – our way of life has taken us on mission to many peoples and places. We continue to be called to deepen our understanding of who God invites us to be as FMDM. Today we would understand our primary ‘mission’ is to be sister to everyone and all of creation. This is expressed first and foremost by seeking to ‘become Christ’ to all. Therefore, each of our sisters are on mission simply by their presence, no matter where they are missioned or their age and health.
Of the Divine Motherhood – we live in imitation of Mary, a model of listening and openness to God. Simply by our presence we are called to conceive, birth and nurture the life of Christ in ourselves and in all our brothers and sisters. In this way we are inspired to live out Mary’s Divine Motherhood in our life and mission.
