FMDM Associates are Christian women or men, married or single, ordained or lay that are allied to, or companions of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood. One distinctive feature of our Associate programme is that we offer spiritual support to others who wish to deepen their commitment by living the Gospel aligned with the FMDM Charism yet distinct from the religious vocation of the sisters.
The first FMDM Associates were in England. In 1995, a group of about 40 men and women from the local parish asked to come to Ladywell to find out more about our FMDM way of life. After the first visit, many in the group expressed an interest in learning more about St Francis and, after a period of consultation, it was agreed that they should become Associates and a programme of study, sharing and prayer was drawn up for them. On completion of the programme they could apply to make a commitment as an Associate, with this commitment renewed every year.
Following in the footsteps of those first Associates, groups were established in other locations in the UK. Then in 2008, sisters in Singapore and Zambia, began to run Associates programmes based on what had been developed at Ladywell. Nigeria is the most recent country to welcome Associates. The first group commenced formation in 2011, and today, we are blessed to have forty active Nigerian Associates.
The Associates programme continues to grow, with interest emerging from various regions and communities. We are deeply grateful for those who choose to share in our Charism and spirituality, enriching the mission of the FMDM in diverse and meaningful ways. We are able to deepen our own understanding and appreciation of our FMDM Charism as we walk with our Associates.