Mission Partnership at FMDM
‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’
Matthew 9 : 37-38
For several years the FMDM sisters have recognised that the laity who work alongside them are more than employees; rather, they are collaborators in fulfilling God’s Mission through the FMDM Charism – following the Gospel in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, being sister and brother to all and being the bearers of hope in a God who “gives us peace … in life’s darkest moments.” (Pope Francis)
While the decline in numbers of women joining the Congregation may have begun the shift towards Mission Partnership, it gained momentum with the sisters’ missionary impulse to share their FMDM Charism and their commitment to Franciscan values of inclusivity and service. This, in turn, has enabled religious and laity alike to appreciate that Franciscan Spirituality is a gift to the world, and that everyone is invited to share in it.
This way of working aligns with Pope Francis’ call for a synodal and mission driven Church where: “We are all responsible for the mission of the Church…. Whether one is a “bus driver” or a “farmer” or a “fisherman,” the mission is the same: “to bear witness with our lives,” “each one contributing what they know best.” (Vatican City, September 2024)
The understanding of Mission Partnership has evolved so that everyone is recognised as being a participant in the mission, regardless of their faith or role. As the sisters strive to build God’s kingdom of love, peace and justice they rely on men and women of different faiths and none, without whom many of their projects could not function. This follows the teaching of The Second Vatican Council for Catholics to “collaborate with all men and women of good will in the promotion of all that is true, just, holy, all that is worthy of love.” Apostolicam Actuositatem (14)
A synodal way of working depends on good relationships and trust – if the sisters are to rely on others to do roles they used to do, then Mission Partners must be accountable and take seriously their responsibilities as active participants in helping to keep the FMDM Charism alive. Consistent formation ensures that they are enabled to articulate our Franciscan identity and supports Mission Partners in their journey from Mission Awareness: “We know the FMDM sisters have a mission and want to help” to Mission Partnership where they are “actively part of shaping and creating the unfolding FMDM mission.”
This is manifested in various ways; such as the establishment in Nigeria of new PACT groups (Pan African Conciliation Teams) in places where there has been interreligious conflict; when Trustees of Mount Alvernia Hospital, Singapore expand the hospital to grow its service to the community; and when Sisters and Mission Partners at Ladywell Convent England initiate collections for the local food bank and homeless shelter.
In their General Chapter Message 2025, the sisters commit to ‘share and offer their gifts’ and ‘embrace partnership in their Mission’. This mirrors their existing openness to the richness and gifts that Mission Partners can bring and their willingness to accompany them on their path to active partnership in the mission. When sisters and Mission Partners work together like this, our FMDM ministries are brought more fully to life and the FMDM vision for the world will not only survive but will continue to thrive.