As Franciscan sisters we have served the people of God in England since our founding in the 1880s. Our Mission calls us to a life of love, bringing Christ to birth in one another and in those we serve, especially the poor and those on the margins of our society.
Our Beginnings
Our sisters ministered firstly in childcare, offering a home to those children orphaned by poverty or by war in the late 19th and early 20th century. In the 1940s and 1950s, we responded to new challenges in the fields of education and health care and our sisters obtained a wide range of professional skills. These professions enabled us to give practical expression to our Charism as Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood.
The Call to renewal
Following Vatican II, the Holy Spirit opened up new insights into our Franciscan Charism and the relevance of our Franciscan values for a changing world. We became more open to listening to Christ’s call to each sister and to encouraging each one to use her gifts in ministry. We opened many smaller communities in parishes across England and served in a diversity of ministries.
A new Millennium
The new Millennium saw huge changes in society, in technology and in concern for the poor and for our planet. This brought opportunities to share our Franciscan values of Inclusiveness, Peacemaking, the Dignity of the Human Person and Care for Creation. We tried to respond to Church and other initiatives to help care for those who were alone and lonely and for our Mother Earth.
Our future held in the joy and hope of Christ’s love
Today, we are fewer in number but remain committed to bringing Christ’s love to others through our work in Spiritual Direction, Care of Creation and other Ministries. Our Lay Mission Partners are bringing a new giftedness as we share our Franciscan Charism in daily life. Inspired by St Francis and St Clare we seek together to bring Christ’s joy and love to a world that cries out for meaning and hope.
