Founded in 1877 by M. Mary of the Passion (Hélène de Chappotin) during the great missionary movement of the 19th century, the Institute of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) is an international Catholic congregation at work in 73 countries across five continents.
We are blessed to have among us the witness of our very own sisters who became martyrs for their faith. St. Hermine Grivot and her companions, seven Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, are known as the Martyrs of Taiyuan. They were martyred in China during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, as part of a larger group of missionaries and laypeople killed for their unwavering dedication to Christ. These sisters were serving the poor and caring for orphans when they were executed on July 9, 1900. In recognition of their profound faith and sacrifice, they were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000, as part of the 120 Martyrs of China. Their courage and commitment embody the Franciscan spirit of missionary service, even in the face of death.
We are also honored to remember Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta, a member of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, whose life was marked by deep humility and love for the poor. Born in Italy, she felt a strong call to the missionary life and was sent to China, where she served with great dedication. Though her missionary journey was short, as she died at the young age of 27 due to typhus, her holiness and virtue left a lasting impact. Blessed Maria Assunta was beatified in 1954, and her life continues to inspire us with her spirit of simplicity, sacrifice, and love for others, especially the most vulnerable.
In almost 150 years, the face of the mission has evolved, along with the world and the Church. However, Christ's commandment remains the same: “Go and make disciples of all nations…. What you have done to the least of these, you have done unto me… By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another…”
Women from diverse nations and cultures, touched by Christ's love, consecrated for the service of the Gospel, we seek to demonstrate God's love through our entire lives, particularly for the poorest and most abandoned.
For the mission and its risks, we live with no boundaries, open to the world and ready for service in any culture, religion, or social background. Our mission is to prioritize life and promote the growth of every human being.
Although we come from different backgrounds, we choose to live in intercultural communities, promoting fraternity, justice, and reconciliation in a fragmented world.
Our existence is shaped by both contemplation and action. In prayer, we encounter the God of Love. Through work, we unite with our human brothers and sisters, recognizing the Lord in everyone.
Like Mary, we live with a deep "yes" to God's mission. She is our model, showing us how to fully collaborate in the mission of her Son, and guiding us as Mother of the Church.
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary continue their mission of peace and love in today's world. Are you ready to embrace this mission with us?