Province Commitment

Globally, the Institute of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary is shaped by a network of regional provinces which sustain both the unity and diversity of our ministries.  Each province develops its own forms of ministry in response to the local needs.

In Australia, our ministries are diverse expressions of our commitment to justice, peace and the integrity of creation and to affirming the dignity of all peoples.

By choice our ministries place us in solidarity with people who are marginalised, to be a voice with them in working for the transformation of unjust structures, to be engaged in activities that announce life and denounce all that threatens it, to be non-violent artisans of peace and reconciliation.

For some among us, putting a human face and name to marginalisation means building relationships with Aboriginal people; with those who are homeless or in prison; persons with disabilities and those living with HIV or AIDS; women escaping domestic violence or working in prostitution; refugees, asylum seekers and newly arrived migrants; aged persons with limited resources.

Solidarity

Others keep working primarily for the transformation of unjust structures.  They are involved in networking and co-operating with groups and organisations which raise consciousness by naming and challenging attitudes and structures that work against a just, compassionate and inclusive church and society. 

Srs Janice Long and Linda Price devote their adminstrative skills in the fields of Aged Care and FMM finances at both province and international level. They are active in effecting improvements in Aged Care in Australia and in forming partnerships to support FMM initiatives in India.

Peace and Reconciliation

Those whose primary ministry is walking paths of peace and reconciliation are active in promoting a spirituality of active non-violence; in interfaith dialogue and building bridges between religious, ethnic, and social groups, advocacy for the cessation of torture and war.

Announcing life and denouncing all that threatens it embraces the activities of sisters who devote their energies to the pastoral care of others through parish work, spiritual direction, administration and group facilitation.

It means practical concern for the environment and time spent in celebrating friendships, nature, music and art.

In all our ministries we seek to be artisans of peace by practicing non-violent forms of negotiation and co-operation.

Mission Statement

Regardless of age, whether we work in ministry full-time, part-time, in voluntary or paid work, are retired or in ill-health we recognise ourselves and are recognised in the spirit of our Vision Statement.

We Franciscan Missionaries of Mary
as contemplative women commit ourselves
to justice, peace and the integrity of creation
and to affirming the dignity of all peoples.

Australian Province
Mission Statement