Are you considering joining our community?
Joining a Religious community is a big decision that often takes much reflection. We are here to support you and to answer the many questions that you might have.
Our community life is both rewarding and fulfilling. We support each other in our daily commitment to God and we are there for each other at all times.
Women interested in our life can spend a brief period of time in our community after initial interview and before committing themselves to the various steps which are part of beginning formation. The formation period for becoming a Franciscan Missionary of Our Lady will be done in France and will extend for several years and continues for the rest of ones life.
Postulancy is a time for deepening ones faith for getting to know one another for discerning a vocation, progressively discovering the demands of religious life. The candidate begins her first steps in a life of prayer in our community and can stay from six months to two years.
The novitiate is a time of intense preparation for religious consecrated as a Franciscan. It lasts for two years one of which is spent in the novitiate community. Once this is finished, one makes temporary profession which includes the three vows of Obedience, Poverty, and Chastity.
Formation continues during this period of temporary vows (for a minimum of three years) to prepare for perpetual profession. This is the definitive commitment to follow Christ in service of the Church and humanity.
Below are some short reflections from two of our Sisters:
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Sr. Clare The thought of entering a convent was never my intention when I came to stay. It was only to be for a long weekend, to chill out and to get some peace of which I was sorely in need of. Little did I know it was going to be the longest weekend I had ever spend anywhere. Now at 49, I feel free, unencumbered by the strains of trying to be someone I’m not. My Community accept and love me for who I am, with all my faults, and not for what I can do for them. |
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Sr. Colette Ellis It’s not easy by any means, but the love that the Community share with me and me with them makes things easier to handle and I have been able to give more of myself to others, that I never thought possible. I became a Religious Sister because I had read a book about Missionary Sisters in India and felt this was a life of service which I thought was meaningful. I was not a Catholic and had no qualifications which would recommend me for Religious life. I had failed in French in my exams and was sent to France to learn and speak the language. It was there I became a Catholic. God has led me event by event to where I am today. I am very grateful that I have been very happy and content. At this age of my life I am preparing to meet the God who called me and moulded me. I am ready to say thank you to him for everything.” |
Where to contact us with your questions:
If you feel called to become a Sister of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our lady or have any questions about what is involved you can contact:
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady,
Franciscan Convent
Ballinderry,
Mullingar,
Co. Westmeath,
Ireland
Tel: 044-93-52000
* Between the hours of 1pm-2pm and 6.30pm – 7.30pm (Greenwich Mean Time)
Email: lavernacentre@gmail.com or info@fmolireland.ie
