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Marked by the Passion of JesusExternal and internal events, compounded by the slow means of communication between herself and her superiors in Europe led inevitably to difficulties. Mary of the Passion trusted in God and through much struggle and suffering followed her conscience and left her religious community. Nineteen other sisters followed her.Obedience to the SpiritLed by God, she set out for Rome with three of her companions. She met with Pope Pius IX who, on 6th January 1877 approved the foundation of a new institute – the Missionaries of Mary, the first missionary community of women founded by a woman.In 1882, with the encouragement of Pope Leo XIII, the Missionaries of Mary were affiliated to the Franciscan Order and became known as the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.Universal MissionDespite the many difficulties and challenges of the beginnings, the new Institute grew rapidly throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and America. From the beginning, Mary of the Passion insisted that the aim of the Institute was universal. Sisters from different cultures were sent together on mission. They lived in international communities as an important expression of their commitment to universal mission.When Mary of the Passion died on 15th November 1904, there were 2000 sisters working in various fields in almost every continent.She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 20th October 2002.
“True power is God”
“God is not asking me to succeed but to offer myself.”
Blessed Mary of the Passion – Our Foundress
The Franciscan Spirit
Helene entered the Poor Clare Monastery at the age of 21. It was here that she encountered the spirit of St Francis of Assisi, an encounter that would mark her deeply. Unfortunately her poor health made it impossible for her to continue in the austere life of the Poor Clares. When she recovered, her family opposed her vocation and Helene had to wait a couple of years before she could pursue her dream once more of consecrating her entire life to God.
Missionary Zeal
In 1864, guided by her spiritual director, Helene entered the newly founded society of the Marie Reparatrix where she was given the name Mary of the Passion. While still a novice she was sent to India as a missionary. Within two years she was asked to assume responsibility for the mission. She had not reached her 28th birthday! Gifted with a quick intelligence, initiative and organizing ability she took the inherent challenges in her stride. Her intense missionary activity developed over a period of ten years.
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Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta – A Mysterious Perfume
Born in Force, Italy, Maria Assunta lived a life marked by profound simplicity and an unwavering desire to serve God in the most humble tasks. Her journey led her to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, where she offered herself completely as a 'mysterious perfume' for the Lord. Her ultimate sacrifice was realized in the mission fields of China, where she served the sick and orphans with a joyful heart until her peaceful passing. She was beatified for her heroic virtues and deep spirituality of self-oblation.
When still very young, her attraction for prayer could already be seen. She had a filial tenderness for the Blessed Virgin, and she could be seen setting up little altars or decorating with flowers the pictures of the beloved Madonna in the countryside.Assunta’s piety very naturally radiated around her by means of a discreet apostolate. She liked to gather the children of her own age together in the church or under the porch, to speak to them about the goodness of God with all the fervour of her heart.
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Universal Mission
Blessed Mary of the Passion understood the mission of the Institute as universal. Our international communities are a testament to our faith, where sisters from different cultures serve together in unity. Across Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, our service is rooted in a shared missionary commitment to reveal the face of Christ to all.
Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta
A story of simplicity, prayer, humility, and missionary dedication. Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta lived her life as a mysterious perfume for God, answering the divine call with a joyful heart.
A Happy Child & The Young Missionary
Born Helene de Chappotin’s namesake, Maria Assunta grew in faith from a happy childhood, discovering her call early to serve the Lord with humility and zeal in his mission fields.
Answering God's Call & A Mysterious Perfume
Her life was a total offering, described as a 'mysterious perfume' for God. She lived in constant prayer, finding joy in the smallest acts of service and quiet contemplation.
Missioned to China & Humble Service
Assunta’s ultimate missionary dedication took her to China, where she served the sick and orphans with profound humility until her peaceful passing into the Lord's arms.
The Seven Martyrs of Taiyuan-Fu, China
St. Marie-Hermine
SUPERIOR & NURSE
Led the mission with courage, serving children and the sick with total devotion.
St. Maria della Pace
EDUCATION & MUSIC
Brought harmony and faith to the mission through singing and dedicated teaching.
St. Maria Chiara
WOMEN'S FORMATION
Empowered women through hygiene, nutrition, and faith-based education.
St. Marie de Ste-Nathalie
SERVICE & CATECHESIS
Devoted to the simplest tasks and spiritual instruction of orphans.
St. Marie de St-Just
HYGIENE & HEALTH
Worked tirelessly for the sick, ensuring high standards of care and prayer.
St. Marie-Adolphine
ORPHANAGE CARE
Embodied humility and selfless service among the youngest members of the community.
St. Maria Amandina
THE JOYFUL NURSE
Known for her vibrant joy while serving the sick and providing nursing care.
Universal Heritage
MISSIONARY SACRIFICE
Their lives in China remain a testament to prayer, education, and total faith.
Our General Superior’s Message
Following our transformative General Chapter 2022, we’re transitioning from provinces to regions, marking a significant shift in our journey. This change reflects not just a structural adjustment but a profound shift in our functioning. Regions become spaces for creative inter-relationships, inclusiveness, and mutual listening, offering challenging yet promising horizons. As we navigate this path, let’s reflect on the blessings received and the necessary conversions. Our transformation process, aligned with the synodal journey of the Church, emphasizes the generative power of listening in the Spirit. Communion, rooted in the Eucharist, is the starting point for our missionary response, emerging from the richness of our FMM family.