FMM in Malaysia
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) arrived in Malaysia with a profound mission of service and spiritual presence. Our foundation is built upon the commitment to reveals the face of Christ through humanizing presence, particularly among those on the margins of society, fostering peace, justice, and healing throughout the region.
- 1948 - First arrival in Malaya
- 1953 - Establishing Petaling Jaya mission
- 1955 - Expansion to Kuantan
- 1962 - Opening Kota Bharu community
- 1967 - Kuala Terengganu foundation
Foundation in Malaya
The historical narrative of our presence in Malaya
Our mission began in 1954 when FMM Sisters, including Mother M. Aimable de la Passion and Mother M. Chrysanthe, arrived to answer an urgent appeal for social and medical aid. With the generous support of Sir Michael Hogan and the accommodation provided by the IJ Sisters, we established the Assunta Convent in Petaling Jaya. What started as humble dispensaries and a kindergarten eventually grew into the renowned Assunta Hospital.
Soon, our work reached the East Coast. Following an invitation by Fr. Guittat in 1955, we expanded to Kuantan to support the local Catholic minority through education. This spirit of service continued to grow as we opened additional mission houses in Kota Bharu in 1962 and Kuala Terengganu in 1967, providing spiritual and social care to all.
Assunta Convent and Service
Assunta Convent stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to education and holistic development. It has served generations, providing a nurturing environment where ethical values and academic excellence go hand in hand.
- Educational services and school administration
- Healthcare and community nursing
- Social outreach to marginalized families
- Spiritual formation and pastoral care
- Youth empowerment programs
The East Coast of Malaya
Kuantan (1955)
The foundation in Kuantan marked a significant expansion to the eastern shores, focusing on rural development and supporting fishing communities through health and educational initiatives.
Kota Bharu (1962)
Extending further north, the Kota Bharu mission deepened our intercultural presence, providing essential social services in a culturally rich and diverse environment.
Kota Bharu (1962)
The foundation in Kota Bharu marked a significant expansion of our mission, bringing the spirit of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary to the northern region of Malaya.
Our Communities in Malaysia
Petaling Jaya
East Coast
- Assunta Convent
- Villa Hermine Community
- Kota Bharu
- Kuantan
Franciscan Missionaries of Mary – Lay Associates (Malaysia)
Our Journey
The FMM Lay Associates are an integral movement within our missionary reach, embodying the Franciscan spirit in the heart of the secular world. Comprising lay men and women who feel a distinct call to share in the charism of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, they live out the Gospel values and the spirit of St. Francis and Mary within their own families, professions, and daily spheres of influence, participating actively in the universal mission of the Church.
Why were the FMM Lay Associates formed?
Objectives
Who are the FMM Lay Associates?
- To extend the FMM mission into professional and secular spheres
- To empower lay individuals to live the Franciscan spirit
- To foster a committed community of daily prayer and Eucharistic life
- To share deeply in the charism and spirituality of the FMM
- To live a simple lifestyle in solidarity with the poor
- To participate actively in pastoral and social apostolates
- Lay men and women, married or single
- Individuals called to live the FMM spirit in their life situations
- Men and women undergoing formation and monthly discernment
Launching of FMM Lay Associates, Malaysia
2024 & Going Forward
Launching of our candidates – February 7th, 2015 at Assunta Convent, Petaling Jaya.
Continuing our journey of formation and service, the Lay Associates look forward to expanding our impact through new community projects and deepening our spiritual life in 2024 and beyond.
Our Promise
We remain steadfast in our commitment to prayer, selfless service, and living the FMM charism in every aspect of our lives, being a light for peace and justice.
Formation & Activities
Introducing our Core Team
- Formation/Monthly Meetings
- Fellowship with FMMs
- Parish Activities
- Volunteers at Assunta Children’s Society
- Assunta Secondary School Board of Governors
- Assunta Primary School Board of Managers
- FMMLA Retreats at Maranatha, Janda Baik with Fr. Michael Raymond OFM (2017 & 2018)
- Fundraisers and Coffee Morning projects for Assunta Children Society and St Francis Xavier PJ Church
- The Life of St Francis of Assisi – Brother Fire Musical
- Christmas Celebrations
- Coordinator - Chee PingÂ
Members
• Christine Lim
• Alice Massang
• Teresa Chan - Treasurer
• Charmaine Song - Secretary
• Danny Ong - Secretary
• Betty Boey
• Christina Chan
• Theresa Chow
• Mark Chow