Franciscan Missionaries of Mary

Our Vision and Ministries

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.

FMM join other Australians in marching for justice and peace		Working for reconciliation - FMM and friends at Sea of Hands celebration

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

Christmas celebration - FMM working with parish communities		Bernadette Cheng FMM celebrates her birthday with her Chinese community

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, and to be non-violent artisans of peace and reconciliation.

		Cultural Transition Program - Majella Tracey FMM working with participants

Some of us define ourselves primarily as being in solidarity with marginalised people. 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.

FMM share faith hope and love with a new generation of Aboriginal Australians		FMM have a long tradition of working with indigenous Australians - Mary Louise Slattery FMM with a friend at Nungalinya College, Darwin

Others of us define ourselves working primarily for the transformation of unjust structures and 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.

Maria van Galen FMM and Madonna Purcell FMM here with members of Affinity - a group which brings Muslim and Christian women together		Christina McGlynn FMM working in Kakuma Refugee camp, Kenya

Announcing life and denouncing all that threatens it embraces the activities of sisters who devote their energies to the pastoral care of others through traditional Chinese healing processes, parish work and spiritual direction, administration and group facilitation. It means practical concern for the environment and time spent in celebrating friendships, nature, music and art.

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, and in advocacy for the cessation of all forms of torture and war. We work for peace through non-violent forms of negotiation and co-operation.

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

What can I do? Click on the Earth symbol to explore ways to can get involved.

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