Franciscan Servants of Mary
The is a Catholic religious institute of women of pontifical right. They live according to the Franciscan spirituality, and are engaged in educational and hospital-works.
History
The institute was founded on in Blois, France by Marie Virginie Vaslin who began a ministry of assistance towards domestic servants in Blois, creating a home to receive women without work, ill or elderly.On Marie Virginie and a companion Émélie Crosnier pronounced their religious vows and received the religious habit from Louis-Théophile Pallu du Parc, Bishop of Blois.
On the community adopted the Rule of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, together with constitutions drafted by the Capuchin Ambroise de Bergerac; at that time the institute officially took the name Franciscan Servants of Mary and the founder assumed the name Mother Marie Sainte-Claire.
The institute received papal approval on and was formally aggregated to the Capuchin Friars Minor on 28 June 1926. The definitive approval of its constitutions by the Holy See was granted.
The cause of beatification of its founder was opened in 2013.
Merger
In 1966 the congregation of the Franciscaines de l'Immaculée Conception merged into the Franciscan Servants of Mary.Activities
The Sisters of the congregation devote themselves to a variety of ministries, supporting women in domestic work, educating underprivileged students, and providing medical care through hospitals and clinics. They also care for orphans and children in need while offering pastoral guidance to local churches. By 2017, the congregation included 466 nuns spread across 74 convents.Provinces
The Generalate remains in Blois, France.They are present in:
- Europe:
- * France
- * Italy
- * England
- Africa
- * Madagascar
- * Chad
- Asia
- * India
- ** Bangalore Province
- ** Varanasi Province