OUR HISTORY

In many ways our story is unique. Founded in 1847, ours is the second oldest women’s religious Congregation in Scotland, and it predates by some years the earliest foundations for men. Unlike all the others, which were established as branch houses of Congregations already in existence abroad, our Congregation is the only Congregation in the post-Reformation Catholic Church founded in Scotland. Today we have communities in seven countries, spanning four continents.

Our history is a human one, a story of people, living in community and working in the world. Though shaped by its social and religious context, it is nonetheless, above all, a story of communities of persons, of the journey of the individual, of the impact of mind upon mind and heart upon heart.

Coming to Glasgow’s East End in 1847 from France, Mother Veronica Cordier and Mother Adelaide Vaast began the work of our Congregation by educating and caring for poor and needy children and families, including the growing number of Irish immigrants.

The first eight novices were professed in St. Andrews Cathedral in 1851 and from that point our Franciscan Community was established.

1847: Sisters Veronica and Adelaide, journeying from Tourcoing in France, arrived in the “Scottish Missions”.

1947: Our sisters first went to Ireland.

1950: First Missionary Sisters travelled to Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa.

1960: A new community was established in Cinderford, England.

1971: Our sisters answered a call to ministry in the United States of America.

1990: Once more to Africa, this time to Kenya, East Africa.

2010: Closer to home, we began ministry in the Scots College, Rome.

2016: New Mission to Barbados, West Indies.

CANTICLE OF LOVE

St. Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1181/1182 into a wealthy family. As a young man, he dreamed of becoming a knight, but after a profound encounter with Christ, he gave up his wealth and chose a life of poverty, humility, and service. He devoted himself to caring for the poor, preaching peace, and showing love to all of God's creation. Francis founded the Franciscan Order and inspired many people to live the Gospel with simplicity and joy. His deep love for nature led him to see every creature as a brother or sister, reflecting God's goodness. He died in 1226 and remains one of the most beloved saints in the Church.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who brings the day and gives us light. Through him You brighten our days, and he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendour. Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind, and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather, through which You give sustenance to Your creatures.

OUR CHARISM

We carry out our service to the poor, the vulnerable and marginalized in simplicity, selflessness, and joyful spirit. "In our approach to God's people, Hospitality will be a special mark of the service we offer" (FSIC Constitution statute 5 page 1). Therefore, FSIC charism is to respond positively to the cry of the poor and help fill the needs of time through Hospitality.

CORE VALUES

1. Faith – We place God at the centre of our lives, trusting in His providence and living the Gospel faithfully.

2. Prayer – We nurture a deep relationship with God through daily prayer, the Eucharist, and the sacraments.

3. Simplicity – Following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, we embrace a simple lifestyle marked by humility and contentment.

4. Love and Compassion – We serve all people with mercy, kindness, and respect, especially the poor, vulnerable, and those in need.

5. Peace and Reconciliation – We promote peace, justice, forgiveness, and unity in our communities and wherever we serve.

6. Stewardship of Creation – We care for God's creation, recognising the earth as our common home and using its resources responsibly.

7. Service – We joyfully dedicate ourselves to the mission of Christ through education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and other apostolates.

8. Community Life – We live as sisters in mutual love, respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility, supporting one another in our vocation.

9. Integrity – We act with honesty, accountability, transparency, and fidelity to our Franciscan charism in all that we do.

10. Joy – Inspired by St. Francis, we witness to the joy of the Gospel through gratitude, hope, and cheerful service.

OUR PRESESNCE

The Franciscan Sisters are a community of women religious dedicated to living the Gospel through prayer, simplicity, and joyful service to God and His people. We are present in the following countries, where we serve in education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and outreach to those in need.