Faithful Companions of Jesus  fcj

We are an international Congregation of women whose lives are interwoven with the people of today. Our Society, Faithful Companions of Jesus, was founded in Amiens in France in 1820 by Marie Madeleine de Bonnault D’Houet. As a young widow with a son, Marie Madeleine felt called by God to form a society of apostolic women who would take their inspiration from Mary and the Holy Women of the Gospel. The words that Jesus spoke from the cross, ‘I am thirsty’, had profoundly influenced Marie Madeleine : she understood them to express Jesus’ great desire to bring God’s love to all people.

From France, other foundations were made. The Society spread to England, then to Italy, Switzerland and Ireland. In all, during her lifetime twenty-seven Convents were established by the Marie Madeleine herself.

In 1882 twelve sisters set sail for Australia. They began work in education in Victoria at Richmond, Kew, Benalla and later in Frankston, Langwarrin, South Melbourne and Fairfield where we were involved in Parish Ministry as well. In 1987 FCJ House was opened in Broom and in 1999 a community was formed in Adelaide, South Australia.

New expressions of ministries have involved the sisters in many other areas – Australian sisters are to be found working around the world alongside women from other countries.

Mission and Ministry:

According to places and circumstances we engage in whatever works are more conducive to the service and glory of God and the good of God’s people. Certain apostolates were confided to us by our Foundress, Marie Madeleine – the education of youth, especially the poor, the work of retreats and missions but above all we are Companions of Jesus whose lives long to reveal Jesus to the world.

Current Faithful Companions of Jesus ministries:

• Pastoral care
• Education
• Health and Aged Care
• Working with refugees
• Aboriginal services
• Spiritual Direction and Retreats
• Social work and Counselling
• Secretarial and Administrative duties
• Support for those with Special Needs
• Archives
• Pastoral care
• Education
• Pastoral Care Counsellor for people living with AIDS and their "Families".

Formation:

A period of Pre-Postulancy is offered to interested persons. During this initial contact, opportunities are given for learning more about the Christian commitment. There is no particular length of time for this stage. Those seeking to find God’s way for them are given the opportunity to take the next step when they are ready.

While a candidate continues in her own ministry, opportunities are given to her to experience community life, in the next stage which is Postulancy. This period can last from six months to two years where the postulant is challenged to deepen her spiritual life and Christian Commitment.

If the person feels called to make a commitment to our Society, a period of two years novitiate follows, where she is called to deepen her love, understanding and spirit of the Society. Opportunities to experience a variety of ministries are given at this time. At the end of the two year period and a process of discernment for further commitment, the person is admitted to temporary vows for six years before making final commitment.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Maureen Merlo FCJ
c/- FCJ Australian Office
44a Waltham Street
RICHMOND 3121 VIC

Telephone: (03) 9429 5701
Fax: (03) 9429 5503
Email:  mmerlofcj@gmail.com

THE FAMILY CARE SISTERS - fcs (GREY SISTERS)
 

Unique to the state of Victoria, Australia, we are also the first Catholic Order to be founded from Victoria. Maude O’Connell, the Foundress named the Congregation ‘The Company of Our Lady of The Blessed Sacrament’ - reflecting her great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. However, we are better known by our ‘popular’ name of Grey Sisters.

The death of her mother when Maude was only 11 years of age left a lasting impression. She came to understand the effect that family life had on society and in particular the role of the mother within the family. So it is not surprising that Maude devoted her life to caring, nurturing and supporting families.

In the midst of the Great Depression in 1930 she began the work by establishing the Foundation at Daylesford, Victoria. This was quickly followed by a Mothercraft training Centre, a Welfare Centre and a Rest Home; as well as a home service ministry.

The Family Care Sisters have also worked in the High Rise flats at a time when no other Religious was working in this area. In 1987, having only 9 members, a new foundation was erected in the country area of Bendigo.

Mission and Ministry:

“We find inspiration for our specific ministry in the Visitation of May to Elizabeth and we draw strength from the Eucharist.” [Extract from Mission Statement]

Conscious of the smallness of our Congregation but also of the enormous need for continuing this Ministry to families, we have invited other Religious Orders to work with us. The Laity have also been invited and involved as Family Care Ministry Associates.

Today, we are involved in the following aspects of family ministry:

• Respite for Women (Croydon) Phone: 03 9723 6797
  A tranquil and serene place where women can rest and relax. The programme includes rest, relaxation therapy, group work, and there is an opportunity to discuss problems, with a view to establishing strategies.

• "Ain Karim" (Bendigo) - Phone: 03 5441 1814
  An ecumenical group "DayBreak" provides retreats, seminars and spiritual direction.

• O'Connell Family Centre (An Early Parenting Centre, managed by Mercy Health and Aged Care) Phone: 03 8416 7600
  Provides education, support and practical assistance for parents of young children who may be experiencing problems, e.g. post natal depression, feeding and sleeping problems, etc.

• Holiday flats (Rye)
  Two 3-bedroom flats, fully furnished. Need to provide linen. Close to beach, shops and church. Available to families.
  Bookings: Mrs Carmel O'Shannessy, Phone: 03 9809 2836 (Monday - Friday, 7.00p.m. to 9.00p.m.)
  Cost: donation (most pay $20-$25 per family per day)

• Spiritual Direction/Accompaniment

Formation:

Laity: The opportunity to live and work with the Sisters is provided through our Family Care Associate program. This involves a commitment of one year which can be renewed. Associates attend an orientation program at the beginning of their commitment, and will also be ‘accompanied’ throughout the period of commitment.

Religious: An “Accompaniment’ program is offered for those who are exploring the possibility of a call to Religious Life. This program is designed to help enrich their spiritual life and to enable them to discern if they have a call to Religious Life.

When the person has a desire for a deeper commitment and are accepted, they are admitted to a formal formation period. This will include candidacy, novitiate and profession - this process takes 6 - 9 years approx. and during this time the person will reside with the Family Care Sisters, attend lectures in theology, religious life issues, formation in the spirituality and Charism of the Family Care Sisters. She will be involved in the Ministries of the Sisters.

For both the Family Care Associate Program and for those interested in religious life, the individual is encouraged to visit us and spend time sharing our community life and to participate in our various ministries.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

For further information on the Family Care Associates or about our way of life, contact:

Family Care Sisters
1/35 Parlington Street
Canterbury VIC 3126

Phone/Fax: 03 9882 6868
Email:familycaresrs@bigpond.com

FEDERATION OF THE SISTERS OF ST JOSEPH  - rsj/ssj

In the 1860s in the out-of-the-way small settlement of Penola, South Australia, Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods grappled with the problem of how to provide education for the children of the bush. Their solution was simple yet innovative and effective. They co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph, to suit the Australian rural conditions of small pockets of population in a vast land. These Sisters whose members came mainly from the ordinary ranks of society were willing to go anywhere and to live close to the people of pioneering communities, sharing with them the physical hardships, isolation, loneliness and infrequent opportunities for Mass and the Sacraments.

Many young women joined the Josephites and in 1872 Bishop Quinn invited the Sisters to the Bathurst Diocese. Soon after their arrival at the “The Vale” (now Perthville) they opened other small schools on the goldfields to the west and south of Bathurst. Differences between the Bishop and Mary MacKillop over the mode of government of the Sisters led to the formation of a separate group. This group became known as the Diocesan Sisters of St Joseph, later called the “black” Josephites. The original group, under Mary MacKillop, was known as the “brown” Josephites - names corresponding to the colours of the habit.
Between 1880 and 1887, Communities of Sisters were sent from Perthville to Whanganui, (NZ), Goulburn and Lochinvar, (NSW) and Westbury, (Tas). In 1967, in response to the Second Vatican Council, these five Congregations, while retaining autonomy as independent groups, formed the Australian-New Zealand Federation of Sisters of St Joseph. Present day Sisters are still inspired by the pioneering spirit of Julian Woods and Mary MacKillop as they live in close association with the people they serve. Their call is to live in community in a spirit of prayer, simplicity and hospitality while serving the most needy, educating for justice and struggling against injustice wherever they encounter it.

JOSEPHITE COMMUNITY AID  jca
 

Josephite Community Aid is a group of young adults in Sydney who are committed to helping those in need. Formed in 1986 by lay people, and supported by the Josephite Sisters, they offer friendship and support to two main groups - people who are refugees living in Sydney's west, and people suffering with mental illness living in boarding houses. They're looking for passionate and self-starting people aged 18-35 who will make a unique commitment as full-time volunteers to work for 6-12 months.

Contact:Adrian Thompson
Email: adrian@jcaid.com
Phone: 02 9799 6990
Website:http://www.jcaid.com

Mission and Ministry:

Faced with the myriad needs in a global society, the Sisters find that their challenge to-day is, as it always has been, to respond to the needs of the deprived and disadvantaged with practicality and creativity. They work in diverse ministries with a commitment to Josephite values and spirit, but also reflecting the talents and strengths of the individual Sister. Areas of Ministry include:

• Spirituality - Spiritual Direction, Adult Faith Formation, Retreat Centres, Prayer Support, Chaplaincy (in hospitals, prisons, aged care facilities).

• Education - catholic schools, catechetics in state schools, university lecturing, music teaching, adult education, administration, family programmes, girls’ boarding college, refugee tutoring, lecturing for homeless.

• Pastoral/Social Work - counselling, facilitation, supervision, family support, palliative care, rural outreach, aged care, court support, grief counselling and visitation (of sick, elderly, shut-ins).

• Church - administration, liturgy, pastoral planning, sacramental programmes, marriage tribunal, catholic missions office and support.

• Justice - social action office, support and advocacy for aboriginal communities, migrants and refugees, ecological education and projects.

• Other - hospitality, leadership, administration, research, finance, history, archives, library, music, art and craft.

Community living forms the bonds among these women living alone or in small groups. In recent years both groups of Josephite Sisters have recognized their common origins and are taking steps to join together in ministry where possible.

Formation:

A woman seeking to explore the Josephite way of life:

Initially spends periods of time in community as a ‘candidate’ becoming familiar with vowed life and mission while continuing her usual employment if possible.

The period of ‘enquiry’ is followed by a two-year novitiate. This phase provides intensive theological education, a time to grow into the spirituality and mission of Julian Tenison Woods and Mary MacKillop, and to become familiar with the spirit and traditions of the Congregation while developing and strengthening community living skills. At the end of this time, if the ‘novice’, and those accompanying her discern that it is appropriate, she will make her first profession of vows.

This period of formation during ‘temporary profession’ (up to nine years), enables a sister to deepen her commitment to the community life of the Congregation, participate in a congregational ministry that is suited to her talents and training and to make a free, prayerful and informed decision as to whether she is able to make her final profession as a Sister of St Joseph.

Josephite religious formation is a lifelong process. Adequate time and resources are provided for the continuing spiritual, personal and professional development of each sister.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Goulburn NSW:
Sr Colleen Howe
Email:col.howe@bigpond.com

Lochinvar NSW:



Perthville NSW:
Sr Therese Patterson RSJ
Ph/fax: 02 6355 5236
Email:tprsj@bigpond.com

Tasmania:
Sr Joan Cowmeadow
Email:jcowmeadowssj@bigpond

New Zealand
Sr Liz Hickey
Email:lizhickey@inspire.net.nz

THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS - OFM STORY
 

In 1206, during his trial for theft, Francis of Assisi stripped himself naked and declared he was in debt to no-one except his Father in Heaven. That act startled many people but it also started many thinking.

As Francis wandered the towns of central Italy in a life of complete simplicity patterned on the Gospels, he attracted followers who were inspired to join him and become what Francis called "Fools for God" and "Herald's of God's peace."

They became known as the "little brothers" or "Friars Minor" and, together with Francis, lived a life of the Gospel, showing to those around them the values of peace, simplicity, joy and respect for the environment they learned from Christ. Tens of Thousands have joined that movement in the centuries since and the friars of Australia keep alive the vision of Francis of Assisi in this land.

Mission and ministry:

Francis had no particular mission or task in mind for his friars - as long as they did some sort of work. For us still today, "what" one does is not nearly so important as "how" one does it. For us, the priority is a life in Gospel brotherhood that shows the Franciscan virtues of peace, joy and compassion. Our first mission is to be brothers - not just to ourselves but to all.

This means we try and use the gifts and talents that a person brings to us and that friars can be either ordained or not. Some of us might be priests but all of us are brothers.

Some of the ministries in which Australian Friars serve are:

• Providing counselling and assistance to young people in need
• Serving as Pastors in parishes around Australia
• Chaplains in hospitals and schools
• Working with migrants and refugees
• Lecturing at tertiary level and teaching in schools
• Counselling for families in difficulty
• Operating a printing business
• Librarians
• Ethicist at a hospital
• Assisting the homeless with food
• Involvement with environmental groups
• Nursing
• Working with the Deaf...

and whatever job you might bring!

Formation:

Learning to be a friar is largely done on the job - by living as a friar in a community with other friars. By living as one of us, you will come to know the message of Francis and the Gospel lifestyle and also come to discern whether this is a lifestyle to which you are suited. Some times in formation will be more given to study, others to prayer and others to work.

We ask to know you for some time before joining us - and for you to know us too! After an initial experience living with us for a year, you would spend a spiritual year in novitiate before spending 3-6 years "trying out" a vowed lifestyle while you undertook studies and preparation for your ministry. This might involve university study, apprenticeship or occupational training depending on your own skills and talents.

During this time, you are encouraged to grow as a human, Christian and Franciscan and be confident in any choice you might make to live as a follower of Francis for life.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Anthony Selvaraj
21 Adele Street
Kedron QLD  4031
Ph: (07) 3350 3955
Mobile: 0409 452 296

aselvaraj@franciscans.org.au
vocations@franciscans.org.au

THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF MARY fmm

The Foundress of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Helene de Chappotin (Mary of the Passion) was born in France in 1839. In her twenties, Helene entered religious life and in 1865 was sent to South India where life proved very different and difficult.

In 1876, she went to Rome to get permission to found the Missionaries of Mary, a specifically women's missionary order. In 1877 her constitutions for the new group were approved and in 1882, the small Institute joined the Franciscan family and became the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.

Helene’s vision was of taking God's love across international/cultural boundaries. Her experience confirmed for her the need for both contemplation and action (prayer and work); her deep devotion to the Eucharist provided the energy for her spirituality; and the poverty and simplicity of St Francis of Assisi inspired her lifestyle. These formed the essential elements of her charism.

Helene de Chappotin was beatified by the Church in 2000.

The Institute started in Australia in 1941, when three FMM sisters came from China to work at the Queensland Diocesan Seminary at Banyo. More followed from India, USA, Canada, England and Ireland. They set up a variety of ministries in Palm and Fantome Islands, Sydney and Melbourne.

In 1944 they opened a novitiate in Brisbane for receiving Australian women and by 1948 these women were working in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Mission and Ministry:

VISION STATEMENT

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.

In Australia, our ministries are diverse expressions this commitment

• being in solidarity with marginalised people;
   
• working primarily for the transformation of unjust structures;
   
• announcing life and denouncing all that threatens it;
   
• walking paths of peace and reconciliation

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.


We seek:

• To view the world and its realities from a feminine perspective;

• To enable women to be aware of their dignity and nurture their self-confidence and self-esteem;

•  In a divided world, to live as sisters in international communities;

• In a consumer society, to witness to simplicity of life;

• To deal with the effects of globalisation on the poor, the marginalised and on the environment;

• To always share the love of God

Formation:

Preparation for Membership

First Contact: A mutual “getting to know you” period with prayer and accompaniment while keeping up job/studies and independent lifestyle followed by a mutual dialogue when the woman can ask to move forward. It is then the prerogative of the Institute to formally accept her into Pre-novitiate.

Pre Novitiate: This begins preparation for life as a Franciscan Missionary of Mary – usually living with the sisters for about a year. The woman is accompanied with guided prayer and community support and discovers her personal call from Christ. She gradually discovers the FMM vocation and can then decide whether to enter religious life or choose to follow a different path.


The Novitiate: The novitiate lasts at least two years, is the beginning of religious life; and the intensive time of spiritual formation. It strives to ensure that the novice receives formation in accordance with the FMM Constitutions and provides on-going opportunity for discernment of her vocation. At the end of this time, the novice applies to makes vow of poverty, chastity and obedience for three years.

Temporary Vows: The religious in temporary vows deepens her prayer life, experiences community living, continues theological/professional formation and engages in apostolic ministry.

Final Profession: After seeking to make final profession each sister has a period of reflection and prayer lasting from three to six months depending on her needs. At final profession, the sister receives her first mission “sending” from the Superior General, assigning her to mission in any country of the world where there is an FMM presence.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary,

Welcoming Team, (They will put you in contact with a sister in the State nearest to you.)

PO Box 173 SUMMER HILL NSW 2130
provsec@fmm.org.au

Ph 02 9797 1048
Fax 02 9797 1084

THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF THE DIVINE MOTHERHOOD - fmdm

The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood is a modern congregation immersed in the tradition of St Francis of Assisi.

Our story as a congregation has been very much a journey in faith, from our conception as a group of lay Franciscan women caring for the poor and orphaned in the London of the 1890’s to our birth as Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood in 1947.

We do not claim any one individual as our founder but rather see that many women of great faith and compassion have shaped and fashioned our story.

When Francis of Assisi discovered Christ over 800 years ago, it was the beginning of one of the greatest love stories of all time. The vision of Francis continues in the lives of our sisters today.

Mission and Ministry:

As Franciscans, we believe we are called to continue Francis’ dream of men and women working together to spread the Gospel as members of the Franciscan family.

That dream led us to Australia in 1959, where we worked in nursing, education and administration. Today our ministries are as diverse as the gifts of our sisters.

Prayer and community are an integral part of our lives. From community we find support for our life of faith and are challenged to reach out in service to others. We aspire to respond to the changing needs of our World and Church by using our gifts in simple, joyful service of others.

"As the Father sent me, so am I sending you". (Jn 20:21)

We are an international congregation and serve in 13 countries both in the developed and developing world. Our sisters throughout the world strive to live out their call to serve in a great variety of ministries including:

• Pastoral Care
• Prison Ministry
• Education
• Administration
• Caring for the elderly and disabled
• Hospice care
• Nursing/Health Care
• Counselling
• Primary health care in bush ministries
• Women’s education in refugee camps
• Caring for those afflicted with AIDS.

Our Franciscan charism challenges us to incarnate Franciscan values of being joy-filled, hospitable and willing to receive and learn from the lives and experiences of the people we serve.

Formation:

As St Paul tells us "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving but the same Lord is served."
(1 Cor 12:4-6).

This scripture quote is what FMDM formation is all about; helping young women discover their gifts and God’s plan for them in their lives.

When a young woman comes into contact with our order she is accompanied for a time before she becomes a candidate. At this stage she lives in community with the sisters who help her to come to know more fully the Gospel values and the FMDM way of life.

Once a person decides to continue her journey within the FMDM way of life she then enters the novitiate. This is a time for theological, scriptural and Franciscan studies. Time is set apart to encourage the novice to develop further her relationship with Jesus.

After novitiate there is first profession and after a number of years of living the life, final commitment.

Formation of a person is a continuous journey, it is not static but a call to a deepening of commitment and relationship between the person and Jesus Christ, through the support of a prayerful, loving and joy-filled community.

The principal purpose of formation at its various stages, initial and ongoing, is to immerse the young woman in the experience of God and to help her live this relationship fully within the Franciscan family.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

If you would like more information about the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood please contact:

Sr Monica Weedon FMDM
Vocations Director
6 Pilain Crescent
KEILOR DOWNS VIC 3038

Telephone: 03 9367 2655
Fax: 03 9366 6530
Emailmonicafmdm@hotmail.com.

Websites ofSingapore:www.fmdmsgmy.org/main.html

We are a contemplative-active Religious Institute of Pontifical Rite founded in 1985 by Father Stefano Maria Manelli and Father Gabriele Maria Pelletieri. We are the first female religious Institute in the History of the Church to observe the First Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi. What distinguishes our Institute from others is the 'Marian Vow of Unlimited Consecration to the Immaculate' that animates and permeates the three classic vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. This gives a Marian 'flavor' to our entire life. We live, work, suffer, are consumed and long to die for the Immaculate.

The Institute was Pontifically approved by Blessed Pope John Paul II on November 9, 1998, Feast of the Lateran Basilica. We currently have approximately 400 members in 50 communities spread throughout the world in Argentina, Australia, BeninRepublic, Brazil, England, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, and the United States of America. Our Mother House is located in Frigento, Italyand here in Australia, we have two communities in Perth-Midland and Marangaroo.

Mission and Mission:

"A community life of prayer, poverty and penance in the spirit of the vow of total consecration to the Immaculate Virgin, so that She may transform us, like St. Francis, into Jesus Crucified, and make us Her instruments in the conquest of all souls for God."Traccia Mariana, n.1

As a result of our Marian Vow of Unlimited Consecration to the Immaculate, our apostolate focuses on giving Mary to souls, causing them to discover and know Her, making all hearts love Her, in order that She may bring all souls to Jesus. Following the spirituality of Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe, we primarily do this through mass-media.

Here in Australia our apostolate includes but is not limited to:

• Praying outside an abortion clinic,

• Leading novenas of prayer in the parishes (our Lady of Perpetual Help and Divine Mercy),

• Animating Holy Mass (singing and playing the organ) in various parishes,

• Selling religious books and articles in the parishes,

• Providing spiritual assistance to the elderly at a nursing home,

• Assisting our friars with Marian Cenacles of prayer,

• Teaching Marian catechesis to groups of children,

• Animating Marian days of prayer 'A Day with Mary',   www.airmaria.com

• Producing Miraculous Medals and Rosaries to be distributed.

• Why not visit our Institute's website to see what other apostolates we have throughout the world?   www.immacolata.ws

Anything, anywhere, anytime… for the Immaculate!

Vocation Information:

Entry requirements:  high school graduate (University degree is not necessary), between the ages of 18-35 (younger and older candidates may be considered), good physical and mental health, never married and a strong desire to dedicate your life to the Immaculate Virgin.

For more information

If you are interested in finding out more about our life, contact us and discover if this is the life Our Lady has chosen for you.

In Australia (Perth)

Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate
House of the Immaculate
'Stella Maris'
69a Morrison Road
MidlandWA6056

Telephone: 08 9250 8286

Email: fsimidland@perthcatholic.org.au

International Website:www.franciscansoftheimmaculate.com

Australian Website: www.ausmaria.com

Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate
House of the Immaculate
“St. Joseph”
Cabrini Road
MarangarooWA6064

Telephone: 08 9247 0831

Email: fsimarangaroo@perthcatholic.org.au

International Website:www.franciscansoftheimmaculate.com

Australian Website: www.ausmaria.com

"Come with us to live, work, suffer, be consumed and die… for the Immaculate" (St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe)

THE CONVENTUAL FRANCISCANS - OFM CONV STORY
 

The Conventual Franciscans are a worldwide Order of men, of both priests and brothers, who have dedicated themselves to follow the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. The friars profess to live in obedience, in chastity and without anything of their own, and to serve God and his Church in humility, simplicity, and with gladness of heart.

In 1209, St. Francis received verbal approval from Pope Innocent III for his new way of life. He called his community the 'Friars Minor', literally meaning 'Lesser Brothers'. This sense of minority captured St. Francis' desire that his followers imitate the humility of Christ’s incarnation and to minister to the least, the neglected and the forgotten in society - a charism that continues to inspire and challenge his followers today.

After the death of St. Francis in 1226, the movement of brothers possessed such vitality, with many opinions on how to live his form of Gospel life, that over time his charism could not be contained in one single order. The rapidly growing community struggled to keep a united focus, such that by 1517, the Order divided into autonomous branches, each professing a valid, though different, observance of Francis' Rule.

Mission and ministry:

From the very beginnings of Franciscan history, the 'Conventual' followers of St. Francis chose to witness to this vocation and fulfil their ministry among the faithful in the heart of cities and towns. They chose to gather in large communities, or ‘convents’ (hence the name 'conventual'), which became centres of prayer and devotion, of study, pastoral ministry, and charitable works. This remains the aspiration of Conventual Franciscans today. Following the example of our father Francis, the Conventual Franciscans in Australia strive for a balanced religious life of both active service and contemplative prayer. They observe a regular schedule of common and individual prayer focused on the worthy celebration of the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, common meditation, Eucharistic adoration, Marian devotion, and regular days of retreat and recollection. Each of their four friaries - Kellyville (NSW), Warrawong (NSW), Springvale (Vic) and Dingley (Vic) - is responsible for the pastoral care of a parish, while individual friars are also involved in ministries of teaching (theology), spiritual direction, outreach to the disadvantaged, pro-life work, spiritual assistance to the Secular Franciscan Order, and promoting Marian devotion, especially through the Militia of Mary Immaculate (MI). In recent times, the Australian friars have been commissioned to establish a mission in Vietnam, which is already bearing fruit.

Formation:

Formation as a Conventual friar follows a traditional course through Postulancy (pre-novitiate), Novitiate, and a period of time in temporary (or simple) profession before making a Solemn Profession of Vows. Formation necessarily involves integration into the way of life of the friars, focusing on living the vows, fraternal life in community, and understanding our Franciscan tradition. The period of formation also includes the appropriate theological and pastoral formation required for priests and brothers. However, according to the Constitutions of our Order, the first and foremost duty of those in formation is ‘the contemplation of things divine and assiduous union with God in prayer.’ This primary concern for the friar’s spiritual life flows from St. Francis’ admonition to St. Anthony of Padua, allowing him to teach sacred theology to the friars providing it did not ‘extinguish the Spirit of prayer and devotion.’ Formation is accordingly a life-long process that extends beyond the years of initial formation, as the friar continually grows in union with God.

VOCATION INFORMATION:

For more information about the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, please contact:

Franciscans  (Order of Friars Minor Conventual, OFM Conv.)
St. Joseph of Cupertino Friary
10 Dimar Court
Dingley Village, Vic 3171
Ph: (03) 9551 7136
Website: www.FranciscanFriarsAustralia.org