FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF MARY IN THE WORLD

The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (known as fmm) was born in a setting of natural beauty in India on the cool heights of the Nilgiris in Ooty in 1877.
On the 6th January 1877, the Feast of the Epiphany, the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, Pius IX authorised the Vicar Apostolic of Coimbatore to establish in his diocese the Institute of the Missionaries of Mary, specially dedicated to the missions. In 1885 the FMM congregation was affiliated to the Franciscan Order.
The foundress of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary is Mary of the Passion who was born in Nantes- France into a noble Christian family.

OUR CHARISM

In the spirit of Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary live in simplicity according to the Gospel. Inspired by Mary's unconditional YES to God, we find our strength for mission in the contemplation of the Eucharist.

MISSION

"To continue the mission of Christ, who was sent by the Father in the power of the Spirit to bring the Good News to the poor, is the missionary vocation of all the People of God.

Sent in our turn, and dedicated to universal mission in accordance with our priorities, we commit ourselves to this mission in the Church in a specific way, surrendering our lives like Mary in complete disponibility, and drawing our apostolic dynamism from the Eucharist." (From our Constitutions)

Presently, the fmm family consisting of 7500 members has spread its service in all the five continents of the world rooted in 76 countries. The fmm mission involvements embrace all ministries, giving priority to the poorest and marginalized of the society.

o Pastoral ministry
o Education ministry
o Health ministry - leprosy patients
- AIDS patients
- Mentally challenged
- Care of the differently abled
o Inter religious dialogue
o Social work - Empowerment of Dalit and Tribal communities, fish workers, mine workers, women's groups, refugees, tsunami victims, migrants, street children, etc.

FMMs in the Diocese of Bathery

The fmm presence in Cheeral parish, in the Diocese of Bathery was initiated in 1997. The house is called "Ashis", meaning blessing. Our main involvements are:

o Pastoral care - family visits, unit prayer, animation of Youth and Mothers' groups and catechism teaching.
o Formation
o Education ministry - teaching in the parish school, free tuition for the weak students.
o Social work - Tribal development involvements: leadership training programmes, self employment programmes, formation and guidance of women's self help groups, tuition services, children's camps,etc. Collaboration with Neethivedi and Streevedi.