FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY SISTERS
of OUR LADY OF SORROWS

HOW DID WE BEGIN?

We began in China, in 1939, as a Community founded in the Missions and for the Missions, by an Italian Franciscan missionary, Bishop Rafael Palazzi. Due to the Communist take­over, the Sisters were forced to flee from the Motherhouse in Hengyang, Hunan, to Hong Kong. After several years as refugees, the Community came to the United States, opening retreat houses in California and Oregon. They also became involved in the teaching apostolate in both locations, and in care for Navajo girls in Gallup, New Mexico. As early as 1958, the Sisters resumed their original missionary work for China by opening schools in Hong Kong and later in Taiwan.

WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF OUR COMMUNITY?

The spirituality of our community is centered on the gospel imitation of Christ, particularly in his poverty and self­surrender, as proposed by the charism of St. Francis of Assisi. Our Franciscan founder also entrusted us with a spirit of zeal for evangelization, giving emphasis to the needs of China and mission territories of the world, while serving other needs of the Church according to our resources. We have a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother as co­redemptrix with Christ at the foot of the Cross.

WHAT IS OUR COMMUNITY PRAYER ­ LIFE?

In addition to daily Mass and Communion as a community, we have communal recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Night Prayer), the Rosary, one­half hour of Meditation. Daily spiritual reading and private prayer are also essential to our prayer life.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

A young woman who wishes to join our missionary congregation must have good physical and mental health, average intelligence, good moral character, loyalty to the Catholic Faith, and a strong desire to consecrate herself to God and His service. Prospective candidates are invited to visit our community headquarters and novitiate at Beaverton, Oregon, or one of our other local community houses, during their time of inquiry and discernment.

"Take courage: Christ is calling you and the world awaits you!..

Be like the fishermen who, when they were called by Jesus, left everything promptly to become fishers of men (Mt. 4:18­22). [Pope John Paul II 1989 Message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations]

If you have further questions about the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, please write to:

VOCATION DIRECTRESS
3600 S.W. 170th. Ave.
Beaverton, OR 97006

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