The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood , founded in 1947, is an international congregation which serves in 11 countries, both in the developed and developing world. It serves in various schools, prisons, and hospitals.

History

In 1887, community of Franciscan Tertiaries begins in Holly Place, London, looking after orphans. It became a religious congregation called, "The Missionary Sisters of the Third Order of St Francis for the Home Missions" in 1896. Initially 4 communities spread over 3 dioceses, only two (Littlehampton and Aldershot) remained in 1911.

In 1917 The Aldershot

Aldershot

Aldershot is a town in the English county of Hampshire, located on heathland about southwest of London. The town is administered by Rushmoor Borough Council...

 community came under the leadership of Mother Colette, received permission to take postulants. Blanche Spring, later known as Mother Francis, joined the community. In 1925 The first sisters were sent to train as nurses including Sr Francis Spring and in 1935 The first hospital, Mount Alvernia, was opened in Guildford

Guildford

Guildford is the county town of Surrey. England, as well as the seat for the borough of Guildford and the administrative headquarters of the South East England region...

 (UK).
Mother Francis Spring was elected Mother General in 1937. In 1947, the Congregation was renamed "Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood" and became a Papal Congregation.

Areas of concern

• pastoral care in hospitals,
• schools and universities
• education
• nursing
• prison ministry
• parish ministry
• aged care
• counselling and spiritual direction
• health care in bush missions
• caring for those afflicted with AIDS
• involvement in justice, peace and the care of the environment