Mendi: The Franciscan Sisters of Mary (FSM) launched the Golden Jubilee Year of their Congregation on Monday January 6, 2025 at the Mary Mother of the Divine Shepherd Cathedral.
The congregation proudly announced that the Golden Jubilee will be open until next year when it will be closed with the Jubilee celebrations and thanked God for his grace for the last 50 years (1976 – 2025).
“With our hearts full of gratitude, let’s pray and celebrate together! For all that has been, we thank you and for all that will be, we trust in you Lord! Thank you Lord for the past 50 years!”.
The motivation behind the establishment of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary was to serve as missionaries in their own land as Melanesians and Papua New Guineans. At that time, there was a significant need for pastoral care in the Southern Highlands and Hela Province, as there was a shortage of sisters available for this work. Missionaries from other countries were few and often unable to commit to serving in Papua New Guinea. Bishop Firmin Martin Schmidt OFM Cap took the initiative, with the support of the Oldenburg Franciscan Sisters (OSF) from Indiana, the Capuchin Brothers, and other missionaries in the diocese, to found the Franciscan Sisters of Mary to serve in the Mendi Diocese in 1976.
When it came time to choose a name for the group, the OSF Sisters asked for suggestions. The name "Franciscan Sisters of Mary" was chosen by the pioneers themselves, reflecting their desire to be guided by Mary, the Mother of God, and to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis within the Franciscan order. Their brown blouses and habits were inspired by their identity as Melanesians and Papua New Guineans, as well as their commitment to the Franciscan way of life.
Eventually, two more sisters joined the congregation: Sr. Patricia Puame from Kagua and Sr. Elizabeth Epe from Pangia. These strong and energetic women continued the mission, and many more joined them over the years until their passing. They left behind a legacy of dedicated service as missionaries in their own diocese.
Bishop Firmin, along with the OSF Sisters, Capuchin Brothers, and other supporting missionaries, worked tirelessly to help the congregation grow until Bishop Firmin’s death. The work continued under the leadership of the new bishop, His Lordship Stephen Joseph Reichert OFM Cap, who succeeded Bishop Firmin. After another transition under Bishop Donald Francis Lippert OFM Cap’s leadership, the congregation remains steadfast in providing pastoral accompaniment to the Diocese of Mendi and its people.
With the strong support of Bishop Donald Lippert OFM Cap, the congregation has remained resilient until today despite facing numerous struggles and challenges over the last 50 years. All thanks to God’s increasingly grace and mercy and for which, they are deeply grateful.
The congregation extended their heartfelt thanks to the many missionaries, bishops, priests, and religious who have been part of their journey.
“We also express our gratitude to God’s people who have supported us in various ways to reach this milestone. May God abundantly bless you all”
Congratulations to the Franciscan Sisters of Mary (FSM) on achieving this significant milestone: the 50th Golden Jubilee!
We continue to pray for more vocations for the congregation.
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