Who Will the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, Queen of Families, Be?

The Franciscan Sisters of Mary, Queen of Families will be an association of the faithful, seeking to become in due time a religious institute. We will be ever faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Inspired by the meaningful example of Our Lady’s Visitation and aware of the need for the renewal and support of family life, we Sisters will pray and work for the sanctification of the family.

Our apostolate, imitating Christ who "came not to be served but to serve," will be the overflowing of a contemplative life focused on His real presence in the Holy Eucharist. As the Franciscan motto expresses, He is our God and our ALL.

In daily prayer—Holy Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, meditation, and Holy Hour—we will remember all families, the whole Church, and all mankind.

Following St. Francis, we will strive to live the Gospel in a spirit of thanksgiving, humility, simplicity, and joy—exemplified so beautifully by Mary in her Visitation. Our profession of the evangelical counsels, communal life imbued with a family spirit, and religious habit will witness to the families we serve and to others.

In imitation of Mary, we will strive—as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta said—to do "little things with great love" of God and neighbor. Responding to the needs of families, especially those who homeschool, our apostolate may include...

+Taking care of children so the mother can make a Holy Hour or have other spiritual time apart, or when there are other needs. 

+Doing housework.

+Tutoring, teaching particular subjects, giving specialized classes, or teaching in times of need.

+Planning and directing feastday parties, children’s choirs, plays, etc.

+Giving First Communion retreats.

+Speaking and writing on topics relevant to families.

+Offering a helpful presence in times of special need.

After prayer, spiritual direction, signs of God’s will, and preparatory experiences, I met with the Bishop of Birmingham. On his advice as administrator since his retirement, I am asking now: Are there other young women who desire what I envision is God’s will? Then let us begin this good and necessary work, since family life is in need of support and prayer. May the result be sanctification of family life and ultimately the salvation of souls—all for the glory of God, with whom we desire eternal union. 

"And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.’" —Luke 1:38