Companions of the Franciscan Sisters Minoress
In the Document on Consecrated Life in the Third Millenium "Starting Afresh From Christ" Religious were asked to respond to the laity who were asking to participate in the charismatic ideals of Religious Institutes.
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The fact that the charisms of the founders and foundresses, having been born of the Spirit for the good of all, must once again be placed at the centre of the Church, open to communion and participation by all the People of God, is being increasingly discovered.
This ecclesial dynamic will be helpful to the renewal and identity of consecrated life. As the understanding of the charism deepens, ever new ways of carrying it out will be discovered. (Starting Afresh from Christ, 32) |
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As a Congregation we invited any one in the parish who was interested in learning about Franciscan Spirituality to attend a series of talks on the Life and Spirit of St Francis. We found several people who were keen on making Franciscan Spirituality part of their own Christian life and enrolled them as our Companions. We chose the title Companions because that was in keeping with St Francis, who called his followers his Companions. After a period of formation those who feel called make a commitment as a FSM Companion.
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A group making their Commitment in the chapel at Melton Mowbray
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There are monthly meetings when we pray and discuss ways of deepening our Franciscan way of life. We usually have Retreat days to prepare for special Feasts, especially Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and the Feast of Saint Francis. We keep updated with the Encyclicals of Pope Francis and the way in which he reminds us of the vision of St Francis and his relevance for today. We are also aware of the recent call to discuss our ideas about the future of our Church as we participate in the Synodal journey and deepen our understanding of our mission in the Church today.
Reflection from two of our Companions
The one single thing that has struck me about being part of the Franciscan Companions is the sheer joy of it all, because St Francis, though serious in his endeavour to be Christlike was a joyful and optimistic disciple. He was part of the riotous colourful world of the Middle Ages, which he gave up to become a humble servant of the Lord. Learning about Franciscan Spirituality has given me a deeper meaning to my faith and has helped me overcome difficulties in my life. As a group we have also gone on pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, following in the footsteps of Brother Francis. Being part of the local Franciscan community is something I value and treasure. As a group the Companions share a common thread and the friendships that have been gained through the meetings are a real joy. I would encourage anyone within the parish and wider community to begin the journey to know more about Franciscan spirituality - it will enhance and enrich your life.
(Mary)
I was enrolled on 17th of May 2008 following several months of instruction from dear Sr Thomas More on the life of St Francis. The most valuable outcome has been a growing sisterhood of love, friendship and sister{and brother}hood within our expanding group here in Melton Mowbray. People I had known through Church and school runs have become friends in Christ, as have all the Sisters here at the Convent. I look forward to our Companions meetings with joy. Acknowledging our faith through companionship and prayer has been a wonderful spiritual support through very difficult times personally. I feel my own faith has been strengthened by, as Companions, sharing Franciscan values, and through an increased appreciation of meditation and contemplation. I have also enjoyed the spiritual blessings of day and night retreats to the Portiuncula, it’s a special place and I hope one day we’ll be able to visit again.
(Gwenne Mamos)
The one single thing that has struck me about being part of the Franciscan Companions is the sheer joy of it all, because St Francis, though serious in his endeavour to be Christlike was a joyful and optimistic disciple. He was part of the riotous colourful world of the Middle Ages, which he gave up to become a humble servant of the Lord. Learning about Franciscan Spirituality has given me a deeper meaning to my faith and has helped me overcome difficulties in my life. As a group we have also gone on pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, following in the footsteps of Brother Francis. Being part of the local Franciscan community is something I value and treasure. As a group the Companions share a common thread and the friendships that have been gained through the meetings are a real joy. I would encourage anyone within the parish and wider community to begin the journey to know more about Franciscan spirituality - it will enhance and enrich your life.
(Mary)
I was enrolled on 17th of May 2008 following several months of instruction from dear Sr Thomas More on the life of St Francis. The most valuable outcome has been a growing sisterhood of love, friendship and sister{and brother}hood within our expanding group here in Melton Mowbray. People I had known through Church and school runs have become friends in Christ, as have all the Sisters here at the Convent. I look forward to our Companions meetings with joy. Acknowledging our faith through companionship and prayer has been a wonderful spiritual support through very difficult times personally. I feel my own faith has been strengthened by, as Companions, sharing Franciscan values, and through an increased appreciation of meditation and contemplation. I have also enjoyed the spiritual blessings of day and night retreats to the Portiuncula, it’s a special place and I hope one day we’ll be able to visit again.
(Gwenne Mamos)
We are companions on the journey,
breaking bread and sharing life;
and in the love we bear
is the hope we share
for we believe in the love of our God,
we believe in the love of our God.
breaking bread and sharing life;
and in the love we bear
is the hope we share
for we believe in the love of our God,
we believe in the love of our God.
Our Companions meet in our Convents in Melton Mowbray and Clay Cross.
If anyone is interested in joining them please contact Sister Thomas More or Sister Shirley:
If anyone is interested in joining them please contact Sister Thomas More or Sister Shirley:
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Sister Thomas More, FSM
Franciscan Convent 52, Dalby Road Melton Mowbray Leicestershire LE13 0BP Email: [email protected] Tel: 01664 562422 |
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Sister Shirley, FSM
St Clare’s Convent Stretton Road Clay Cross Derbys S45 9AQ Email: [email protected] Tel: 01246 862621 |
