Our Charism
The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus were founded in Aquila, Italy by Barbara Micarelli on Christmas Day, 1879. We are vowed religious called to live the Gospel following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi and the spirituality of our Foundress. By living in simplicity, poverty, humility and charity, we give witness to the Christmas message of peace and joy.
Our Life in Common
Life in the Spirit
We are a fraternity of praise and worship. In order to nourish ourspiritual life, we pray The Liturgy of the Hours in common and live an intense sacramental life. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, days of recollection and the annual retreat are among the means we use to grow in the life of the Spirit.
Life in Fraternity
We live together as sisters in response to the invitation of Jesus, “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. (Jn.13:34)” Charity, peace and Franciscan joy are the hallmarks of our fraternal life. The goal of our fraternal life is to find and experience God together through common prayer, community meals and gatherings, and our shared apostolic mission.
Our Service to the Church
As an international congregation, our sisters are present in Italy, France, Albania, Libya, Cameroon, Philippines, United States, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, and Colombia. We respond to the needs of our society, especially the poor, the disadvantaged, and those most in need of assistance by working to promote the culture of life and elevate the dignity of every human person; we strive to live and spread our charism through education, health care, pastoral care and social services.