How The Relationship Began
Beginning in 1986, the congregation formally recognized the desire of many lay persons to become more closely aligned with the prayer life and ministry of the congregation. The Franciscan Companions in Mission (FCM) program resulted, welcoming interested persons to identify with the sisters as Companions in Faith, Companions in Prayer, or Companions in Ministry.
All Franciscan Companions
- Pray daily for the Sisters of St. Francis and the sisters pray daily for the companions
- Receive information regarding the Franciscan charism and the Mission of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
- Are invited to an annual retreat day
- Are invited to an annual gathering day of sisters and companions
- Receive periodic communication from the FCM office and the congregation’s publication Good News
- Commit themselves to this relationship annually
What the Experience of Being a Companion Has Meant:
“It has been a spirit of love, acceptance, and unity for me. Becoming a companion has been a very positive step in my journey of faith.”
“I feel God has truly blessed me by helping me to find this wonderful group of companions and sisters. The love is almost overwhelming.”
“I feel that I have gotten closer in touch with my own spirituality through being a companion.”
“It has been a blessing and an honor for me to serve as a Franciscan Companion in Mission. I know that my prayers have helped to bring grace to all who are called to serve Jesus through St. Francis of Assisi. It is also consoling for me to know that others are praying for me and we all try to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis as we journey together.”
“Why be a companion? “A closer relationship to St. Francis and to God and the warmth of an extended family.”
“Being in relationship with the Sisters of St. Francis is a blessing in my life. Being a Franciscan Companion has given my life direction. It is often the pacesetter for my decisions, brings me peace, and usually calls me to remember what is really important in life; ‘that we love one another’ and that we are brothers and sisters to one another.”
“The sisters have helped me to grow spiritually and emotionally. Each one treats me with the dignity and respect a creature of God deserves. As a companion I come together with different parts of the body of Christ and learn how we are all connected as we share our stories of how God works in our lives.”
“My experience as a Companion in Prayer has lighted a fire
in my soul. Stories of the courage of Mother Francis
and her absolute trust in the providence of God keep my hope alive.”
“One of the most graced experiences of my life as a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia was the time I served as director of Franciscan Companions in Mission. I felt blessed and led by the Spirit of God evidenced in the loving and creative energy that flowed in and around those of us, sisters and companions, who worked together in those beginning days to bring the program to birth that had been envisioned during the Chapter of 1986. Today it gives me great joy to see all the growth that has been nurtured over these twenty years and the women and men who share in our life and mission as companions give me great hope for our future.”
“Words can’t capture the overwhelming generosity, faithfulness to our mission, creativity, loyalty, friendship, and understanding that I have discovered in companions. We would not find better persons to help us in the extension of our ministry. What they do in the marketplace becomes a reflection of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia with whom they identify. The energy and insight that they bring to us is especially helpful as we are aging. What a gift of the Spirit in the companion relationship!”
