Devoted Aid to Oppressed Women in India
Missionary Franciscan Sisters of Mary in India: Empowering the Marginalized and Needy
The Missionary Franciscan Sisters of Mary, a congregation established in 1877 by Blessed Mary of the Passion, are making a significant impact in India, particularly in the St. Francis province that spans eight northern states.
These sisters are deeply committed to social apostolate work, focusing on empowering the poor, providing education, and supporting marginalized communities. Their missions emphasize helping underprivileged people through education, skill development, and advocating for justice, especially among exploited groups like farmers.
Key social initiatives and missions include:
- Educational Programs: Organizing education for children and youth to foster empowerment and upliftment within the communities they serve.
- Social Empowerment: Educating poor and illiterate farmers about their rights, helping them defend themselves against exploitation by landlords, and supporting them in seeking justice when wronged or imprisoned. This shows a commitment to social justice and human dignity.
- Missionary Work: Serving poor and marginalized populations, often in challenging conditions, motivated by their religious faith and inspired by figures like Sister Rani Maria, who exemplified fearless dedication to serving the poor in North India.
- Healthcare and Skill Development: Related Catholic missionary initiatives in India emphasize health check-ups and skill development, indicating a broader pattern of social care that likely resonates with the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of Mary’s mission as well.
In addition to these initiatives, the Disha Kendra social program, established by the sisters, provides essential aid and empowers residents of slums and marginalized neighborhoods in the city of Trilokpuri. The program offers remedial classes, spoken English classes, computer training, and tailoring training for women and adolescents.
Sister Bensy Maria Sangeetham, who works in the St. Francis province, noted that each region has its own challenges. She also highlighted that awareness programs on child protection and human trafficking prevention are part of the social programs.
Health neglect often leads to death, especially among children, according to Sister Bency. To address this issue, the sisters establish regular medical camps to facilitate access to healthcare.
The sisters live the Eucharist daily, broken and shared for others, whether in the bustling streets of Delhi or the forests of Jharkhand. The Eucharist is at the heart of the life of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of Mary, serving as an expression of love that lifts up the forgotten, giving others the courage to challenge unjust systems and the faith to recognize Christ in the broken.
Today, nearly 5,000 sisters are present in 71 countries worldwide, continuing the legacy of Blessed Mary of the Passion and her dedication to serving the marginalized and needy. Their work in India, particularly in the St. Francis province, is a testament to their commitment to holistic service that combines spiritual care with practical social action to transform lives through education, advocacy, and compassionate service.
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