Answering the call sums up the missionary spirit of The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, an international congregation of consecrated women. Following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, these Sisters have dedicated their lives and their work to the Gospel. That faith and commitmentis best expressed through service to others.

Originally founded as the Franciscans of Calais, the Order is known today as the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady. Like St. Francis, who is well-known for his love of nature, these Sisters are invited to prayers of praise and thanksgiving through the whole of creation. And, also like St. Francis, they honor Mary with a special love and devotion.

The unique charism of this Congregation embodies the characteristics of St. Francis devotion to God. Simplicity and humility guide the Sisters' lives and work. In keeping with St. Francis giving up his worldly possessions In order to follow God, the Sisters also share a charism of poverty owning nothing of their own in order to minister more freely to others.

As St. Francis responded to God’s call, “Go and repair my house,” the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady go out into the world to be witness to the Love of the Father. This missionaryspirit has led these women of faith to 14 countries around the world to serve in the areas of healthcare, education, parish ministry and social services. The Sisters are attentive to all, especially those most in need, and they are working to make a significant difference in the world.

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History of the Order

In 1911, six courageous Sisters of Calais left France to answer a request for healthcare in central Louisiana. Arriving with little, the Sisters began a sanitarium in Pineville. They were under the direction of Mother Marie de Bethanie Crowley, who soon shepherded this small group up to Monroe, following the original appointment. Undaunted, the Sisters served the sick in Monroe through the new St. Francis Sanitarium in 1913 and what would later become St. Francis Medical Center. The Sisters’ministry grew with the opening of Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing in Baton Rouge in 1923 and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette in 1949. Today, these original institutions are joined by St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales, several nursing homes, physician clinics, comprehensive senior services and a variety of healthcare-related services that comprise the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. The Sisters remain actively involved in the daily work of the Health System, extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The North American Province celebrates its Centennial this year.

Since 1988, the Sisters have also operated a Mission in Aquin, Haiti. With primary healthcare for the poor quickly identified as the most pressing need in this  impoverished country, the Sisters established mobile clinics for the area’s residents.

Every four years the Sisters elect leadership for their community. The Provincial Council comprised of the Provincial and three additional members oversees the community and its various sponsored organizations.

Provincial: Sister Kathleen Cain
Member: Sister Margarida Vasquez
Member: Sister Martha Ann Abshire
Member: Sister Barbara Arceneaux

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Women interested in religious vocation seek meaning in their lives, wanting to do something more. If you are interested in learning more about the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, please contact Director of Vocations Sister Ann Catherine Nguyen, OSF at (225) 936-9129 or ann.nguyen@ololrmc.com