FSMA MHOW
FSMA MHOW PICTURES...
Mhow Province
Message from the Provincial
With deep gratitude to God, I joyfully recall the humble beginnings and the rich legacy of the Franciscans of St. Mary of the Angels (FSMA). Our Institute was founded in 1871 by Fr. Chrysostom O.F.M. (Ferdinand Potton) and Sr. M. Chrysostom of the Cross (Caroline Rurange), at the request of Msgr. Emile Freppel, Bishop of Angers, to care for the orphans of the Franco-Prussian war.
The seed of our mission in India was sown on 3rd October 1892, when seven brave Franciscan Sisters arrived at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. A large crowd gathered at the station to welcome them, led by the Capuchin Fr. Bertran, with the Brass Band of the 7th English Regiment adding to the joyous occasion. From there, they were taken to the Church, where a warm reception awaited them.
Their mission began with a simple needlework center for poor women, which soon blossomed into schools and hostels for girls, bringing education and hope to many.
The FSMA Novitiate in India was established at Mhow in 1949. As vocations flourished and apostolic works expanded, the Indian mission was raised to the status of a Province on 14th December 1967. Later, in 1992 on 5th December, the then Superior General Sister M. Ishlata, announced at the Centenary Celebration meeting that Mhow is bifurcated into Mhow Province and Aligarh Province. Sister Stanislaus was nominated Provincial of the Aligarh Province and Sister Cyrilla was nominated Provincial of the Mhow Province. The Provinces started functioning on 1st July 1993.
After having purchased a piece of Land at Jaipur for the construction of the Provincialate, the name of Aligarh Province was changed to Jaipur Province. On 19th October 1998, Sr.Joanna was elected as the Provincial of Jaipur. The Jaipur Provincialate was blessed on 5th May 2002.
Through every stage of this journey, we have been guided and strengthened by our fourfold charism:
As Marians – we seek to live Mary’s faith, humility, and openness to God’s will.
As Franciscans – we embrace simplicity, joy, and fraternity, reaching out to the poor and the marginalized.
As Adorers – we draw strength from the Eucharist, which deepens our prayer and sustains our mission.
As Missionaries – we go forth with courage, serving where the Lord calls us.
Our communities are actively engaged in schools and hospitals, caring for street children, serving in old-age homes, and looking after aged priests. Each apostolate is a humble expression of our charism, touching lives with compassion, dignity, and hope. With confidence in God’s providence and the inspiration of our founders, we continue to walk in the footsteps of Christ, bringing His love to those entrusted to our care.
Sr. M. Elsa
Provincial Superior
Mhow
With deep gratitude to God, I joyfully recall the humble beginnings and the rich legacy of the Franciscans of St. Mary of the Angels (FSMA). Our Institute was founded in 1871 by Fr. Chrysostom O.F.M. (Ferdinand Potton) and Sr. M. Chrysostom of the Cross (Caroline Rurange), at the request of Msgr. Emile Freppel, Bishop of Angers, to care for the orphans of the Franco-Prussian war.
The seed of our mission in India was sown on 3rd October 1892, when seven brave Franciscan Sisters arrived at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. A large crowd gathered at the station to welcome them, led by the Capuchin Fr. Bertran, with the Brass Band of the 7th English Regiment adding to the joyous occasion. From there, they were taken to the Church, where a warm reception awaited them.
Their mission began with a simple needlework center for poor women, which soon blossomed into schools and hostels for girls, bringing education and hope to many.
The FSMA Novitiate in India was established at Mhow in 1949. As vocations flourished and apostolic works expanded, the Indian mission was raised to the status of a Province on 14th December 1967. Later, in 1992 on 5th December, the then Superior General Sister M. Ishlata, announced at the Centenary Celebration meeting that Mhow is bifurcated into Mhow Province and Aligarh Province. Sister Stanislaus was nominated Provincial of the Aligarh Province and Sister Cyrilla was nominated Provincial of the Mhow Province. The Provinces started functioning on 1st July 1993.
After having purchased a piece of Land at Jaipur for the construction of the Provincialate, the name of Aligarh Province was changed to Jaipur Province. On 19th October 1998, Sr.Joanna was elected as the Provincial of Jaipur. The Jaipur Provincialate was blessed on 5th May 2002.
Through every stage of this journey, we have been guided and strengthened by our fourfold charism:
As Marians – we seek to live Mary’s faith, humility, and openness to God’s will.
As Franciscans – we embrace simplicity, joy, and fraternity, reaching out to the poor and the marginalized.
As Adorers – we draw strength from the Eucharist, which deepens our prayer and sustains our mission.
As Missionaries – we go forth with courage, serving where the Lord calls us.
Our communities are actively engaged in schools and hospitals, caring for street children, serving in old-age homes, and looking after aged priests. Each apostolate is a humble expression of our charism, touching lives with compassion, dignity, and hope. With confidence in God’s providence and the inspiration of our founders, we continue to walk in the footsteps of Christ, bringing His love to those entrusted to our care.
Sr. M. Elsa
Provincial Superior
Mhow
Sister Elsa
Province Head
