Founder: Blessed Caterina Troiani (1859)

Excerpts from the Biography of Blessed Caterina Troiani

Caterina Troiani was born in Giuliano di Roma on January 9, 1813. She grew up and was educated at the Santa Chiara della Carità Convent in Ferentino (Frosinone) and took her religious vows in 1830.

In 1835, through divine will, she realized that she was being called to prepare for a mission beyond the seas. Her response was immediate and wholehearted. From that moment, her mission and charism began to take shape—God was calling her to a special ecclesial service: to remain united with the Crucified Christ and spread the Gospel to all nations.

Fulfilling this divine calling required twenty-four years of patience and perseverance.

Mother Maria Caterina was the tireless driving force behind her fraternity, which shared her missionary vision. When the Apostolic Vicar of Egypt proposed that the sisters establish a house and headquarters in Cairo, she was ready to respond to the call.

On September 14, 1859, a group of six missionaries, including Mother Maria Caterina, arrived in Cairo. There, the sisters responded to countless needs through various works: rescuing slaves, caring for abandoned children, providing religious education, teaching, and more.

On July 5, 1868, a papal decree granted autonomy to the Cairo mission, leading to the foundation of a new missionary institute: The Franciscan Missionaries in Egypt. The institute was immediately inspired by Franciscan spirituality due to the profound connection between Mother Maria Caterina and St. Francis of Assisi.

The missionary efforts grew, spreading the Gospel to various regions of Egypt and even reaching Jerusalem.

On May 6, 1887, Mother Maria Caterina, known as the “Mother of the Poor,” passed away in Cairo.

On April 14, 1985, Pope John Paul II proclaimed her Blessed. With divine assistance, the congregation expanded to other continents.

In 1897, the institute was officially affiliated with the Order of Friars Minor, and in 1950, it adopted its current name:
Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Charism and Spirituality

Our way of life, according to the spirit of our founder, is to live in fraternity following the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ—“the Bridegroom who was crucified, naked, and rejected.” We dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the conversion of souls beyond the seas, remaining always faithful to the Church, following in the footsteps of St. Francis—the true friend and imitator of Christ.

“The Most High revealed Himself to me, teaching me to live according to the way of the Holy Gospel.” (St. Francis of Assisi)

Even our name, “Franciscan Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” reflects our identity:
• We are called to live in fraternity and humility, in accordance with the Holy Gospel.
• We follow the Rule and Life of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Like St. Francis, we strive to embrace the Word of the Lord and live it fully, embodying it in both our personal and communal lives as a sign of our faithful and joyful love for God.

Presence & Mission

“The primary goal that brought us to Egypt was the tireless work of winning souls for the Lord.” (Mother Maria Caterina Troiani)

Our apostolic mission, which began in Cairo, Egypt, has since expanded worldwide. It remains a vital instrument of evangelization and human promotion, carried out through the Church’s global mission.

Since 1985, we have also been present in Damascus, Syria.
• We actively participate in parish education and various pastoral activities.
• We offer social services such as hospitals, dispensaries, schools, orphanages, women’s empowerment programs, and pro-life advocacy.
• We also welcome and assist pilgrims.

“Place everything in the hands of Our Mother, the Virgin Mary.”
(Mother Maria Caterina Troiani)

This call invites us to live like Mary, under the guidance of the Word of the Lord, dedicating our entire being to the work of the Holy Spirit so that we may become an offering of love to the Church and the world.

Mary, the Star of Evangelization, leads us on our journey among the men and women of our time, helping us bring them the joy of Christ’s presence and encouraging them to embrace His love.

Contact Informatio

www.francescane.net 
www.francescanedegitto.org 

Phone: 0114923377
Mobile: 0952494366 (Sr. Julia Khoury)