Hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves, so that he who gives himself totally to you may receive you totally.
-St Francis
Our Congregation (founded 1911 by Mary Patrick Brennan) inherits the charism of Saint Francis Assisi. The FMSL aim to make GOSPEL LIVING a simple reality. Franciscan life is lived in community. It involves praying, sharing and working together in sisterhood for the spread of God’s Kingdom in and through the Church.
The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton is a Congregation of Diocesan right, following the Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis. We live in accordance with our Constitutions and make public profession of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.
Due to the risk of COVID 19 to our elderly and vulnerable residents, St Joseph’s Convent and Chapel are not able to open to the public until further notice.
Holy Mass is livestreamed daily at 10.30am via YouTube. In YouTube, search for St Joseph’s Convent Littlehampton
You are most welcome to email prayer requests to us at [email protected]
Your intentions will then be remembered in the community’s daily prayers.
From 7th-12th November 2022, the FMSL had our General Chapter which was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic. Two of our Sisters from India were able to attend in person, and one Sister from Knock, Ireland; while other Sisters in Knock and India participated by video link. The week of meetings began with a day of prayer on Sunday 6th. On the 7th, there was a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, celebrated by Fr. Stephen Ortiger OSB, the diocesan Vicar for Religious. During this Mass, Sr Deepa Thomas from our India community made her final profession of vows.
In the afternoon of the 7th, elections were held for Mother General and her Council. Sister Clare Bowers was elected as Mother General. The following were elected as her Council members: Sister Anne McLaughlin, Sister Elizabeth Morris, Sister Clare Bernadette Knowles and Sister Promodini Ekka.
Msgr M. Jackson celebrated Masses during the Chapter. The final Mass on Saturday 12th was celebrated in memory of the nine Sisters who had passed away since the previous Chapter in 2017: Sisters Augustine, Peter, Veronica, Finbarr, Fabian, Xavier, Martha, Felicity and Concepta.
At the end of Mass, Msgr. Jackson presented Sr Clare, Mother General with the Chapter Mandate. This contains the measures approved by voting from the Chapter which Mother General and Council are to implement over the next three years.
The theme of the General Chapter was, ‘be it done to me according to your word’ (Lk 1:38). During our meetings, we tried to discern together what was God’s will for the FMSL in these times and moving forward. We would be grateful to be remembered in your prayers as we strive over the next three years to put God’s word for us into practice.
On 7th November, 2022, Sister Deepa Thomas from our community in Mysore, India, made her Final Profession of vows in St Joseph’s Convent chapel. This took place during a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated by Fr. Stephen Ortiger OSB on the first day of our General Chapter. The Mass was also livestreamed on St. Joseph’s Convent Littlehampton channel on Youtube. Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O4IIV0DAdU
We thank God for Sr Deepa’s vocation and for this opportunity to celebrate her life’s consecration to God.
We thank God that Sisters Innocentia Uwakwe and Attracta Uba made their final profession of vows on 15th August 2020 during Mass celebrated by the Right Reverend Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton. Congratulations Sisters!
Congratulations to Sister Rose of Lima FMSL on her Final Profession of vows September 8th 2017.
A prayer group for Knock Parish meets every Friday in our Convent, St Mary of the Angels, to reflect on the scripture readings for the coming Sunday’s Mass. These weekly reflections are shared as videos.
To see each week’s video, subscribe to the YouTube channel called:
Knock Scripture Group
This Scripture group began to meet at Knock Shrine in 2016, after Sr Anastasia moved into the Parish. It has continued throughout the pandemic to meet weekly at the Franciscan Convent, using video and other media technologies.
From 29th July to 3rd August 2024, the FMSL held the second part of our General Chapter, concerning all aspects of our mission in India. Three Sisters from our Indian Community: Sisters Promodini, Martha and Deepa, travelled to attend the Chapter in St Joseph’s Littlehampton. Father Sebastian Payyappilly CMI was also invited to come from India as an official Observer. Fr. Sebastian celebrated the daily Masses during the Chapter week in St Joseph’s chapel. Sr Helen Costigane SHCJ was the Facilitator, as for the previous Chapter in 2022.
Seven Temporary Professed Sisters attended the Chapter sessions online by video call from Mysore: Sisters Manju, Fatima, Sathya, Sujatha, Monica Riyona and Jyotsna.
Our Sisters Anastasia and Benignus in Knock, Ireland were also present for some sessions.
Decisions arising from the week’s discussions will be actioned by the General Council together with the Indian community over the coming months. We welcome your prayers to join with ours that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us as we journey into the future together with our Franciscan community in India.