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St. Marie Hermine and Companions, Martyrs of China (+ Video) |
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On July 8th, the Church and our Institute celebrates the liturgical feast of St. Marie Hermine and her Companions, seven young FMM sisters, massacred in China, on 9th July 1900, in Taiyuan-fu.
 Coming from diverse family situations and four different countries, they met in the family of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Together, on 12th March 1899, they left the Port of Marseilles for China. Having arrived at Taiyuan-fu, in the region of Shanxi on 4th May, with faith and courage they endured the sacrifices necessary to adapt to a new climate, enter a very different culture, weave new relationships... They carried in their hearts an immense desire, which is that of Christ: “That they may have life and have it in abundance”. - To a world so different from theirs, to an ancient and mysterious culture; - A waiting for relationships, to understand and welcome and to be understood and welcomed, so that communion may be born, may grow and bear fruit; - The disponibility to serve the orphans, the women and the sick, to give without measure, with humility and creativity, with gentleness and strength; - The suffering in face of the needs of so many persons who come to them, and the limitations of what they can do...
A year after their arrival, the Boxer Rebellion erupted. Among others, one of its consequences was the massacre of the entire mission of Taiyuan-fu: two bishops, several missionaries, a group of Chinese Christians and the entire community of FMM sisters.
Marie Hermine and her companions were beatified in 1946 and canonized in 2000, together with other martyrs of China.
On this day, we invite you to watch and download the video
"Seven Martyrs FMM" (CLICK HERE)
and to visit a few pages of the site (Click on each line):  
The Seven Martyrs of China
St. Marie-Hermine de Jésus St. Maria della Pace St. Maria Chiara St. Marie de Sainte Nathalie St. Marie de Saint Just St. Marie Adolphine St. Marie Amandine |
Rhode Island Officials Pay Tribute to State’s Oldest Residents.
Sr. Savina D’ Agostino, Franciscan Missionary of Mary is congratulated by Governor Gina Raimondo. Sr. Savina is 105 years old.
Sr, Savina D’Agostino, FMM entered the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary March 15, 1931 in Holy Family Novitiate North Providence. She made her final vows September 17, 1936. Her past ministries include sacristan, religious education, seamstress, home visitation, and care of the sick. She spent twenty six years on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. Her great love is for the Navajo People who she visited in their Hogans instructing them in the Catholic faith and caring for the sick amongst them. She spent thirteen years in San Francisco and three years in St. Louis with a ministry to the elderly. A skilled seamstress, she conducted sewing and quilting classes for the residents. She spent several years as sacristan and other community services using her many gifts. She continues to be keen of mind and interested in community and world news.
