Timeline of Significant FMDM Events

There have been many important developments and events in our growth as a congregation. Here are some of the Significant Dates in Our History.

1887	A community of Franciscan Tertiaries begins in Holly Place, London, looking after orphans.
1896	This Tertiary community became a religious congregation called, "The Missionary Sisters of the Third Order of St Francis for the Home Missions".
1911	There were 4 communities spread over 3 dioceses. This could not continue and resulted in one community merging, another closing and the remaining 2 (Littlehampton and Aldershot) surviving under great constraints.

Mother Colette Tierney

1917	The Aldershot community, under the leadership of Mother Colette, received permission to take postulants. Blanche Spring, later known as Mother Francis, joined the community. Both these women were significant in the story of the congregation.
1925	The first sisters were sent to train as nurses including Sr Francis Spring.
1935	The first hospital, Mount Alvernia, was opened in Guildford (UK).
1937	Mother Francis Spring was elected Mother General.

Mother Francis Spring

1946	First African mission was opened in Kasaba, Zambia.
1947	The Congregation was renamed "Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood" and became a Papal Congregation. Sisters set sail for the first mission to China.
1949	Sisters were driven out of China and started to work in Singapore.

A group of sisters aboard ship - heading off to the missions

1956	Ladywell ( England) became the Motherhouse and novitiate for the Order.
1959	Sisters came to Bendigo, Australia by invitation of Bishop Stewart.
1961	The original hospital was opened in Westend Hall, Bendigo. The sisters arrived in Nathalia to run the new parish primary school.
1971	Present Mount Alvernia, Bendigo, was opened.
1978	International novitiate in Ladywell was replaced by local novitiates in various parts of the world where there were communities.
1987	Sisters opened their first house in Melbourne (Keilor Downs).
1994	Sisters withdrew from Nathalia.
1995	General Chapter (these are held every 6 years - see News and Views - Reflections On Our Chapter) held in Ladywell - Chapter document entitled 'Charism, Community, Mission - A Call to Conversion.'
1996	A second house in Melbourne was opened
1997	Sale of Mt Alvernia Hospital, Bendigo, to the Sisters of Mercy
1999	Sisters now in 4 communities; two in Melbourne, one in Bendigo and the fourth is in Eaglehawk. Australia and the Philippines became one Region. Our house in the Philippines is located in Manila
2000	Several Chapter of Mats (gathering of sisters) held in Ladywell to bring together sisters of similar age groups - to share and reflect on our journey as FMDMs.

A group of FMDM sisters today, gathered at Ladywell, our motherhouse in England.

2001	General Chapter held in Ladywell - Chapter document entitled 'Authentic Franciscan Living - Continuing our FMDM Journey.'
2003	The program 'Growing in Authentic Franciscan Living' commences - this is an educational program intended to assist sisters in the implementation of the Chapter call.
2005	Chapter of Mats for all sisters finally professed after 1989 - to allow for sharing and reflection on our different and shared journeys.