INTRODUCTION

The Congregation of the Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of the Immaculate Conception was established in Goa in 1886 and spread from there to the various parts of the country, having its Headquarters at present at Mount Mary Convent – Bandra.

A Franciscan Hospitaller Sister is a person, consecrated and dedicated to follow Jesus Christ and serve her brethren, specially the more needy. She commits herself to witness hospitality, the specific charism of the Congregation, which is reflected in the multiple forms of service.

As Franciscans we follow the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, whose ideal was to live according to the Gospel. These few simple words are his Rule “When the Lord gave me brethern, no one taught me what I should do but the Lord himself revealed to me that I should live according to the Holy Gospel.”

(Testament of St. Francis 16 & 17)

Being born and formed by the Gospel, the Franciscan vocation is open to all categories or persons and to all forms of apostolic activity. The Coat of Arms of our Congregation, as shown on the cover serves as the “Arms of faith” and the “Seal of Our Congregation” and has the form of a diamond-shaped shield like those belonging to “Ladies”.

In the upper part of the shield are the Five wounds, bleeding, the coat of arms used in the past, in Portugal, by the order of St. Francis.

To the left in the white portion is the legendary star, with one of its points directed upwards and coinciding with the vertical plane, symbolizes Mary, as does the crown above the star. To the right the burning lamp signifies the oil that soothes pain and wounds, and simultaneously feeds the flame that gives light and warmth.

Below is the Cross of Christ, at the base of the shield and outside it, is an interpretation of its meaning is the motto “LVCERE ET FOVERE”.

LVCERE, meaning to illuminate, enlighten, teach by doctrine and by the example of your life.

FOVERE its meaning is to warm, to bear with, to stimulate, to encourage, to fondle, soothe, care for, for the Franciscan Sister two ideas united in one, represented by the burning lamp, for Christ said “Keep your loins girded and your lamps burning” (LK 12:35- RSV)