FRANCE

The General Council of the DPU, Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz and Sr. M. Mariana Muțiu visited the sector of France from November 25 to December 3, 2023. They held an Assembly with the sisters from November 30, 2023 with the theme “From Francis de sales.” On the occasion, the sisters were present to pray together, share spiritual depth, and sisterly love. They also elected three sisters to be leaders in the French sector for the period 2023 to 2027 namely:

1. Sr. M. Timothée Mellinger FCJM (Sector Superior)
2. Mrs. Dominique Knecht FCJM (Vice Sector Superior)
3. Mrs. Brigitte Mathis FCJM (Sector Member)

UNITED STATES

The FCJM in the United States, known as the Franciscan Sisters of Wheaton, held a regional assembly from April 12 to 18 at the Motherhouse (OLA) with the theme “Embracing Hope”. All the General Councilor, Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz FCJM, Sr. M. Emmanuela Sitorus, Sr. M. Evifania Sinaga, and Sr. Mariana Muțiu were present to lead the assemblies. Assemblies consisted of the Sisters, covenant companions, and staff at Wheaton.

Then, they summarized all the hopes and visions for the future gathered and developed. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the discernment process went forward culminating in the formation of the new Regional Leadership Team (RLT), the reflection process of the General Council and the official appointment during the Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The following three sisters are elected to carry out their duties for the period 2026-2029:

1. Sister Melanie Paradis (Regional Directress)
2. Sister Beatrice Hernandez (Member)
3. Sister Alice Drewek (Member)

THE NETHERLANDS

On May 20, 2025, the Dutch Region witnessed a significant moment as a new regional leadership team was installed, marking a key transition from Sr. M. Auxiline Bergen and Sr. M. Simone van Rooijen to the new leaders. Under the theme “Doorgeven in Verbondenheid = Passing on in Connectedness,” the event was attended by various individuals, including Sisters, notaries, residents of Alverna, staff members, and guests. The General Superior, Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz, oversaw the installation of the new council team for a four-year term (2025-2029), consisting of :

1. Sr. M. Evifania Sinaga – General Councilor & Regional Directress
2. Astrid Roggen – Chairperson of the Regional Council
3. Cees Backer – Advisor in the Regional Council
4. Mariëtte de Wit – Advisor in the Regional Council

The installation ceremony included a Eucharistic celebration and social gatherings, marking a significant milestone in the region’s leadership.

INDONESIA

The Indonesian Province held its Ninth Chapter on October 16-22, 2022, with the theme “You are the light of the world.” Preceding this, they held a Pre-Chapter on September 16-20, 2022. The chapter went smoothly, the FCJM General Council, Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz FCJM and Sr. M. Evifania Sinaga FCJM General Councilor) present to lead and organize the Chapter. For seven days the capitulars seriously engaged in the Chapter program covering prayers, conferences, discussions, and sharing related to the life of the FCJM sisters. After discerning the needs and future development of FCJM, the Chapter participants also elected the new Provincial Council for the term 2022 – 2026. Here are their names:

1. Sr. M. Theodosia Tinambunan FCJM (Provincial)
2. Sr. M. Lydia Simbolon FCJM (Vice Provincial)
3. Sr. M. Agnes Tambunan FCJM (Councilor)
4. Sr. M. Lusiana Sianturi FCJM (Councilor)
5. Sr. M. Emiliana Situmorang FCJM (Councilor)

EAST TIMOR

The Indonesian Province Council has appointed Sr. M. Blandina Mahulae FCJM as the Delegate in Timor-Leste effective June 29, 2025, residing at the Clara Pfander Ailok Laran Community in Dili. This marks her second term serving as Delegate in Timor-Leste.

We warmly congratulate Sr. M. Blandina on this ministry and pray that God may continue to shower her with abundant blessings as she carries out her service with wisdom, faith, and dedication.

BRAZIL

On July 2, 2025, at the Peace and Joy Formation House in Urumanduba/Brazil, all members of the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, met in an Extraordinary Regional Assembly.

After prayer and deep reflection, the Sisters elected a new Regional Council for the term from 2025 to 2029.

The Regional Council is composed of:
1. Sr. M. Aleunice Sousa de Lima (Regional Directress and Treasurer)
2. Sr. M. Visenilda Lima Gomes (Regional Assistant)
3. Sr. M. Gesiane Rosana Paixão Souza (Regional Councilor and Secretary)

Because of the death of Sr. M. Ivone de Freitas Barbosa, a new election during an extraordinary assembly became necessary.