The FCJM Congregation is present in Santarem, Brazil in two communities namely the Motherhouse Community “ Our Lady of the Angels” and the Novitiate Community “Peace and Joy” and one mission community “Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary” in Curuá. The Sisters are involved in various activities such as pastoral works, nursing home and in the school. As our Foundress invites us to respond to the needs of the time and place.

The motherhouse community with three Sisters actively engaged in the liturgical coordination of the archdiocese, pastoral care, bringing communion to the elderly, and visits to schools. They are also active in CEB (ecclesial communities of the base) meetings, in the accompaniment and spiritual accompaniment of prayer groups. One Sister is also entrusted as directress of a Catholic school. Meanwhile, other Sisters assist in Mother Clara Pfänder’s house and the household works in the community.

Novitiate of Peace and Joy

The Peace and Joy Novitiate Community is located in Urumanduba, near the city of Santarém.

The community consists of two novices and two vowed Sisters. Our Franciscan spirituality calls us to live the Gospel through contemplation and action, according to the needs of time and place, as our dearest Mother Clara Pfänder envisioned.

The community is also active in different activities like doing catechesis both for children and adult, altar server preparation, help to train ministers of the word and communion and hope, engaged in the ecclesial basic community, and other liturgical responsibilities.

The Mission Community of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

This community officially opened on February 27, 2022. To welcome the Sisters in the Parish of São Raimundo Nonato, Diocese of Óbidos, city of Curuá, a Eucharistic celebration was held, presided over by Bishop Bernardo Bahlmann.

There are three Sisters in this community. One Sister serves in the parish and the other two as coordinators of Social projects. In addition, they are involved in various activities in the parish, assisting in pastoral care, catechesis for Confirmation, Eucharist, for children and altar servers. They also assist in the training of ministers of word and communion and pastoral care, bringing communion to the sick, preside over the liturgy of the word, visit communities and families, and annually assist in the ministry of a fraternal campaign advisor.

The project that coordinated by the Sister called “The Power of Women and Children in the Amazon”. The project aims to promote social development, minimize social vulnerability, and foster new perspectives through education, income generation, promoting space and opportunities for women and children in the Amazon.

It develops sources of income for the women involved, through the sale of vegetables and knitting workshops. In addition, the Sisters provide support to them by visiting their families, giving educational lectures and spiritual retreats, etc.

This way, the FCJM Sisters experience varying realities, especially those who suffer. They proclaim the Good News with words and deeds, bring hope and the light of Christ to the people. Nowadays, in the light of the encyclical Laudato Si, we promote action of caring for God’s creation, our common home. By doing so, we are hoping that the seeds of God’s word can bear fruits of conversion and peace.

Written by Irmã Maria da Conceição FCJM and Irmã Jaqueline Sena FCJM

Translated by Irmã Aleunice Sousa de Lima FCJM

Edited by Sr. M. Evifania Sinaga FCJM