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Mission/Vision As FMDMs we are called to proclaim with our lives the joy and freedom of the Gospel. Our charism encourages us to conceive, birth and nurture the life of Christ - which is a life of love – in our hearts, in our communities, and in our society. We are one in mission although our ministries are diverse. |
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The International Order FMDM is a Religious Congregation of Catholic Women, who live the Gospel way of life, following the rule and life of St Francis of Assisi. Inspired by St Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood Sisters, reach out to care for the poor, sick and dying, respond to the ‘signs of the times’ and are also engaged in pastoral activities within the local church. |
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The Congregation was founded in England and the Motherhouse is at Ladywell Convent, Godalming, Surrey, England. The Congregational General Leader and her Councilors reside at Ladywell Convent. |
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FMDM in Singapore In 1947 Sisters Angela Mc Brien, Camillus Walsh and Baptista Hennessy left England for their long journey and mission to China in Suihsien (Suixian) in Hubei. But in 1949 due to political unrest in China, they had to leave their mission and after an arduous journey through Hong Kong they arrived in Singapore in 1949. They were welcomed by the IJ Sisters at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Victoria Street. Three others from England later joined these three Sisters. |
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The local colonial Government of Singapore had asked the Sisters to take over the Women Tuberculosis ward of Tan Tock Seng Hospital whilst waiting for Mandalay Road Hospital to be built. In September 1949, they also served the community of lepers in |
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Trafalgar Home in Woodbridge, which is still known as ‘The Leper Camp’. By this time, a tropical bungalow house at 142 Moulmein Road had been made available to the Sisters. It became their first convent in Singapore and it was known as Mount Alvernia convent (This bungalow is still to be seen at 142 Moulmein Road and is now part of the CDC Centre). Mount Alvernia is a name that is charged with meaning for all Franciscans. It refers to a towering crag in the Umbrian Apennines of Italy, called La Verna, which was of special |
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significance in the life of St Francis of Assisi. In 1950 a Training Centre was established at Mandalay Road Hospital, with Sr Campion Lowe in- charge. Some of the young nurses, who trained here, in response to God’s call, joined the congregation. |
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The Sisters continued working at the TB Hospital and the Leprosy centre. After 14 years of joy-filled services at Trafalgar Home, due to re-organisation of the Home, the services of the Sisters were terminated in 1963. Encouraged by Bishop Michael Olcomendy, plans were being made for the future establishment of a Catholic Hospital in Singapore. The salary of all the sisters over the years was put towards this cause. |
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A suitable land on Thomson Hill was purchased in 1956 and the building of the hospital commenced. |
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On the 4 th March 1961, Mount Alvernia Hospital with 64 beds was opened by Dato Lee Kong Chian, its great benefactor. Mount Alvernia flourished and extensions were added. The second extension was officially opened on July 1965 by Mr Lee Kuan Yew, then Prime Minister of Singapore. Today, the hospital has 303 beds offering acute general and maternity services as well as specialized surgery. |
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The Sisters are involved in these ministries:
There are three communities in Singapore. |
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Regional Leader: |
Sr Barbara Pereira, FMDM (Malaysia/Singapore) |
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Regional Councilors: |
Sr Marianna D’Costa (Singapore) Sr Ter Lei Chan (Malaysia) |
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Address: |
St Francis Convent |
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St Francis Convent 810 Thomson Road, Singapore 574625 Tel: 6354-2533 Fax: 6252-0032 |
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Local Leader: Sr Agnes Tan FMDM |
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| Maryvale Community 77 Jalan Pemimpin, Singapore 577228 Tel: 6353-7263 Fax: 6353-7274 |
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St Anne’s Convent |
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| Hotlinks: | FMDM Singapore/Malaysia website |
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Mount Alvernia Hospital The hospital was opened in 1961 with 64 beds. Today, it is a 303-bed, acute general and maternity hospital. It also has two medical centres of specialist private clinics. >> more |
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Assisi Hospice Assisi Hospice is an outreach service of Mount Alvernia Hospital and located on the hospital grounds. It is owned by the FMDM Sisters and is a 35-bedded home for the continuing care of patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. >> more |
