Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Secular Family (FASFHIC)

The Secular Franciscan Hospitaller Family of the Immaculate Conception (FASFHIC) is an association of the faithful affiliated to the Religious Institute of Pontifical Right, the Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (CONFHIC). FASFHIC has its headquarters at Linda-a-Pastora, Queijas, in the Archdiocese of Lisbon, Portugal. Sensitive to the call of the Church and the call to holiness proper to every person, its members, present in different nations, seek to live the charism of CONFHIC according to the spirituality lived and transmitted by its Founders, Father Raimundo dos Anjos Beirao and Blessed Maria Clara of the Child Jesus, in a way proper to their lay state. They live their Christian calling by embracing this charism and expressing it through works of mercy within their reach, guided by the spirit of the Beatitudes. In 1989, the General Chapter of CONFHIC recognized that the Franciscan Hospitaller Charism, a gift to the Church, could become a dynamic center of unity and communion of diverse gifts, talents and capacities, as well as a means of evangelization. The Sisters saw the need to invite laypersons associated with their works to participate more fully and to live the Franciscan Hospitaller Charism according to their lay condition. Thus, in fidelity to the Spirit that inspired the Congregation, FASFHIC was established as a new secular family, extending the Franciscan Hospitaller Family to the laity. In 1992, FASFHIC became a reality first in the Province of Santa Cruz, Brazil, and thereafter continued to grow in Brazil and in other countries where the Congregation is present.

FASFHIC in the Province of Our Lady of the Mount, India

In 2003, the Province of Our Lady of the Mount, India, opened the way for FASFHIC at St. Joseph Convent, Goregaon, Mumbai. A few parishioners were invited, and Sr. Maureen Fonseca held a brief informal meeting with five parishioners, explaining FASFHIC and inviting them to join. Their response was very positive and encouraging. Though activity remained limited for some years, a few members faithfully kept the spirit of hospitality alive. In 2017, the Association was revived with enthusiasm after receiving official permissions from the Archbishop of Bombay and the Bishop of Nashik Diocese. Following much formation and preparation, the first batch of 13 members from Goregaon, Dadar and Nashik made their Temporary Commitment on June 15, 2018. Today, there are 34 committed members. The Bishop of Baroda has also granted permission, increasing the FASFHIC Fraternities, with 131 members in formation. There are now 10 FASFHIC Fraternities with 3 Local Directorates. This extended family has become more vibrant and well-organized following the Pontifical approval of the Association and its Statutes on April 14, 2022, by the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The FASFHIC members continue to deepen their commitment, living the Charism of Hospitality with joy and doing good wherever there is good to be done.

“How good God is! Blessed be God.”
— Blessed Maria Clara