The Franciscan Companionship

The Franciscan Companionship

The Franciscan Companionship

Foundation

A recurring thought became reality!

For a long time, Sr. M. Birgit Dorfmair, Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, felt the call to create a “new community”. This community was meant to fill the group with joy.

Life based on faith and trust will shape the community and help its members to live, experiencing meaning and support.

To bring this heartfelt desire to life, Sr. M. Birgit shared her thoughts with trusted individuals. Many encouraged her to take further steps. After setting a suitable date, she invited like-minded people to a first meeting. Together with Sr. M. Birgit, seventeen people came.

Franziskanische Weggemeinschaft

“And they said to one another:
Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:32

Basic Principles

They were developed together and are lived with conviction:

  • Living according to Franciscan core values
  • There are no differences: origin, status, profession, ….
  • Open to all who seek the “true” life
  • Aims to reach people who can(not) relate to the “Church” (anymore). God speaks in different ways. Everyone can and should say what comes to their heart.
  • Moving from “appearance” to “being” – everyone should be genuine – courage to have one’s own opinion
  • Everyone bears the same responsibility for the community
  • Community is not an “end in itself”
  • Mindful interaction within the community and with the community
  • Implementation of a social project

The Franciscan Companionship

About Us

The Franciscan Companionship consists of laypeople and Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity who live according to the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

In this community, we cultivate simplicity, mutual respect and appreciation, as well as care for creation. We meet regularly to pray together, discuss spiritual topics and share our joys in order to stay deeply rooted in God and maintain openness towards people. Once a year, there is a social project for the benefit of people in need.

The community is marked by a life of faith, joy, and trust, which gives meaning and support to its members. It sees itself as a vibrant and family-friendly spiritual fellowship. – Our youngest member is Adam (born 2021). He attends our meetings with his mother.

The Religious Community SFCC & the Franciscan Companionship

In the meeting on November 26, 2016, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were introduced to the Franciscan Companionship and got to know each other.
Every sister is invited to become a member of the Franciscan Companionship.

“Many (religious) institutes have come to the conclusion, often due to new circumstances, that their charism can be shared with the laity.

They are therefore invited to participate more intensively in the spirituality and mission of the respective institute. It can be said that a new, hopeful chapter in the history of relationships between consecrated persons and the laity has begun.”

(SFCC Directory 27 – VC 54)