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This week’s missionary hero is Mother Mary of the Passion, a founder who never gave up despite incredible obstacles she faced in life.
Helene-Marie-Philippine de Chappotin was born on May 21, 1839 in Nantes, France. As a teen, the death of two sisters and a cousin touched her deeply. In April 1856 she decided to dedicate her life to God.
In January of 1861, Helene joined the Poor Clare order, but she had to leave because of illness. In spring of 1864, having recovered from the illness, she joined the newly-founded Sisters of Mary Reparatrix. In August of that year, she received the habit and took the name Mary of the Passion. Before her novitiate was even finished, she was assigned to India.
Because of her many talents, she was given administrative tasks and was known as Mother Mary of the Passion. Unfortunately, internal conflict in the community made it impossible for her to continue in good faith. So, Mother Mary, along with other Sisters, left the order and sought approval to found a new religious community devoted fully to missionary work. On January 6, 1877, Pope Pius IX gave his approval, and the group took the name Missionaries of Mary. Mother Mary of the Passion was named Superior.
Eventually, the order became known as the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), the name the order has today. Unfortunately, there was more drama involved within this order, and Mother Mary of the Passion was removed from office. Other sisters were told not to communicate with her.
Fortunately, Pope Leo XIII cleared her of all the charges against her, and in July 1884, Mother Mary was elected Superior General and served in this capacity until her death on November 15, 1904. In addition to all the personal problems she suffered as a result of conflict within the religious life, she was also deeply affected by the martyrdom of 7 members of her order in Taiyuan-fou, China in 1900. (The martyrs were canonized in 2000).
Pope St. John Paul II beatified Mother Mary of the Passion on October 20, 2002. Her feast day is November 15.
Today, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary serve in 76 nations of the world.
