Associates are men and women, married and single, who choose to share in the life and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. They do this in various countries and in a variety of ways.

Blessed Frances Schervier, moved by the love of God, was directed by Christ to found our congregation to heal His wounds. Our charism, or gift, is to be "healers" for a broken and wounded world. We desire to give of ourselves by bringing healing to all persons, especially the poor and the suffering.

The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor have believed from the beginning that our mission is to give expression to the love of God by direct service to the poor, to the sick and to those in need. Today in responding to that original call of Blessed Frances Schervier "to heal the wounds of Christ" we also believe that our special gifts of healing continue the early commitment of St. Francis of Assisi to the marginated of society. Wherever we go, wherever we minister, we believe that Christ is indeed personally present to us in the people whom we serve.

"It seemed to me I had perceived from the cross that I should dedicate myself entirely to the Lord through active works of charity. A fire of holy love for my neighbor burned within me. I felt a great desire to seek out and love the Lord in the poor, the sick, and the unfortunate. l believed that I saw the Lord himself in the poor and the sick, and I was overjoyed at being able to serve and care for him."

Autobiography of Frances Schervier