Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, "who was born an infant in order to be loved and not feared," constitutes the heart of our charism as Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus, founded on Christmas Day 1879 by the Servant of God, Barbara Micarelli.

Her "clear vision was to dedicate her whole life to the welfare of the poor, the orphans and the abandoned." This is the focus of our services of charity, wherever we are present in catechetical, educational, and pastoral ministries, social services, and health care, sustained by His presence in grace and in prayer: the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, Adoration, and devotion to Mary.

Franciscan joy and simplicity of life in fraternity sustain our consecration through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. We wish the Savior, born in Bethlehem, to be born in the hearts of all whom we serve in Africa (Cameroon, Libya), Asia (Philippines), Europe (Albania and Italy), South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru), and the United States (New Jersey and Virginia).

Young women seeking to dedicate their life in service of Christ and His Church as Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus should be 20-35 years old, in good health, with an ardent desire to belong totally to Jesus, while serving the need of God's people.

History of the Franciscan Sisters of the Infant Jesus

"Be joyful in the Lord.do not forget the Infant Jesus who was born in the Grotto of Bethlehem, where we shall be spiritually all together in order to thank, praise and adore the new-born Infant who has come down from heaven out of love for us."

Mother M. Joseph of the Infant Jesus, Letter 244

Barbara Micarelli was born and baptized in Sulmona, Italy on December 3, 1845. At the age of 25, she devoted herself to serving society in all its needs and her vocation grew within her.

Christmas 1879, Barbara was invested with the seraphic habit of St. Francis of Assisi and given the name, Sr. Mary Joseph of the Infant Jesus, thus founding the Institute of the Franciscan Sisters of the Infant Jesus.

On March 25, 1909 Mother Mary Joseph relived the "perfect joy" of the Fioretti of St. Francis when she was denied admittance to the Mother House at St Mary of the Angels because of misunderstandings. Silent and humble she left for Assisi where she died on April 19, 1909 surrounded by the Sisters of Giglio.

The Institute of the Franciscan Sisters of the Infant Jesus received official recognition from the Church on February 10, 1910.  The Church proclaimed Mother Mary Joseph "Servant of God" May 29, 1959 beginning the process towards her beatification.

Mother Mary Joseph's ardent desire, "Try to help me in the salvation of souls!" urges us, her daughters, to keep alive our missionary spirit. As Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus we continue to bring the Good News to the world by our Franciscan presence.

Following Mother's example, our ministries are directed toward all the needs of humanity for the human and Christian growth of the individual, the family and society through education in schools, health care service, in social work and especially in catechetical, liturgical and pastoral ministries.

For more information about the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus contact:

Vocation Director

Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus

1215 Kresson Road

Cherry Hill, NJ 08003