Papua New Guinea: Franciscan Sisters of Mary share pastoral heart with the faithful
By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS
The Franciscan Sisters of Mary were founded in 1976 in the Diocese of Mendi by Capuchin Bishop Firmin Schmidt, with the support of the Capuchin friars from the United States, Franciscan sisters from India, and the Missionary Sisters of Switzerland.
Their mission was to establish a local congregation that could respond effectively to the pressing pastoral needs of a young and changing Church in Mendi Diocese.
Congregation born of pastoral need
Speaking to Vatican News, Sr. Grace Nakan, FSM, shares a rich story of mission, service, and commitment to the people of Papua New Guinea from a congregation born out of pastoral need, particularly in areas where priests could not easily go.
“At that time,” Sr. Grace explains, “there were very few missionaries, and they could not reach all the places, especially the remote outstations far in the bush.”
As the congregation celebrates its golden jubilee in 2026, the sisters look back with gratitude and forward with renewed commitment to the mission entrusted to them.
Serving where the roads end
Pastoral accompaniment forms the core ministry of the sisters, as they work closely with priests by assisting in catechesis, sacramental preparation, and faith formation. Their mission often takes them to remote bush outstations, where access is difficult and communities may go long periods without seeing a priest.
“We go to stay with the people deep in the village overnight, preparing them for sacraments, conducting prayers, and helping them feel that the Church is with them,” says Sr. Grace.
In many of these areas, the sisters are viewed not only as pastoral agents but as caregivers. Although not all are trained nurses, the sisters give each other mutual support as they respond passionately to human suffering. They offer first aid, carry basic medicine, and ensure that those living with HIV and AIDS receive medication even in the most isolated locations.
Education health and administration of mission
“Beyond catechesis, the congregation charism embraces teaching, nursing, and administrative ministries,” echoes Sr. Grace. “The sisters serve in Catholic schools, diocesan offices, and health clinics run by Catholic agencies, particularly in areas underserved by the government service.”
“In health ministry, our health practitioners work in Catholic clinics both in town and in remote areas,” Sr. Grace explains. “This too is pastoral work, working with people in their sickness and vulnerability.”
A mentor and bridge builder
Currently pursuing her university degree, Sr. Grace continues her mission on campus as a mentor and spiritual director of the Catholic Students Association. Beyond academic presence, she encourages students, supports their spiritual growth, and helps coordinate liturgical celebrations and pastoral initiatives in collaboration with the university chaplain.
Her leadership also inspires acts of charity. Together with other students and supportive lecturers, she helps organize outreach to prison camps and hospitals, collecting second-hand clothes, food, and funds. The initiatives are student-oriented and grounded in prayer.
Before giving anything,” she says, “we pray with them, encourage them, and remind them that they are not forgotten.”
A voice beyond borders
Sr. Grace was invited to represent the Catholic students of Papua New Guinea at an Asia-Pacific Students meeting in Thailand, which focused on fostering unity among young people and addressing shared challenges like poverty, unemployment, economic hardship, corruption, peace, and justice.
“This opportunity opened my eyes to the fact that many struggles faced by young people in PNG are echoed across the Asian-Pacific region,” she notes.
Upon her return, Sr. Grace shared the outcomes with students at home, helping build stronger networks through WhatsApp and email groups that now connect Catholic student leaders across borders. “We are helping one another by sharing experiences and supporting each other as Catholic students,” she reflects.
A mission lived
In addition to Sr. Grace’s pastoral and student leadership ministry, she serves as a liaison for Church communication, collecting reports on Church activities and sharing them with Radio Maria Papua New Guinea, ensuring that the local Church is heard and seen.
Sr. Grace’s story is not one of prominence but of presence, a testimony to what local religious can offer: proximity and a deep understanding of the people they serve. She embodies the mission envisioned by the congregation’s founder five decades ago, a mission of walking with the people, especially where there is great need.
In Papua New Guinea’s villages, universities, hospitals, and prayer gatherings, that mission continues to bear quiet but lasting fruit.
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