Community of St Francis (CSF), European Province

Introduction to the community

As Franciscan sisters, an autonomous part of the Society of St. Francis, our primary vocation is to live the gospel. The context is our life in community, under vows. Our wide range of backgrounds, abilities and gifts contributes to variety in the expression of prayer, study and work, the key elements of our life. Prayer together and alone, with the Eucharist being central, is the heart of our lives. In UK five sisters are priests, and one in Korea. One sister lives the solitary life. Two are in residential care.

Study nurtures our spiritual life, enabling and enriching our service. Work encompasses practical domestic tasks and wide-ranging ministries. Currently these include hospitality, spiritual direction, parish ministry, administration, local church and diocesan roles, ecclesiastical sewing, leading quiet days and retreats, campaigning for justice and care of creation, support and advocacy with marginalised people, being a presence in poor urban areas, and work with deaf blind people. Some of this work is salaried, much is voluntary.

Enriched by the unique gifts of each sister, and by collaboration with our SSF brothers, we continue to embrace the challenge of living a Franciscan life in today’s world.

CSF Provinces worldwide

Contact details

Addresses of houses:

The Community of St Francis, 2 Yukon Way, Leicester LE1 2AF
Tel: 0116 253 9158
Email: leicestercsf@franciscans.org.uk

Minister Provincial: Sr Beverley CSF

ministercsf@franciscans.org.uk

St Alphege Clergy House, Pocock Street, Southwark, London SE1 0BJ
Tel: 020 7928 8912
Email: southwarkcsf@franciscans.org.uk

Minister General: Sr Sue CSF
Tel: 020 7928 7121
Email: ministergeneralcsf@franciscans.org.uk

44-23, Suryu-gil, Haepyeong-myeon, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 730-872, Republic of Korea
Tel: (054) 451 2317
Email: csfkorea@gmail.com

Community information

Date of foundation:
1905
Registered Charity number:
286615

Bishop Protector: Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark

Rule:

Publications

Elizabeth CSF, Corn of Wheat, Becket Publications, Oxford, 1981
Helen Stanton, For Peace and for Good, Canterbury Press, Norwich, 2017

Third Order, Fellowship, Associates

Third Order

See separate entry.

Companions

Companions are individual Christians who wish to associate themselves with the Society through prayer, friendship and in seeking to live the spirit of the Gospel in the way of St Francis. For more information about becoming a Companion contact: The Secretary for Companions, Hilfield Friary, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7BE, UK.

Leadership

Minister General: Sue CSF (assumed Office February 8th 2022)

Minister Provincial: Beverley CSF (assumed Office February 8th 2022)

Membership

European Province

Christine James
Gina
Gwenfryd Mary
Hilary
Jannafer
Joyce
Liz
Maureen
Nan
Patricia Clare

Sisters resident in Korea

Frances
Jemma
Juliana

Members who have died since the last Yearbook:

9 January 2020 – Judith Ann, aged 80, professed 29 years

22 August 2021   Helen Julian, aged 66, professed 33 years Minister Provincial 2002-2012, Minister General 2012-2021

9 September 2023  Elizabeth, aged 92, professed 66 years, Revd Mother 1971-1988, Minister Provincial 1988-1991

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