Marist Sisters
Francine McGovern SM
The Marist Sisters were founded in Cerdon, France, in 1817 by Fr Jean Claude Colin and Jeanne Marie Chavoin. We are an international congregation. In Aotearoa New Zealand we have communities in Auckland, Kaikohe, Rawene, Rotorua and Wellington.
Our founders wanted Marists to be an active and discreet presence of Mary wherever they were. They dreamed of a Marian Church where all would be welcome, especially those on the margins.
Since our order’s founding, most of us have been involved in education. Today we are called to serve the world and the Church in a variety of ways, according to our Constitutions, ‘Following Christ as Mary did in a Congregation that bears her name’. In school, parish, pastoral and prayer ministries, we practice the ideals set before us. We are called to be a sign of the presence of the risen Jesus in the Church and in society.
For Marists, the daily inspiration of our lives is to live the Gospel as Mary did.
Francine McGovern SM is a Marist Sister based in Tawa, and is involved with parish and community groups.