The Congregation of the Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FHIC) was founded on 3rd May, 1871, in Lisbon, Portugal by Mother Maria Clara of the Child Jesus.

In reply to the clamor of the deprived and suffering people, Clara became an expression of God’s tenderness and mercy by offering her life for the service of the most needy in the spirit of the Beatitudes.

Having a total trust in the providence of God, like the poor man of Assisi, St. Francis, she led her life in simplicity, poverty, availability and joy.

Our identity as Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of the Immaculate Conception

Franciscan : As Franciscans we follow the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi who being rich, gave up everything and lived a life of poverty and simplicity for the love of God.

Hospitaller : As Hospitallers we live the charism of Hospitality by receiving and serving everyone with love, simplicity and joy.

Sister : As Sisters we live in community, having one mind, one heart, one spirit, and sharing all goods together in common.

Immaculate Conception : Under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception we have a filial devotion and confidence in Mary our Mother.