Welcome to the discussion group for the Franciscans of Mary the Theotokos. We are a new Independent Catholic Franciscan Religious Order, not under the jurisdiction of Rome. Our Order was created September 8, 2007 on the Feast of the Birth of Mary. We are a contemplative Order in that we seek to live lives that are centered around prayer as opposed to prayer being something we just "fit in" when we have the time. We want to create a cyber community of Sisters as well as local communities. We welcome everyone who feels "Called by Mary" to say "Yes" as She did every moment and to follow Her Way... a way of love and acceptance for all people ... for all life... for all Creation... a way of peace. Being Catholic is NOT a requirement to become a member of our Order. However, being able to embrace our beliefs regarding Mary is! We do NOT believe that Mary was ever meek, passive and/or submissive. Quite the opposite, She was courageous and strong in Her saying "YES" to God. More than a mere "act of obedience" to the Will of God, Her decision was one of great faith and trust. While this is primarily a group for the Franciscans of Mary the Theotokos as a way to have an ongoing dialog regarding how best to embrace and live Marian and Franciscan Spirituality, we also want all who feel called by and drawn to Mary to participate in discussions. A group for all people who want to embrace Marian/Franciscan spirituality as a way of life. This is NOT the place to debate whether Mary ought to be venerated. This is the place for those who believe Mary is to be venerated for Her role in Salvation. "God, who could create all things from nothing would not remake His ruined creation without Mary... Without God's Son, nothing could exist. Without Mary's Son, nothing could be redeemed." - St Anselm Visit our web site: Franciscans of Mary the Theotokos