The History, The Aim, and The Spirit of the Institute
(FAS Directory S1.1)
The Foundation
In 1953, Rev. Fr. Gerardo Z. Filippetto, OFM a missionary in the Northeastern region of the Philippines was inspired by the Lord to found an institute of women as auxiliary to his work of evangelization and preservation of the faith in a vast area deprived of priest. The members are to live the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi and follow the examples of the Blessed Virgin Mary in her service to Jesus and the apostles. For this reason, it is right that the religious family be called the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters (FAS). It was founded in the spirit of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis dedicated to a life of prayer, penance and apostolate.
Diocesan Approval
On December 8, 1964, Bishop Teodulfo Domingo, D.D. of the Diocese of Tuguegarao granted its diocesan approval. On May 18, 1996, Archbishop, Diosdado A. Talamayan after having received a favorable consent and approval from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic life, issued the Final Decree of its Canonical Erection as a Religious Institute of Diocesan Right.
Pontifical Recognition
On March 24, 2003, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, after careful examination of its Constitutions and Statutes issued the corrections to be incorporated for this Institute to be presented to the Holy Father for its pontifical recognition. On May 14, 2003, after careful examination of the Constitutions and Directory by the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, a final Decree recognizing the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters as a religious institute of pontifical right was issued.
Recent Developments
Facing new challenges of the present time, a special chapter was held on December 27, 2013 to January 3, 2014 to revise the FAS Constitutions and Directory. On the 13th of January 2016, at the close of the Year of Consecrated Life and the beginning of the Jubilee of Mercy, the Revised FAS Constitutions was approved by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
Our Franciscan Apostolic Sisters Communities-In-Mission
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The Father Founder said, “The Church and me as much as my hands and my body are inseparable. The soul of the Church is the soul of Christ. For the Church I must live, work and die. The Church and I should be one. The Church without me cannot spread. I must help the Church to grow in others.”
In living out the vision of the Father Founder, the Sisters creatively fulfill their mission by responding to the needs of evangelization through the field of education, pastoral work, healthcare, as well as in ministries where FAS presence and witness are called for.
CHARISM
A Franciscan Gospel life of penance, following the crucified Christ in His humility and poverty and in the spirit of Mary's motherhood and discipleship and according to the example of Fr. Gerry Filippetto our Founder.
MISSION
Contemplative: To seek intimacy and union with Lord and in the heart of the world centered in the Holy Eucharist and in imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Apostles, St. Francis of Assisi and Father Founder
Apostolic: To respond generously to the apostolic needs and mission challenges of the Church and of the world as humble auxiliaries and zealous maidservants.
Community: To live in a community in the spirit of familial charity, patience, unity, loyalty, and collective witness.
Formation: To grow in a holistic manner that is genuinely human, evangelical, Christian and Franciscan according to the Gospel and ecclesiastical values and the signs of the times.
Servant Leadership and Animation: To seek the fulfillment of God's will in joyful obedience to the legitimate and responsible authorities, superiors, community, signs of the times and in humble service to the Church and the world.
Teaching Ministry
Serving in schools and parishes, providing education and faith formation to children and adults.
Pastoral Work
Ministering in far villages and remote areas, bringing the presence of the Church to underserved communities.
Health Assistance
Giving health care to those in need, especially in communities lacking medical resources.
Domestic Service
Supporting priests through domestic works in the rectory, enabling their ministry and evangelization.
Seminary Service
Assisting in the formation of future priests through service in seminaries.
Active Contemplative Life
As active contemplatives, we treasure silence, constant prayer and penance. We refill our spirits by prayer and penance and pour out to others by our active apostolate.
Our International Presence
Philippines: Our motherhouse is located in Cagayan, where we continue the foundational mission of serving local communities.
Franciscan Apostolic Sisters Communities and Ministries
Our apostolic presence extends throughout the Philippines and internationally, serving communities through formation, education, healthcare, and pastoral ministry. We are committed to bringing the Franciscan spirit to all those we serve.
Formation Houses and Apostolic Presence
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Archdiocese of Tuguegarao
- FAS Motherhouse - Sta. Cruz, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley
- FAS Novitiate House - Maddarulug, Solana, Cagayan
- House of Prayer - Maddarulug Contemplative Community, Solana, Cagayan
- Pax Et Bonum Retreat House - Barangay Rapuli, Racat, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
- St. Anthony Youth Center - #12 Lecaros Street, Bagumbayan, Tuguegarao City
- Ugnay-Buhay FAS Pastoral Center - Centro, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
- Fr. Gerry Filippetto Memorial Foundation Hospital (FGFMFH) - Sta. Cruz, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley
- St. Anthony's College - Sta. Cruz, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley
- St. Anthony's Academy - Gonzaga, Cagayan Valley
- St. Francis Academy - Sta. Teresita, Cagayan Valley
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Diocese of Laoag
- St. Augustine Parish - Paoay, Ilocos Norte
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Diocese of Libmanan
- Colegio de Sta. Rita Foundation, Inc. - Barangay Cumadog-cadog, Del Gallego, Camarines Sur
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Diocese of San Carlos
- St. Francis School - Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental
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Diocese of Jaro - Collaborative Mission
- St. Candida School - Hijas de Jesus (FI) School System, Estancia, Iloilo
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Diocese of Calbayog
- La Milagrosa Academy - Calbayog City, Samar
- St. Michael Academy - Gandara, Western Samar
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Diocese of Malaybalay
- Sto. Niño High School - Dangcagan, Bukidnon
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Diocese of Ilagan
- FAS Regional House - San Fermin, Cauayan City
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Archdiocese of Manila
- Portiuncula Formation House (Pre-Novitiate) - 3647 Bataan St., Sta. Mesa, Manila
- FAS Central House - 3637 Bataan St., Sta. Mesa, 1016 Manila
- Portiuncula Dormitory - 3692 Lingayen St., Sta. Mesa, 1016 Manila
Foreign Mission
Diocese of Peoria
- Heart of Peoria FAS Mission Community
- Saint Mary Cathedral and O'Rourke Houses - Rectory and Parish Work at the Heart of Peoria Catholic Community
- Staff at Sophia's Soup Kitchen
- Pastoral Care Department at OSF Health Care Center
- Staff at Mother Cabrini Center
- Teachers at Saint Patrick School
Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Our Lady of Mercy FAS Community - East Greenwich, RI
- Parish Work
- Pastoral Care of Children
- Saint Philip FAS Community - Greenville, RI
- Pastoral Care of Children
- Pastoral Care at Health Care Facilities at the Diocesan Catholic Charities
Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska
- Saint Gregory the Great Seminary - Food Service
Diocese of Madang, Papua New Guinea
- Saint Fidelis Seminary - Teachers
FAS Formation Ministry
The FAS Formation Ministry guides candidates through a comprehensive journey of spiritual, human, and religious development, preparing them for a life of consecration and service in the Franciscan Apostolic tradition.
Formation Goals by Stage
Vocation Promotion/Aspirancy
Candidate with sufficient self-knowledge, aware of her God-given gifts and vocation.
Postulancy
Candidate with a good degree of human and Christian maturity, personally and in relation with others.
Novitiate
Candidate personally committed to Christ's call to radical discipleship in the FAS Religious life.
Juniorate
Candidate deeply committed to Christ and His mission through the FAS Charism-Vision-Mission.
Ongoing Formation
A FAS deeply and fully living out her commitment to the Crucified Christ and His mission in the work of redemption.
Basic Requirements for Admission
- Adherence to Catholic faith and the Church's sacramental life
- Right intention and freedom of choice
- Aptitudes and attraction for the mission of the Institute
- Adequate physical and mental health
- Intelligence sufficient to understand the FAS way of life
- Education equivalent to senior high school
- Free from financial obligations
- Free from canonical impediments
- Age: Not before 18th birthday and not after 35th birthday
Required Credentials
- PSA birth certificate and free status certificate
- Baptismal and confirmation certificates
- School records and other personal records
- Recent medical certificate from designated physician
- Other letters and recommendations as required
Formation Stages in Detail
Aspirancy
Purpose: Preparing candidates for the stage of Postulancy, providing opportunity to discover herself, her God-given gifts and vocation.
Program Highlights:
- "Come and See" experience in selected local communities
- Regular schedule of work, prayer, study, recreation
- Conferences, individual counseling, group sharing
- For non-English speakers: language training and cultural exposure
- Mid-term and end-of-program evaluation
Entry Period: November-December (may vary based on needs)
Postulancy
Purpose: Period of preparation for novitiate where candidates discern and decide their way of life through reflection on life experiences.
Program Highlights:
- Orientation to Postulancy formation before receiving the garb
- Rite of Acceptance following day of recollection
- Human, Christian, Marian, and Franciscan-Religious formation
- Gradual introduction to FAS way of life and apostolate
- Mid-year and year-end evaluations
- Two-week to one-month family vacation for discernment
Eligibility: College graduates or at least 2nd year college level who passed Aspirancy
Novitiate
Purpose: Beginning of life in the Institute; intensive period of initial formation in the radical following of Christ.
Duration: Two years divided into:
- Canonical Year: Twelve consecutive months in novitiate community under supervision of novice directress
- Constitutional Year: Apostolic experiences with periods of integration and modular classes
Key Elements:
- Understanding of divine vocation and vocation to the Institute
- Experience of FAS manner of life
- Formation of mind and heart in the spirit of the Institute
- Testing of resolution and suitability through exposures
- Final integration and intensification before profession
Juniorate
Purpose: Period between temporary and perpetual profession for deepening FAS formation.
Duration: At least five years of intensified formation
Program Structure:
- J0: Theological year and orientation to FAS life
- J1-J3: Experience of varied ministries to internalize FAS Charism
- J4-J5: Entry into permanent ministry in line with professional training
- J6: Intensification year and preparation for final commitment
Focus: Broader theological inputs, adequate apostolate preparation, enhancing FAS identity in daily living
Contact Our Vocation Directress
SR. MARIBETH CAUILAN, FAS
Vocation Directress
FAS Mother House
Sta. Cruz, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
Support Our Mission
Your generous donations help the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters continue their mission of serving the poor and marginalized, providing healthcare, education, and spiritual guidance to communities in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Ways to Donate
- Online: Secure credit/debit card payments
- Bank Transfer: Direct deposit to our account
- Check: Mail to our motherhouse
- In-Person: Visit our office
Your Impact
Your donation helps us:
- Provide healthcare to remote communities
- Support educational programs
- Maintain mission stations
- Train and support our sisters