On Sunday, 27 August, parishioners in Mariukirkjan received the sad news at the end of Sunday Mass that the convent of the Franciscan Sisters (Franciscan Missionaries of Mary) will be closed in June 2024 and the sisters moved elsewhere. The news was relayed to the wider Faroese community on Thursday, 31 August.
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary have been present on the Faroe Islands since 1931, almost 100 years, and have played a significant role in Faroese society. They established the first creche and kindergarten on the islands, and a school with the first gymnasium!
From the beginning, the sisters have also been active in building up the Catholic community, now numbering approximately 300 parishioners from over 20 nations.
The Catholic Church will continue on the Faroe Islands, and it hoped that the many committed Catholics in the parish play an ever more active role so that it continues to thrive and grow.
Please keep the Franciscan sisters and parish in your prayers.
The letter from Sr. Laetitia Chevallier, Provincial Superior, which was read to parishioners on her behalf, may be downloaded here: Letter to Parishioners, 27 Aug 2023