A community of women religious, one with the Church.
The Congregation of St. Francis Xavier Sisters is a Catholic religious community committed to living the Gospel through prayer, service, and community life. Our sisters dedicate their lives to God and to the service of others.
Our Identity & Spirit
This is a Religious Congregation of Diocesan Right with public vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, both temporary and perpetual. The members live a fraternal life in common with its principal seat in the Diocese of Pathein, Myanmar.
The Gospel is the main inspiration of this Congregation, especially the Beatitudes. Because of the poor in spirit, the Congregation finds its joy working among the needy. As followers of Christ, we hold to a vision of "making God's presence known and felt by uplifting the dignity of people."
"Following the way of compassionate Christ." — The Spirit of our Congregation
At a Glance
- Founded26 August 1897
- FounderBishop Alexandar Cardot, MEP
- Founding PlacePathein, Myanmar
- Principal SeatDiocese of Pathein
- Dioceses Served13 in Myanmar
- Foreign Missions4 Countries
- General Chapters Held13 Since Autonomy
Rooted in Prayer, Sent in Mission
Following the example of St. Francis Xavier, we are called to go wherever we are needed most, trusting in God's providence.
Deep Relationship with God
Cultivated through a consistent life of prayer.
Eucharistic Devotion
A central source of grace and communal life.
Simplicity & Humility
Living the Beatitudes in daily community life.
Missionary Outreach
Going wherever we are needed most.
Growing in Faith & Vocation
To enter our religious life, candidates undergo the following steps of spiritual and community preparation:
Aspirancy
The first step of discernment toward religious life.
Postulancy
A period of deeper initiation into community life.
Novitiate
Formal spiritual formation within the congregation.
Temporary Profession
First public vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Perpetual Profession
Lifelong commitment through final, perpetual vows.
General Chapter & Leadership
The Congregation is guided by a spirit of communal discernment and shared responsibility. The General Chapter, our highest governing body, is a sacred time of prayer, reflection, and decision-making — discerning God's will, evaluating our life and mission, setting priorities, and electing the leadership team.
Since 2018, the General Chapter has been held once every four years, enabling the Congregation to respond more quickly to emerging needs and remain attentive to the signs of the times.
A Legacy Since 1897
The Congregation of St. Francis Xavier Sisters was founded on 26 August 1897 in Pathein, Myanmar, by Bishop Alexandar Cardot, MEP, in response to the needs of the local Church — especially in education, faith formation, and care for the poor.
In its earliest days, the Congregation was closely supported by the local Church, particularly under the guidance of Archbishop Gabriel Mahn Tho Hay. During the early years, the sisters served primarily in Pathein, Yangon, and Myeik — teaching, providing catechism, and visiting the sick and poor, laying a strong foundation for the Congregation's growth.
- 1897
The Mother House of the Congregation was established in Pathein.
- 1983
Silver Jubilee celebrated; school opened in Kayar Village under Mother Assumpta's leadership.
- 1994
Mother Mary Joseph elected as Superior General in the Congregation's third election.
- 2018
The General Chapter shifted from a six-year to a four-year cycle.
- Today
The Congregation has celebrated its 13th General Chapter since gaining autonomy.
Dioceses Served in Myanmar
Foreign Countries
Years of Faithful Service