THE HISTORY OF FMM in Malaysia and Singapore
Sisters onboard the "Tabian" included: Mother M. Aimable de la Passion, French Canadian; Mother M. de St Rainfroy , French Canadian; Mother M. Notre Dame du Cap, French Canadian with Mother M Chrysanthe, Regional Superior of the new province of “The Immaculate Heart” comprising, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore-Malaya. Also with this group were Mother M. Bernice destined for Java, Mother M. Ann Theresa, Mother M.Francine de Jesus, and Mother M. Adela Luisa.
The first 3 FMM arrived in Singapore on 1st May 1953 on the “Tabian” which left Genoa, Italy on 30th March. They were welcomed by Mgr. M. Olcomendy, Bishop of Malacca residing in Singapore who had invited the FMM. On the 6th May, three more FMM arrived from Macao.
The Sisters of the Dames of St Maur (aka IJ Sisters) provided them hospitality at their convent on Victoria Street while the FMM looked around for a suitable place to start their foundation.
With the help of the late Mr Ee Peng Liang and Fr Duquet, the sisters were able to purchase a property on Holland Road and so began the first FMM foundation, Maris Stella. On the 29th October 1953 the six FMM settled into their new abode.They had no furniture and had to use the bed for a table and packing cases for stools. The beginnings were tough but God showered them with love through the many people who helped them.
The Sisters of the Dames of St Maur (aka IJ Sisters) provided them hospitality at their convent on Victoria Street while the FMM looked around for a suitable place to start their foundation.
With the help of the late Mr Ee Peng Liang and Fr Duquet, the sisters were able to purchase a property on Holland Road and so began the first FMM foundation, Maris Stella. On the 29th October 1953 the six FMM settled into their new abode.They had no furniture and had to use the bed for a table and packing cases for stools. The beginnings were tough but God showered them with love through the many people who helped them.
Ministries
Soon other sisters arrived and the FMM began to serve the people of Singapore in various ministries: kindergartens, vocational school for girls who could not continue to do their A levels, a secondary school for Chinese girls from the farming families in Upper Serangoon, mobile dispensaries in the poorer areas, a Workroom for Vestments, Private Tuition in English and French, Music Lessons, social services and catechesis.
Soon other sisters arrived and the FMM began to serve the people of Singapore in various ministries: kindergartens, vocational school for girls who could not continue to do their A levels, a secondary school for Chinese girls from the farming families in Upper Serangoon, mobile dispensaries in the poorer areas, a Workroom for Vestments, Private Tuition in English and French, Music Lessons, social services and catechesis.
Foundation in Malaya
Hardly had they occupied the premises at Holland Road than the Sisters were preparing for the foundation of Assunta Convent in Petaling Jaya, Malaya. The foundation in Malaya began in 1954 in response to an appeal by the then Attorney General, Sir Michael Hogan. He had visited the Superior General of the FMM in Rome in 1953 to ask for missionary workers doing medical, educational or social welfare work in the new villages in Malaya.
He visited our Sisters again in Singapore and gave assurance that he would sound out possiblities in the Federation for a foundation. It was Mrs Hogan who helped the sisters to purchase land for the building of their convent.
Once again it was the IJ sisters who provided accommodation for the new missionaries at their convent in Bukit Nanas until their own house was ready. As in Singapore, the sisters ran dispensaries in the poorer areas, started a kindergarten, carried out social and pastoral works and directed a catechetical centre. In time the maternity hospital grew into the present day Assunta Hospital.
Hardly had they occupied the premises at Holland Road than the Sisters were preparing for the foundation of Assunta Convent in Petaling Jaya, Malaya. The foundation in Malaya began in 1954 in response to an appeal by the then Attorney General, Sir Michael Hogan. He had visited the Superior General of the FMM in Rome in 1953 to ask for missionary workers doing medical, educational or social welfare work in the new villages in Malaya.
He visited our Sisters again in Singapore and gave assurance that he would sound out possiblities in the Federation for a foundation. It was Mrs Hogan who helped the sisters to purchase land for the building of their convent.
Once again it was the IJ sisters who provided accommodation for the new missionaries at their convent in Bukit Nanas until their own house was ready. As in Singapore, the sisters ran dispensaries in the poorer areas, started a kindergarten, carried out social and pastoral works and directed a catechetical centre. In time the maternity hospital grew into the present day Assunta Hospital.
The East Coast of Malaya
Soon the East Coast of Malaya beckoned. Before 1949 there were no resident Catholic priests on the East Coast of Malaya in the States of Kelantan, Trengganu and Pahang. Fr. Guittat was sent by the Bishop of Malacca-Singapore to start organising the Catholic Church mission on the East of Malaya. There were a few Catholics scattered throughout this vast region. In 1955 the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary were invited to Kuantan, Pahang by Fr. Guittat to help provide education for the children and spiritual support to the Catholics who were the minority in a predominantly Muslim population. In 1962, the FMM opened a house in Kota Bharu, Kelantan and in 1967 in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.
Soon the East Coast of Malaya beckoned. Before 1949 there were no resident Catholic priests on the East Coast of Malaya in the States of Kelantan, Trengganu and Pahang. Fr. Guittat was sent by the Bishop of Malacca-Singapore to start organising the Catholic Church mission on the East of Malaya. There were a few Catholics scattered throughout this vast region. In 1955 the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary were invited to Kuantan, Pahang by Fr. Guittat to help provide education for the children and spiritual support to the Catholics who were the minority in a predominantly Muslim population. In 1962, the FMM opened a house in Kota Bharu, Kelantan and in 1967 in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.
Click HERE to view a slideshow of the 60 Years of FMM in Singapore
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