In an Asian Church marked by poverty, resilience, and deeply lived faith, religious life often finds its most authentic expression not in prominence, but in quiet presence. Such is the witness of the Congregation of the Franciscans of Our Lady of Divine Providence (FLDP)—a young Filipino-founded congregation rooted in the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and animated by radical trust in God.
"I am Sr. Mary Clare T. Balila, FLDP," she says simply, introducing herself not with titles but with mission. As a council member of the congregation founded in 2009, Sr. Mary Clare speaks from lived experience of a vocation shaped by prayer, fraternity, and service among the poor.
The FLDP congregation was born through the discernment of Mother Foundress Mo. Mary Peter Camille A. Marasigan and the late Bishop Joseph A. Nacua, OFM Capuchin, emerging from the heart of the Philippine Church. Its identity is unmistakably Franciscan: evangelical poverty, humility, fraternity, and joyful dependence on Divine Providence.
"Our charism flows from the heart of St. Francis," Sr. Mary Clare explains. “We desire to be lesser sisters—walking humbly with the poor, trusting that God provides.” This trust is mirrored in the congregation’s devotion to Our Lady of Divine Providence, whose quiet fiat and steadfast accompaniment of Christ continue to inspire their mission. Their guiding charism is summed up in a simple yet demanding call: to live simply and joyfully, trust deeply in Divine Providence, and witness Christ’s love through humble service.
Presence at the Grassroots
In Asia, where daily survival and faith are often intertwined, the FLDP sisters believe the Gospel is most credible when lived among the people. Their apostolic life is deeply rooted in Basic Ecclesial Communities, guided by the pastoral vision of Aggiornamento–Communio–Missio—renewal, communion, and mission.
"Our mission is not merely something we do," Sr. Mary Clare reflects. “It is who we are.” From pastoral accompaniment to social services, the sisters serve one person at a time—recognizing each individual as a brother or sister in Christ. In places marked by suffering, they choose to remain, bringing hope, dignity, and healing through simple acts of love.
Healing, Education, and Care for Creation
Faithful to ongoing conversion, the congregation also conducts retreats and recollections, especially for the poor and spiritually searching. In silence and prayer, many rediscover the God of mercy who restores broken lives.
Education forms another cornerstone of their mission. Inspired by Franciscan reverence for all creation, the sisters promote integral human development—forming consciences as much as minds. For them, education is an act of justice and hope.
Care for creation, too, is inseparable from their spirituality. Responding to Laudato Si’ and the “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor,” the FLDP sisters helped establish an 11-hectare diocesan land as a school for Organic Agriculture Production in partnership with TESDA. The Laudato Si’ Farm stands as a living testimony that faith must translate into ecological action.
Fruits of Quiet Fidelity
Over the years, particularly in the Diocese of Ilagan and other parts of the Philippines, the congregation has become known for serving “the least, the last, and the lost.” Their work includes helping establish a Federation of Empowered Women in Isabela, supporting students toward graduation, leading feeding and livelihood programs, and responding to disasters with compassion and preparedness. Their diocese has even been recognized in Asia for best practices in disaster preparedness—proof that humble service, when rooted in faith, can bear far-reaching fruit.
A Call That Endures
Like many religious communities today, the FLDP sisters face the challenge of declining vocations. Yet hope remains alive.
"Many young people continue to serve actively in the Church," Sr. Mary Clare says. “God still calls hearts willing to trust.” To young people discerning religious life, her message is both gentle and urgent: Do not be afraid. Have courage.
"I feel most alive in my vocation when serving quietly, unseen," she reflects. “Religious life is not withdrawal from the world but loving immersion into its wounds and hopes.”
This year being specially dedicated to St Francis, in view of the 800th death anniversary of the saint, the Franciscans of Our Lady of Divine Providence offer a witness marked not by noise or recognition, but by fidelity—living simply, trusting deeply, and serving selflessly, always under the loving gaze of Divine Providence.
