We follow St. Maximilian Kolbe’s ideal - to become “docile instruments” in the hands of God and Mary Immaculate. Alongside him, we walk in the footsteps of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, as we too are called to be "love in the heart of the Church". The core of our spirituality is our consecration (or gift of self) to God through the Immaculata. Most of us live out this consecration through normal married and family life, while some men and women (external oblates) live private vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and consecration to Mary Immaculate while continuing to live and work in the world. Our third branch also warmly welcomes laypeople - even those belonging to other charisms - and diocesan priests who wish to infuse their priesthood with a Marian presence and spirituality.

Belonging to the “Franciscan Family of Mary Immaculate” is not difficult at all! We gather all together once a year, and more often locally whenever possible. Ultimately, the most important thing is bringing God’s love to others, with and like the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Each member, according to our duties and state of life, is called to transform life at home and at work with the spirit of the Gospel and the presence of Mary Immaculate. This can include daily Mass when possible, the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, or personal meditation on Sacred Scripture and the writings of our patron saints (St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. John of the Cross). Our local gatherings, usually held once a month, also provide inspiration for our personal growth to become “docile instruments” of Mary Immaculate in our everyday lives and workplaces.

This means bringing God’s presence and love, with and like Mary Immaculate, to everyone we meet daily: at home with our family, at work and with our co-workers, or perhaps while taking a walk or while waiting in line at the post office.

The ways of living out our mission are as varied as our unique lives. How we do this depends especially on our state of life - whether as families, laypeople, consecrated men, or diocesan priests. The Franciscan Family of Mary Immaculate follows the spirit of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, who excelled in finding simple and creative ways to realize his ideal. Like Kolbe’s Militia of Mary Immaculate, we also have few requirements: wear the Miraculous Medal if possible, and gather at local or national meetings (typically once a month locally and once a year nationally). Most especially, the aim of our daily lives and spirituality is to deepen our personal belonging to God through Mary Immaculate. Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the school of St. Maximilian Kolbe is our starting point; it is She - or rather, the Holy Spirit acting through her - who guides us in God’s ways.