Franciscan Minims of the Perpetual Help of Mary

The Order of Atonement of the Franciscan Minims of the Perpetual Help of Mary (mfPS) is a Roman Catholic active-contemplative religious order. Unlike many other orders, it is a single entity comprising three distinct branches: the Men's Branch (priests and brothers/friars), the Women's Branch (nuns), and the Lay Branch (open to people of all ages and professions, including the sick and the unborn).

Origins and Foundation

The order was founded on June 24, 1942, in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico, by María Concepción of the Nativity and the Perpetual Help of Mary. Also known as the Order of Atonement or the Legion of Victim Souls, the order's members are called "Minims." Their spiritual life is centered around the motto "Charity and Immolation."

The foundation of the order is rooted in the experiences of María Concepción Zúñiga López. She claimed that Jesus Christ dictated the rule and constitutions of the order to her. Her early life was marked by the religious persecution of Catholics in Mexico under the government of Plutarco Elías Calles between 1924 and 1928. During this time, she received her first Holy Communion in secret and was taught the faith by the Eucharistic Jesus.

The Religious Habit

The habit of the Franciscan Minims is visually distinct, reflecting the colors of the Blessed Virgin Mary as seen in the icon of Perpetual Help. The habit consists of a maroon tunic and a blue veil (or blue cowl for men). These colors traditionally signify the virginity (red) and motherhood (blue) of Mary. In Mexico City during the 1970s, the nuns were colloquially known as "Los Rojos" (the Red ones) due to the tunic's color.

Apostolate and Vows

The Franciscan Minims live according to the Primitive Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi. Upon profession, members take five vows: Poverty, Chastity, Obedience, and two special vows: the Vow of Victim to the Divine Justice and Mercy of Christ and the Vow of Obedience to the Pope.

The order's primary focus, as instructed to the foundress, is to live and preach the Gospel to end schisms within the church and to catechize those who have separated themselves from the church and the Vicar of Christ. Their apostolate is characterized by perpetual Eucharistic adoration in union with the Eucharistic Victim Heart of Jesus.

Distinction from Other Orders

It is important to note that the Order of Atonement of the Franciscan Minims of the Perpetual Help of Mary is not related to the Order of Minims (OM), founded by Saint Francis of Paola.