Mother Bridget Sequeira: A Humble Flame of Love and Service

Mother Bridget Sequeira

In the rich tapestry of Christian history in the Indian subcontinent, certain individuals shine with a quiet but enduring light. One such soul is Mother Bridget Sequeira, the revered founder of the Franciscan Missionaries of Christ the King (F.M.C.K.), a congregation born out of love, humility, and unwavering faith.

A Heart Formed by Christ

Sr. Mother Bridget Sequeira, F.M.C.K, was born on December 12, 1905, in Abu Sher, Persia. Chosen by Divine Providence, she became the humble instrument through whom the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of Christ the King (F.M.C.K.) was born in 1937. Deeply pierced by the Crucified Christ’s cry, “I thirst,” she surrendered her life to quench the thirst of Christ for souls.

Educated in Karachi (now in Pakistan), Bridget was drawn not only to academic pursuits but also to the inner life of prayer and reflection. This spiritual depth would become the foundation of her lifelong mission.

The Call to Serve

In an era when women’s leadership in religious life was still emerging, Bridget responded to God’s call with boldness. She founded the Franciscan Missionaries of Christ the King on February 2, 1937, in Karachi. The congregation was formed to bring Christ’s compassionate presence into the world —particularly among the poor, the sick, the abandoned, and those in the margins of society.

Inspired by the simplicity and joy of St. Francis of Assisi and the kingship of Christ, Mother Bridget envisioned a community that would serve “with joy, simplicity, and a deep spirit of prayer.” The F.M.C.K. sisters embodied the heart of the Gospel: a love that goes out to meet others in their suffering and lifts them with dignity.

A Mission Beyond Borders

From its beginnings in Karachi, the congregation spread to other parts of India, Pakistan, and later to countries like Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and Italy. The sisters became known for their work in education, health care, social work, and pastoral ministry. Wherever they went, they were a living witness of Christ’s love — bringing hope to orphaned children, healing to the sick, and education to the underprivileged.

Mother Bridget’s vision was always rooted in deep humility. She never sought fame or recognition but believed in empowering her sisters to carry Christ to the ends of the earth. Her leadership was marked by gentleness, discipline, and an unwavering trust in Divine Providence.

Her Legacy Lives On

Mother Bridget Sequeira passed into eternal life on July 2, 1987, but her legacy lives on in the lives of hundreds of sisters who continue to carry out her mission. The F.M.C.K. congregation today stands as a testimony to one woman’s total surrender to God and fearless love for humanity.

In her own words, Mother Bridget once said:

“To be a true Missionary of Christ the King is to live with Him, to work with Him, to suffer with Him, and to die in Him.”

Her life is a gentle reminder that true greatness lies not in titles or accolades, but in a heart completely given over to love.

A Legacy of Love

In 1946, she arrived in Goa and established Lourdes Convent. The Congregation flourished, serving through schools, orphanages, and hospitals. Mother Bridget entered eternal life on July 1, 1987, aged 81, leaving behind a sacred legacy of love and service.