Mission Development Office · 500 Coffee Road, Suite C, Modesto, CA 95355development@animachristisisters.org

Vocations & Formation

Artistic depiction of a Black Sister in a white and black striped ACMC-inspired habit responding to Christ's call in radiant light
Radiant light & sacred sound Here I Am, Lord — Dan Schutte
Inspired by the call of Isaiah 6:8
“Come, and you will see.” — John 1:39“Whom shall I send?” — Isaiah 6:8“Follow me.” — Matthew 4:19“Here I am, Lord. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8

Compassion in Action

Anima Christi Missionaries of Consolation

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by His stripes we are healed.”
— Isaiah 53:5

The Anima Christi Missionaries of Consolation are a Franciscan religious community called to bring the healing love and consolation of Christ to a suffering world. Rooted in Eucharistic spirituality and inspired by the compassion of Christ, we seek to become instruments of God's mercy among the poor, the sick, the lonely, the forgotten, and all who suffer physically, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically.

Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel through prayer, presence, compassion, and service. Through our lives of consecration, we strive to make Christ's healing love visible in the world.

The Life You Are Discerning

What Does It Mean to Give Your Life to Christ with ACMC?

Before making any commitment, a woman is formed in the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience and in ACMC’s distinctive commitment to Consolation for the suffering.

Learn what these commitments mean, how they shape daily life, and why formation is essential before profession or commitment.

Understand Our Vows & Commitment
ACMC Heart with Tau emblem

Who May Join?

Discerning a Vocation with ACMC

Women who feel drawn to the Anima Christi Missionaries of Consolation (ACMC) are invited to prayerfully discern whether God may be calling them to a life of prayer, sisterhood, mission, and consolation.

A prospective candidate should ordinarily:

  • Be a single, practicing Catholic woman between 18 and 35 years of age. Women over 35 may be considered on a case-by-case basis following individual discernment.
  • Be free to embrace consecrated life and the demands of religious formation and missionary service.
  • Have received the Sacraments of Christian Initiation and desire to live faithfully within the sacramental life and teachings of the Catholic Church.
  • Have a sincere love for Christ, the Eucharist, prayer, Sacred Scripture, and Our Blessed Mother.
  • Feel drawn to ACMC's Franciscan spirituality and charism of Consolation—bringing the compassionate presence of Christ to a wounded world.
  • Desire to live in community, growing in sisterhood, simplicity, humility, mutual service, and fraternal love.
  • Have a heart for the poor, displaced, grieving, sick, lonely, marginalized, and those who suffer.
  • Possess sufficient human, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical maturity to undertake formation and community life.
  • Be willing to participate fully in ACMC's discernment and formation process.
  • Be open to missionary availability, including the possibility of serving beyond one's own culture, region, or country.

Are You Over 35?

Do not automatically count yourself out. Women over 35 who believe God may be calling them to ACMC are welcome to contact us. Each inquiry will be prayerfully considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the woman's vocation journey, life circumstances, readiness for formation, and suitability for ACMC's contemplative, communal, and missionary way of life.

Not Sure Yet?

You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us. Discernment begins with listening—to God, to the movements of your heart, and to the wisdom of the Church.

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
— 1 Samuel 3:9

If Christ is stirring in your heart a desire to pray deeply, live simply, love generously, and bring His consolation to those who suffer, we invite you to take the next step.

Come and See

Our Apostolic Mission

Consoling Christ in those who suffer

Prayer & Eucharist

Daily Eucharistic Adoration, communal prayer, participation in the Eucharist, devotion to the Rosary, and listening to the Holy Spirit in discernment.

Pastoral Presence

Home visitations to the sick, elderly, and homebound; hospital visitation; pastoral care of the sick; and companionship for the lonely and forgotten.

Evangelization

Street evangelization, catechesis, faith formation, missionary outreach locally and internationally, and service to those on the margins.

Healing & Accompaniment

Accompanying individuals experiencing emotional suffering, trauma, grief, addiction, or psychological wounds through compassionate presence and support.

Works of Mercy

Serving the homeless, the poor, the mentally ill, women, children, vulnerable populations, and those most in need of consolation.

Hidden Holiness

Preparing meals, sweeping floors, visiting the sick, listening to the lonely, and comforting the grieving become sacred expressions of God's love.

Pray Often

The One who calls gives grace

The One who calls also gives the grace and courage to respond. Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, participate in the Eucharist, pray the Rosary, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your discernment.

There is no perfect type of religious sister. God frequently surprises us with His call and invites us to trust Him one step at a time.

Seek Spiritual Guidance

A vocation unfolds gradually

Speak with a priest, spiritual director, religious sister, or trusted mentor who knows you well and can help you discern God's call. A vocation is often a beautiful mystery that unfolds gradually.

Discernment is a journey best undertaken with prayer, openness, accompaniment, and trust in God's providence.

Come and See

Visit, pray, and discern with us

Women discerning a vocation are encouraged to visit the community, participate in prayer and ministry, and experience firsthand the life and mission of the Anima Christi Missionaries of Consolation.

By His Stripes We Are Healed
Isaiah 53:5

For Additional Information

Vocation Directress
Anima Christi Missionaries of Consolation

Nigeria

St. Clare Formation House
No. 1 GRA, Katsina-Ala
Benue State, Nigeria

WhatsApp:
+2348163835660

USA

ACMC Mission Development Office
500 Coffee Road, Suite C
Modesto, CA 95355 USA

WhatsApp:
+17132444047

Email:
development@animachristisisters.org

Compassion in Action

Aspirancy & Candidacy

Formation begins with discernment

Lifelong formation in the Anima Christi Missionaries of Consolation begins during the application process to join our congregation. The candidate has the opportunity to grow in self-knowledge and in understanding her readiness to live religious life.

Our candidacy program includes preparation through prayer, study, and individual direction before entering the congregation. Formation is a lifelong journey of conversion, healing, and conformity to Christ the Consoler.

A candidate is a young woman who has expressed interest in joining our community, completed the application packet, and been accepted for entrance by the leadership of the congregation.

Contact the Vocation Director
Aspirants with Sr. Felicia Agibi, Foundress of ACMC

From Call to Consolation

Your Vocation Journey with ACMC

Every vocation begins with a quiet invitation from God. You do not need to have all the answers before taking the first step. Discernment is a journey of prayer, listening, accompaniment, and discovering where Christ is calling you to love and serve.

1

Listen to the Call

Make room for God in prayer. Ask Him openly: “Lord, what are You asking of me?” Pay attention to the desires He places within your heart—especially a desire for deeper prayer, consecrated life, service, and compassion for those who suffer.

2

Discover ACMC

Learn about the Anima Christi Missionaries of Consolation—our Franciscan spirituality, community life, prayer, and mission of bringing Christ’s consolation to a wounded world.

3

Begin the Conversation

You do not have to discern alone. Reach out to us and tell us a little about yourself and what is stirring in your heart. This is simply an opportunity to begin a conversation—not an application or commitment.

4

Walk With Us

As your discernment continues, ACMC will accompany you through prayer, conversation, and opportunities to learn more about our life and mission. When appropriate, you may be invited to a Come & See experience or another period of closer discernment.

5

Respond in Freedom

Discernment is ultimately about listening for God’s will and responding freely. If you and ACMC discern that God may be calling you to this way of life, you can then take the next appropriate step toward formation.

Is He Calling You?

Could Christ Be Calling You to Become a Missionary of Consolation?

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9

Begin Your Discernment
“Consecrated persons discover that the more they stand at the foot of the Cross of Christ, the more immediately and profoundly they experience the truth of God who is love.”

— Vita Consecrata

Before the Blessed Sacrament

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

We adore Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, in this Church and all the Churches of the world,

R/. And we bless Thee, because, by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

This prayer expresses the Eucharistic and Franciscan heart of the Anima Christi Missionaries of Consolation.

Interested in Discerning?

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our community, please contact our Vocation Director.

Email:
development@animachristisisters.org

Begin Discernment