The charism of the Franciscan Handmaids of the Good Shepherd is to incarnate the tenderness and maternal solicitude of Christ the Good Shepherd in service to humanity, especially among the poor and marginalized, with special care for women, youth, the elderly, and abandoned persons. The sisters live a Franciscan-inspired life of prayer, simplicity, and solidarity, expressing God’s mercy through compassion and practical care.

The Franciscan Handmaids of the Good Shepherd were founded in India on January 25, 1983, through the initiative of Mother Teresa Napoli (originally of the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood) together with Fr. Bonaventura Romani, OFM Capuchin. Emerging from a desire to follow the Good Shepherd’s example of care and service, the congregation has grown in number and mission across various Indian states amid diverse cultural contexts, both in Syro-Malabar and Latin rites.

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