The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows began in the missions of China, in 1939, as a diocesan community of Religious Sisters.  Our community was founded by an Italian missionary, Most Rev. Rafael Palazzi, OFM, Bishop of Heng Yang, Hunan, China. 

Providence expanded our focus as our community fled communism in 1948 and began missionary ministries elsewhere.  At the time, Bishop Palazzi changed our name from Franciscan Sisters of the Sorrowful Virgin to Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows. 

As he neared death, our founder was heard to say: "I love China and the people of China. God please bless China and my dear Chinese."