An ordinary house in an ordinary road in Brixton. and five ordinary women. who have made choices that seem extraordinary to most people in the 21st century, following a way of life inspired by 13th century saints, Francis and Clare.

Francis did not set out to found a religious order. For him to live a life following the example of Jesus, giving up possessions and preaching the Good News to all, was his prime purpose. But others were attracted to follow his life and join him as Friars - Brothers - and thus the Franciscans, the Order of Friars Minor began. Soon after Clare, inspired by the same ideals, founded an order. This survives today as the Poor Clares.

After the Reformation there were no Anglican Religious Orders until the middle of the 19th century. The Community of St Francis was founded in the East End of London in 1905. The early sisters lived a hard life, taking in laundry to earn a meagre penny, later looking after long-term bed-ridden women. Today we have houses in Somerset, where we run a small retreat house, in Birmingham, where we look after our less mobile sisters, two hermits in Wales and sisters in London.

So, what do we do all day? Like all members of religious orders, we take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience after a period as a novice. We aren't able to live in absolute poverty but we do try to live simply. The sustaining core of our life is our daily prayer, four times a day in chapel and from this foundation we carry out our everyday work, sharing the household tasks and going out to work (to earn money to pay the bills!)

In London, our work varies according to our particular gifts. One sister is a prison chaplain, another works in a school and another does secretarial work but we all undertake more 'churchy' engagements when invited, such as preaching, leading quiet days and retreats or giving talks and some sisters are trained in spiritual direction. We also work in parish missions, lead camps for young people and visit schools and colleges. On Sundays we attend local churches as members of the congregation. Although we wear habits for more formal occasions, for much of the time we wear ordinary clothes.

Our lifestyle isn't for everyone. Each of us has responded to a call to this particular way of life which is not always easy. Being responsible to each other and for each other; having no personal money, building good relationships with all we meet rather than with a specific partner or relatives have potential both for a great freedom from the world and a slavery to unremitting dullness.

For those who are called, there is a joy and a humility in being open to the love of God and taking that love to all and, with our brother Francis, following in the footsteps of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sr Chris James CSF

Southwark's Religious Communities