Beginning on February 6, the death anniversary of our foundress, Venerable Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, we will honor, celebrate and embrace who we are as Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. The Congregations motherhouse is in Olpe, Germany, with provincial houses in Olpe, Germany; Mishawaka, Indiana; Colorado Springs, CO; Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines and a mission house in Brazil. From the very day the community was founded, Mother established perpetual adoration in the local convent chapel. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration was originally founded in Olpe, Germany in 1863 by Maria Theresia Bonzel as the "Poor Sisters of St. Francis Seraph of the Perpetual Adoration". During a mission given in a neighboring town in 1850, Aline experienced an even stronger calling to religious life. Ecclesiastical and civil authorities recognized her work, and the greatest joy of all was the praise of the Congregation and the approval of its Statutes by the Apostolic See in Rome in 1897. We strive to become ever more contemplative and compassionate women endeavoring to address the unmet needs of our times. The Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Praise and Glory to God Little known as yet in America, Mother Maria Theresia was one of Gods special instruments, chosen to promote the ideals of Christian charity and piety. Before long, the thought that she was called to the religious life took form within her. The St. Elizabeth Province is in Germany. Michael Crosby, OFMcap Throughout her life, the Lord sent Mother Maria Theresia many difficulties, sorrows, trials, and disappointments. Archbishop BeckerHe spoke of Maria Theresias extraordinary love of the Blessed Sacrament and her care of the sick and the needy. The life vision and charisma of Saints Francis and Clare so inspired Maria Theresia that she founded her new community as a Third Order Franciscan Congregation. She had a special affection for the orphans and was willing to make any sacrifice for them. The Provincial House of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province is located in Mishawaka, Indiana. Box 7661515 W. Dragoon TrailMishawaka, IN 46546. At its conclusion, the decree of beatification wasenthusiastically affirmed with the congregation applaudingand singing a solemnAmen with the choir, as a new portrait of Blessed Maria Theresia was unveiled in the sanctuary. We ask this through the intercession of Blessed Maria Theresia., The power source from which Blessed Maria Theresia overcame many adversities was her love for the Blessed Sacrament. Find FRANCISCAN HEALTH INDIANAPOLIS reviews and more. The message today is that prayer is powerful. This is the testimony today of the Olpe Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The Cardinal referred to Blessed Maria Theresias service of charity: the charity to the elderly and the sick, the needy and refugeesTo many sick she gave consolation and relief, together with her Sisters; how many children she and her religious Community took from the streets; how many homeless and hungry people they gave food and drink. July 16-25, 2013 PADERBORN, Germany A Catholic nun who was born into a poor rural family and founded a religious order has been beatified in her native Germany more than a century after her death. Archbishop Hans Josef Becker and the general postulator (lawyer) of the beatification process, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, approached Cardinal Amato and asked for the beatification of Mother Maria Theresia. Sisters from the other Provinces will also be gathering in Olpe for this joyous occasion. On January 26, 1999, Jan Burgie called Mount St. Francis and asked for prayers for her then 4 year-old son, Luke, who was suffering from an undiagnosed case of severe/chronic diarrhea since September 1998 and was scheduled for a CAT scan at Childrens Hospital in Denver, CO. Sr. Margaret Mary Preister sent Jan Burgie several prayer cards of Mother Maria Theresia and she herself and Sr. Evangeline Spenner prayed it every morning for Lukes recovery. In the years that followed, Aline took care of her sick sister, Emily, thereby preparing herself for her later care of the sick in their homes and in hospitals. Bishop Rhoades told worshippers the vocation of every person, as disciples of Jesus, involves dying with Jesus in order to produce fruit. Connect with FRANCISCAN HEALTH INDIANAPOLIS, Accounting in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Sisters of St. Francis of Colorado Springs continue to serve Gods people, the poor and vulnerable in Colorado. Her last words were: My Saviour, will You come soon? She died on Monday, February 6, 1905. A few years after the founding of the Congregation, missions could be opened within and beyond the confines of the diocese. Three times Mother Maria Theresia crossed the ocean to visit her Sisters in the United States. Founded by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, the congregation later became known as the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. The growing number of Sisters in the Philippines made possible the establishment of the Immaculate Conception Province in 1993. Impelled by the love of Christ, we, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL), KS offer every loving service in our power to meet the critical needs of God's people. She was often seen kneeling before the tabernacle. She submitted to the bishop the Statutes of the Congregation together with the Rule of Saint Augustine with which she was familiar. When Bishop Joseph Dwenger of Fort Wayne, Indiana, visited the Olpe motherhouse in 1875, he approved of Mother Maria Theresias plan and offered her a wide field of missionary work in his diocese. . Provincial There is something so special about waking up in the middle of the night to spend time with Jesus. After a life of adoration and selfless service, Mother Maria Theresia died on February 6, 1905, leaving a work richly blessed by God and a well-established Congregation. Home About Sisters of St. Francis Who We Are. In 1866 Mother Maria Theresia and her assistant, Sister Franziska Boehmer, first mistress of novices, pronounced their vows according to the new Statutes. An Open House will follow in the convent and guest dining rooms. In 1903 the doctors gave up all hope of her recovery. Perpetual Adoration. The Eucharistic Lord must be discovered by us anew and must be proclaimed as an enabler of selfless love. Since the source of the charitable actions of Blessed Maria Theresia was Eucharistic adoration, it is only a reasonable and distinctive place to find the new Blessed of the Archdiocese of Paderborn in the new Blessed Sacrament Chapel of St. Martins Church. Flowing from prayer, Mother Maria Theresia put herself and the sisters at theservice of children, the sick, and the poor. Contents1 History2 Structure3 See also4 References5 External linksHistoryMain article: Maria Theresia BonzelRegina Christine Wilhelmine An essential part of the Beatification process was the tribunal hearing of the possible miracle held in the Diocesan office in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on February 2, 2001, and concluding the afternoon of February 27, 2001 with the final documents sealed with wax by Bishop Richard Hanifen. Born in Olpe, Germany, in 1830, Aline Bonzel had a comfortable upbringing rooted in her parish and eucharistic devotion. Views: 1 478. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration is a papal congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, founded on July 20, 1863, by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel in Olpe, Germany. The files of her beatificationattest to the love and strength she found therein: She had grown under the softlight of the Eucharistic sun. A year later, she became a member of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis, taking the name Maria Theresia. Her supernatural motives were the secret of her strength and success, and she considered herself merely an instrument in the hands of God. Her impact is felt also in the Diocese . When the citizens of Olpe saw what the situation was, they voiced their objections to Bishop Konrad Martin, who intervened. The Sisters expanded the health system with more . This moment of unveiling was a deeply moving experience for us all. said Sister Clarice Gentrup of the Colorado Springs Province, currently serving on the General Council of the Congregation. Formation 1974 ; 49 years ago (1974) Type Nonprofit Headquarters 1515 West Dragoon Trail Mishawaka, Indiana, U.S. Services Health care Affiliations Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration Staff 18,000 Website www.franciscanhealth.org Formerly called Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, Inc. (1974-2010) Franciscan Health is the name under . Ministries. In 1875, a group of Catholic Sisters from Olpe, Germany answered a call to bring St. Francis' ministries of health and education to the Midwest United States. Please keep Gracie and Lizzy in your prayers. In 1962 the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province opened it first foreign mission at Baybay on the island of Leyte in the Philippines. Mother Maria Theresia was born of deeply religious parents on September 17, 1830, the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis. In 1875, they opened St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana; now part of the Franciscan Health healthcare system. Her heart was often torn by doubts. The number of sisters grew steadily, so that health care in hospitals and other charitable works could be undertaken. COVID-19 Update: Learn about precautions - including visitor guidelines - in place at our hospitals for your safety, and for our patients and caregivers. Sister Clarice was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration on Aug. 12, 1939. Although Mother Maria Theresia readily responded to immediate needs, she planned the expansion of her community with greatest care in order not to overburden the Sisters. All of these services spring from the vision and courage of the first, and founding Sister of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Blessed Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. Under penalty of law, theadmission of new members to the community was prohibited. We invite you to learn more about our Community, join us on our journey & be part of our continuing story of uniting justice and charity to serve God's people. Contact the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration-Columbarium, Nursing Center Admissions, Retreat Center Reservations, Vocations, Women Partnering . Her whole appearance inspired reverence and confidence in all those around her. The practice of health care was possible only under the control of the state. She knew all her Sisters by name, because she carried them all in her heart. Mother Maria Theresia founded the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Olpe, Germany in 1863. In 2012, our health system was selected to participate in a Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Sister Ren has served in hospitals throughout the Franciscan Health system in the departments of Environmental Services, Patient Relations and Spiritual Care. The fourth province is the Immaculate Conception Province in the Philippines. In the midst of great persecution, good always triumphs! In a letter to them she wrote: Constant prayer and conversation with God is what makes us true religious, not our work among children and the sick. Blessed Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel Franciscan Sisters furthering the work of the Catholic Church & Gospel, working in the US & internationally in varied ministries, healing, teaching & praying. Sister Christine was born in Cudahy, Wisconsin, and entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration on Aug. 12, 1944. Mother Maria Theresia was born of deeply religious parents on September 17, 1830, the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis. The Kulturkampf, an anticlerical reaction against the growing strength of the Catholic Church, brought much distress to the young community. OSF; edit. We do this through ministries of spirituality, education, healthcare, church ministry . This page was last edited on 15 October 2022, at 20:12. Bishop's homily from this Mass can be found here. Upon arrival in the sanctuary of St. Martins, Blessed Maria Theresias coffin was placed on the steps of the altar, before being transferred to the newly designed Blessed Sacrament Chapel near the entrance of the Church. The selfless acts of St. Francis of Assisi a man who left behind all his worldly possessions to follow Christ's mission and care for those in need set forth the guiding values under which Franciscan Health began. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration is a papal congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, founded on July 20, 1863 by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel in Olpe, Germany. Her home was close to the village church, and the sound of the organ and the singing of the congregation often mingled with the cradle-songs her mother sang to her. In 1895, the novitiate was moved back to Olpe. She used to say: We are children of St. Francis; we must follow his example. In all things, even in the greatest successes of her life, she gave credit to God and never lost sight of her own unworthiness. She adopted the Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis approved by Pope Leo X for those living a community life. With great devotion she received the last Sacraments and then blessed all the Sisters, adding these significant words: Dear Sisters, I have loved all of you, all without exception, and this love will endure. Contrary to all expectations, and to the great joy of all, she slowly recovered. Watch sisters discuss their vocation stories, Download the app and learn more about our communities, Read the latest CMSWR press releases and news, Watch vocation stories and other videos from CMSWR, P.O. February 6, 2013 Submit a story, ask a question, or get in touch with our staff. In brief, she was all to all. Throughout the day and night across the globe, our Sisters are praying before the Blessed Sacrament, giving glory to God and petitioning for the needs of all peoples. Without really knowing what I was saying, I repeated over and over again, O Lord, I am your victim, accept me as your victim; do not reject me. The Lord accepted her sacrifice. The first sisters came to Lafayette, Indiana, at the . Mishawaka, IN 46546. Nurtured and strengthened by Jesus' presence, we live out this adoration in our daily lives as we strive to help those in need. The Congregation grew rapidly in the United States as generous and loving women responded to Gods call to embrace the charism of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration. With great confidence, Mother Maria Theresia appointed St. Joseph her treasurer, and her trust was amply rewarded. These Sisters, who were separated from their foundress by an ocean, felt her special solicitude and love proven by her frequent visits and numerous letters. Meet local business professionals in the Fort Wayne - South Bend area. Sisters of St Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Olpe by Sister Magdalena Krol Osf. She always strove to inspire respect for the priesthood. An international congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, was founded in 1835 in the Netherlands by Mother Magdalen (Catherine) Damen. Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi Sisters of St. Francis of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Province of the Sacred Heart Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Province of St. Joseph Immaculate Heart Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters of Mercy Sisters of Mercy Partnering with the laity and with other religious communities, the Sisters ministries embody the Franciscan Core Values of sacredness of persons, care of the poor, joyful service, partnership, stewardship and holism. She grew up as Aline Bonzel in an affluent but deeply religious family. . Retreat Rev. Sister M. Ignatia currently serves as the Vocation Director for our community. The life of the cloistered nuns is centered on the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Jump to navigation Jump to search. For all the blessings, opportunities and yes, the challenges too, that facilitated our growth and increased our strength of resolve, we give thanks! The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. Soon many young ladies joined the congregation, causing a rapid expansion in the United States. Roman Catholic congregation for women, founded in 1863 in Olpe, Germany. The congregation of Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration was founded in 1863 in Olpe, Germany, by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, who was beatified Nov. 10, 2013. Read the full notice: Franciscan Health Facilities | Franciscan Physician Network, ATTENTION: If you are not proficient in English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Contact us if you are interested in Religious Life, are considering a vocation to our community, would like more information, or would like to schedule a visit. The Eucharistic Lord must be discovered by us anewand must be proclaimed as an enabler of selfless love.. She has been residing at Our Lady of Angels Convent since 2015. Wherever we are, let us confidently make our needs known. A proclamation conferring the title of Blessed to Maria Theresia Bonzel was signed by Pope Francis on March 27, 2013. Mother Maria Theresia was full of joy and gratitude. After the Te Deum, the coffin was carried to the newly designed Blessed Sacrament Chapel, which was blessed by Archbishop Becker.