Author: C_Berghorn

Schwester M. Maris

Am 16. Juni 1943 wurde ich, Maria Elisabeth Keller, als Zweitjüngstes von 11 Kindern meiner Eltern Maria und Franz Keller in Ibbenbüren geboren. Mit fünf älteren Brüdern und fünf Schwestern verlebte ich meine Kindheit, vertraut mit Tieren und Landarbeit, die Basis war für unsere christlich religiöse Großfamilie.

Da mein Vater im Hauptberuf auf der Zeche unter Tage beschäftigt war, mussten besonders die Brüder und auch die älteren Schwestern bei der Landwirtschaft helfen. Alle waren neben ihrer Berufsarbeit – ob im Büro, bei der Post, als Schneider oder in der Fabrik – täglich im häuslichen Betrieb eingespannt. Alle packten nach Kräften mit an. Auch wir Jüngsten waren nach dem Unterricht in der Schule bei der Feldarbeit eingeteilt. Mir machte die Arbeit schon im Kindesalter viel Freude, besonders wenn ich die großen Flächen der Felder mit unserem Pferd Flora pflügen oder eggen durfte. So wuchs wohl die Hoffnung meines Vaters, ich würde später die Landwirtschaft übernehmen.

Bei mir aber reifte der Wunsch, nach der Schulzeit (acht Jahre Volksschule) einen kaufmännischen Beruf zu erlernen, den ich auch einige Jahre zur großen Enttäuschung meines Vaters ausgeübt habe. Doch meine „innere Stimme“ regte sich vermehrt immer häufiger, einen religiösen Beruf ergreifen zu wollen, aber da war mein ganz persönliches Empfinden mir im Weg, nämlich eine Furcht vor Krankenhausbesuchen.

Um dem entgegen zu treten, ließ ich mich zur Malteser Hilfs-Schwesternhelferin ausbilden, zu dem auch eine Praktikumszeit im Krankenhaus gehörte. Durch diese Konfrontation im Krankenhaus wuchs meine Begeisterung zu diesem Einsatz und ich verpflichtete mich –  neben meiner beruflichen Tätigkeit als Verkäuferin im großen Kaufhaus – zum 14-tägigen Wochenenddienst im St. Elisabeth-Hospital in Ibbenbüren bei den Schwestern vom Heiligen Franziskus. Jetzt war ich nach meiner dreijährigen kaufmännischen Lehre nebenbei meinem inneren Wunsch, „für andere da zu sein“, sehr viel nähergekommen.

Nach einigen Jahren wurde der Wunsch nach einem geistlichen Beruf in mir immer stärker, wohl auch durch meine Aufgabe als Gruppenleitung in der CAJ, wo sich doch meine „Unruhe des Herzens“ immer wieder meldete. So machte ich eine Ausbildung als Caritas-Krankenschwester im Jahre 1964 in Ibbenbüren. Diese Aufgabe machte mir sehr schnell deutlich, dass hier meine Stärken lag Menschen helfen zu können, und die mich ganz ausfüllte. Hier fühlte ich mich am Arbeitsplatz, im Krankenhaus und im Kontakt zu den Ordensschwestern ganz zu Hause. Doch ich war noch immer nicht am Ziel meines Weges, „was will ER noch von mir“ beschäftigte mein Herz und meine Gedanken über etliche Jahre im Beruf. Im Juni hörte ich die Predigt eines Franziskanerpaters zum Thema „Nachfolge“, da zündete endlich bei mir das Wort „Folge mir“ wie ein Funke. Noch am gleichen Tag rief ich im Mutterhaus in Münster an und bat um einen Vorstellungstermin bei der Noviziatsleiterin.

Endlich hatte ich mein Ziel vor Augen, kündigte meine Anstellung zum 1. Oktober und trat am 2. Oktober 1969 in den Orden der Mauritzer Franziskanerinnen in Münster ein. Ich war inzwischen 26 Jahre alt. Für meine Eltern war es sehr schwer, da die Weiterführung der Landwirtschaft nun nicht mehr gegeben war. Keiner meiner Geschwister hatte sich für diesen Beruf entschieden und somit wurde unser Landbestand zu Bauland erklärt und auch so genutzt. Unter Tränen haben meine Eltern aber meine Entscheidung akzeptiert, meine Geschwister dagegen reagierten mit Unverständnis.

In der mir noch unbekannten Atmosphäre eines Klosters durchlief ich mit zwei weiteren Postulantinnen die vorgegebene Postulats–, Noviziats- und Junioratszeit. Beim Arbeitseinsatz in der Krankenpflege waren meine Kenntnisse nicht relevant, eher hinderlich, denn wir hatten überall zu dienen und zu fragen.

Nach der zeitlichen Profess 1972 schlossen sich Einsätze auf den Stationen im Hospital an, die mich auch ganz forderten, beruflich wie auch im Ordensleben. Doch dies war die Zeit, wo wir gebraucht wurden und die meinem Ideal entsprach, ganz für Gott und die Menschen da sein zu wollen. Meine ewige Profess legte ich im Jahre 1976 ab.

Von 1984 – 1985 absolvierte ich die Ausbildung zur Pflegedienstleitung und Lehrtätigkeit an Krankenpflegeschulen.

Nach einigen Einsätzen in verschiedenen Hospitälern war ich fast 13 Jahre im Stift Tilbeck, einer Einrichtung für geistig Behinderte und akut psychiatrisch erkrankte Personen. 1986 wurde ich zur Provinzratsschwester der Rheinischen Provinz Christkönig gewählt; diese Aufgabe habe ich neben meiner Tätigkeit bis 1989 ausgeübt.

Während meiner Zeit im Stift Tilbeck durfte ich aktiv mitarbeiten im Vorstand des Katholischen Verbandes für Behinderte auf Bundesebene, Fachverband des Deutschen Caritasverbandes Freiburg. Es gab mir Kraft und Weitblick, in diesem Gremium aller Leiter von Katholischen Behinderteneinrichtungen sechs Jahre als gewähltes Mitglied als einzige Ordensfrau mitzuarbeiten zum Wohl der Behinderten.

Aus gesundheitlichen Gründen beendete ich 2001 die Tätigkeit im Stift Tilbeck. Nach einer Auszeit übernahm ich im Elisabeth-Haus (Seniorenheim) in Emsbüren die Seelsorge und Betreuung der Bewohner für zehn Jahre. Es war eine sehr interessante und vielseitige Aufgabe, die ich gern ausgeführt habe in enger Zusammenarbeit mit der Leitung und den Mitarbeitern des Hauses, wie auch mit den Dorfbewohnern und der Kirche.

2011 erbat der Bischof von Osnabrück eine Schwester für die Seelsorge im Gefängnis in Bremen. Ich habe diese Aufgabe gern angenommen und fast vier Jahre durchgeführt. In vielen Glaubensgesprächen und Schuldbekenntnissen der Gefangenen konnte ich oft nur zuhören, aber auch den Betroffenen Hoffnung auf einen Neuanfang vermitteln.

Nebenbei war ich in der Schule St. Josef in Oslebshausen in der Betreuung der Kinder beim Mittagstisch und bei Aufsicht der Schulaufgaben eingesetzt. Der interreligiösen Kontaktgruppe der Gemeinde mit den muslimischen Frauen war ich sehr verbunden und habe regelmäßig an den Treffen und dem Austausch teilgenommen. Gemeinsam haben wir durch intensive Gespräche erörtert, was uns verbindet und trägt.

2014 übernahm ich für zwei Jahre eine Aufgabe im Pfortendienst in Telgte im Haus Maria-Hilf. Anschließend hatte ich einen Einsatz in der Seelsorge mit Sterbebegleitung und Betreuung der Kapelle im St. Marien-Hospital Vreden. Diese intensive Aufgabe forderte mich sehr stark.

Seit Oktober 2019 lebe ich nun wieder im Mutterhaus in Münster im Konvent. Für mich ist es nach vielen unterschiedlichen Tätigkeiten und Einsätzen wie ein Zurückkommen nach Hause, wofür ich dankbar bin und hier anfallende Arbeiten gern übernehme. Um unseren gemeinsamen Auftrag „Christi heilende Gegenwart“ zu vermitteln, bin ich wöchentlich im Münsterschen Kirchenfoyer anwesend und aufnahmebereit für viele Begegnungen. Ich hoffe, noch viele Jahre unserer Gemeinschaft, den Mauritzer Franziskanerinnen, dienen zu können, zum Zeugnis der Kirche in dieser Welt.

Zur Übersicht

Sister M. Marlene Schmidt

“I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand;
It is I who say to you, Do not fear, I will help you.” 
 (Isaiah 41:13)

This quote from the Book of Isaiah has deeply influenced my life in the community and was especially significant at the beginning of my religious journey.

I was born on September 24, 1951, in Friesoythe-Neuscharrel, a small town in the Oldenburg region, within the district of Cloppenburg, Lower Saxony. My parents, Anna and Bernhard Schmidt, were farmers. I grew up with two brothers and two sisters in a multigenerational household that also included our grandmother, two aunts, and a cousin. From an early age, I experienced the richness of community in this setting, which gave me a sense of security and belonging. However, living in such a household also meant contributing to the family’s farm, household chores, and fieldwork, which I particularly enjoyed.

The Christian faith was an integral part of my family’s life. The Sunday church service, attendance at weekday church services, the communal prayer of the rosary in October, and the May devotions in the family — all these were the most natural parts of life and were never questioned; they simply belonged to my life. My brothers and sisters and I were actively involved in the church. For my brothers it was the ministry as altar servers; for my sisters and for me it were the lector ministry, the parish council,the girls’ groups, charity collections, and library work. My parents always encouraged us in these activities.

I attended elementary school in my hometown of Neuscharrel for nine years and then the intermediate commercial school in Friesoythe. After graduating from commercial school, I worked in the office of a slaughterhouse for 17 years. The serious phase of life began.

The year 1974 was a very difficult year for my family. At the age of 55, my father died of a brain tumor. This was a very serious blow of fate for my family and me. My youngest sister was just 11 years old. During this time I got to know the Mauritzer Franciscan Sisters. After my father’s death, I volunteered there on Sundays for 12 years and got to know sisters who helped me a lot with my grief for my father. In 1978, my mother died at the age of 59. During this time I experienced not only grief, but also learned what it meant to have a family where untity is a priority. I also completed additional training as a teacher and taught shorthand and typing to young people at various educational institutions.

During that time, I often asked myself if that is all there is. I did not really want to enter a religious community. In my free time I had many contacts with Religious.  A Sister once asked me, when I was going to enter the Congregation, and I replied, “When Easter and Christmas will fall on the same day.” To prove to myself that I didn’t want to do that, I indeed built a house, although I never moved in. For a long time, I reflected on whether God was calling me to follow Him. I participated in weekends of reflection in the Motherhouse, I talked with sisters from different communities. The decisive factor in my decision to join a Franciscan community was the Catholics’ Convention in Aachen in 1986. A sermon given by Bishop Hemmerle on the theme “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” touched me, spoke to me, and brought a restlessness to me. Just at that time, the company where I worked was dissolved and I had to look for a new job. At that time I made a ‘deal’ with the dear Lord. I prayed to find a new job. I didn’t want to enter because of not having a job, because then I would have thought that the religious life was an emergency solution. But suddenly I had the opportunity to get several jobs at once. And so I was able to decide freely to accept God’s call.

In 1987, I entered the religious community of the Mauritzer Franciscan Sisters in Münster. The beginning was not easy, and in a crisis, when I wanted to leave the Congregation, God gave me the Bible verse from the Book of Isaiah. This was a promise of God to me personally. In 1989, I professed my first vows. In the retreat before the day of first profession, I had doubts and God gave me another Bible verse from the Gospel of Luke: Let the dead bury their dead, but you go and proclaim the Kingdom of God. For me, this was both; a mission and a mandate. In 1997, I professed my perpetual vows.

During the years of Juniorate, I often worked in the patient reception and in this time I also graduated as an office clerk. But at the same time, I felt the desire to work in the pastoral care, in the parish.

My wish was fulfilled in 1992/1994, when I attended a further qualification measure in pastoral care,  in the work with the elderly. Following this, I worked in various facilities and parishes. From 2000 to 2003, I completed a further training in hospital pastoral care in the Diocese of Münster. After my certification I got a job in Recklinghausen as a hospital pastoral care worker, but with the assignment in the pastoral care of the elderly. I am still there today and have been working for 18 years in two homes for the elderly and in a large parish. During this time I was able to complete additional studies in palliative care and grief counseling. Since the Bible is important to me and my life, I also had the opportunity to be trained as a bibliologist in the Diocese of Münster. I am very grateful to my community for my training and further education.  I really enjoy working with the elderly and working in the parish of St. Peter in Recklinghausen.

Looking back, I can say: God goes with me on all paths and the Good News is the direction for my life. Because the promise of Jesus: I am with you always is a very personal promise for me. That is why I look to the future with confidence, because I am on the way in the name of the Lord.

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Schwester M. Annette Ferneding

Es war im Vorkriegsjahr 1936, als ich in die Familie Ludwig und Anna Ferneding am 10. September in Nikolausdorf geboren und auf den Namen Elisabeth getauft wurde. In der Geschwisterreihe von 7 Kindern war ich die 5, mit 4 Brüdern und 2 Schwestern. Zur Familie gehörten auch die Großeltern. Ich erlebte das friedliche Sterben meiner Großmutter und einer Schwester, bald nach ihrer Geburt. In einer gläubigen Familie fühlte ich mich geborgen und bin froh aufgewachsen.

Eines Tages verbrannte ich beine Beine mit heißem Wasser. Zum Verbinden meiner Brandwunden kam an jedem Tag Schwester Nacalis mit dem Fahrrad angefahren. Ich habe mich schon gefreut, wenn ich sie ankommen sah – mit wehendem Schleier und lachendem Gesicht. War sie die Erste, durch die der Berufungs-Gedanke in mein Kinderherz gelegt wurde?

In meiner Schulzeit erlebte ich den 2. Weltkrieg und besonders 1945 harte Angriffe zwischen den Fronten. Viele Tage verbrachte ich mit einem entzündeten Bein im Bunker, bis ich durch eine Sondererlaubnis in das St. Josefs-Hospital Cloppenburg kam und gerade noch rechtzeitig operiert wurde. Während der langen Zeit im Hospital erfuhr ich die 2. liebevolle Pflege der Franziskanerinnen.

Nach dem Krieg erlebte ich mit der Familie die große Freude: den ersten Heimatbesuch meiner Tante, Schwester Odalgera. Das war die 3. Begegnung mit unseren Schwestern. Es faszinierten und prägten mich auch die Lebensbeschreibung der Kleinen Therese von Lisieux: „Ich will Jesus immer Freude machen“ und das Motto des heiligen Don Bosco: „Fröhlich sein, Gutes tun und die Spatzen pfeifen lassen.”

Meine Jugendjahre verbrachte ich im Elternhaus. An Sonntagen traf ich mich mit den Schulkameradinnen. Jede steuerte ein Ziel an. Da begann in mir wieder dieser Funke zu glühen: So fröhlich wie Schwester Nacalis möchte ich auch Kranke pflegen. Ich meldete mich im Mutterhaus der Franziskanerinnen in Münster als Kandidatin an und am 09. Oktober 1959 begann ich dort mein Klosterleben. Bei der Einkleidung bekam ich den Namen Schw. M. Annette, abgeleitet vom Namen meiner Mutter: Anna.        

Beginn der Arbeit in der Krankenpflege und in sozial-pädagogischen Einrichtungen

Nach dem Krankenpflege-Examen und der Arbeit in St. Franziskus-Hospital 1961 -1964 bekam ich eine neue Aufgabe. 1966 übernahm ich nach Erreichung der Bildungsreife und dem Examen für Sozialpädagogik die Leitung des neuerrichteten Kindergartens in Lindern/Cloppenburg. Leider erkrankte ich und musste ein Jahr Kuraufenthalt in der Lungen-Heilstätte Neuenkirchen machen. 1971 kam ein neuer Einsatz in Steinfeld/Vechta und 1974 in Steinbild/Emsland. Nebenberuflich erlangte ich zum Fröbel-Diplom das Diplom in Montessori-Pädagogik. In der Pfarrgemeinde Steinbild ermöglichte ich – übrigens als Leiterin der Borromäus-Bücherei – den Kindergarten- und Schulkindern Lese- und Gestaltungsangebote. Einen Abend in der Woche widmete ich den Eltern und den Jugendlichen.

Einmal im Jahr trafen wir als Erzieherinnen tätige Schwestern uns. Das gegenseitige Erzählen unserer Freuden und Sorgen, das Vorstellen von Neuem im Kindergarten gab Freude und Kraft. Es folgten Weiterbildung und zusätzliche Ausbildungen: 1970 begann ich das Fernstudium in Theologie, 1980 die Erlangung der Missio Canonica. Nach Absolvierung der Lehrproben und des Examens in Religionspädagogik vor den Schulräten, erhielt ich die bischöfliche Lehr-Erlaubnis, in den Schulen bis Klasse 12 Religion zu erteilen. Es war eine Freude, die Klassen 3 und 4 zu übernehmen, so hatten die Kinder die Möglichkeit, den Schulgottesdienst musikalisch mit Flötenspiel und Orffinstrumenten mitzugestalten. Anderen machte es Spaß, sich als Lektor*in oder Messdiener*innen einzubringen. So verbunden mit der ganzen Pfarrgemeinde fühlte ich mich im Einsatz, die Freude an Gott zu verbreiten, ganz richtig am Platz. 

1987 erhielt ich die Möglichkeit, eine Auszeit einzulegen und in Regina Mundi in Rom an einem spirituellen Erneuerungskurs teilzunehmen.  Die Feier meines 25jährigen Ordensjubiläums und die Erlebnisse Florenz, Assisi, Subiaco, Manopello waren für mich Taborzeit!

Am Ende des Schuljahres 1989 stand das Abschiednehmen – schwer und dankbar – von allem, was mir lieb geworden war, an. Im Jahr 1990 bekam ich in der Akademie der Diözese Osnabrück, im Ludwig-Windhorst Haus in Lingen, ein neues Arbeitsfeld im Ressort: Bildung für ältere Erwachsene. Als Referentin bot sich mir die Möglichkeit, viel Neues zu organisieren: Studienfahrten mit dem Europapolitischen Bildungswerk in unterschiedlichen Dreiländerecks, Sommerfreizeiten, Ausbildungsseminare für Tanzleiter*innen, spirituelle Wochen für die Festtage des Jahres für Ältere. Es machte mir große Freude, für Menschen verschiedenen Alters, in unterschiedlichen Lebenslagen und Interessengebieten Lebenshilfe anzubieten: Wenn die Augen der älteren Menschen beim Verabschieden leuchteten, war ich selbst auch eine Beschenkte. Mit meinem Bestreben, älteren Menschen Freude in ihren Alltag „zu zaubern“, habe ich meinen franziskanischen Auftrag „Option für die Armen“ erfüllen können.

Selbst absolvierte ich Ausbildungen in Meditation und Sakralem Tanz, im Seniorentanz und Tanzen im Sitzen.  Diese Tanzausbildungen waren vielbegehrt, ebenso Tanzfreizeiten mit Erkundungen des Emslandes, die ich gern organisierte und durchführte, was mir und den Teilnehmer*innen viel Freude bereitete. Wichtig war mir ein Theologischer Fernkurs und die Studienwochen in Wien „Glaubend Älter werden“, 1992 – 1994. Ein Zertifikat und den Auftrag „Seelsorgliche Begleitung älterer Menschen in Gemeinden und Altenheimen“ erhielt ich nach drei Lehrgängen.  Ganz dankbar für 10 Jahre Bildungsarbeit im Ludwig-Windthorst-Haus wurde ich mit einem Konzert des Flötisten Hans-Jürgen Hufeisen verabschiedet.

Nach einem halben Jahr Arbeit für die INFAG und einem Einsatz in St. Stefano in Assisi kehrte ich im Jahr 2000 zum Mutterhaus zurück. Dort hieß es: Wir warten schon auf dich. In Zusammenarbeit mit Sr. M. Gabrielis war ich viele Jahre im ordensinternen Bildungsreferat tätig. Wir erstellten einen Flyer mit Angeboten: Seminare für Schwestern in der Altenpastoral und Tagesveranstaltungen für Schwestern und Interessierte in der Beschäftigungstherapie und in der Seelsorge. Für die Begleitung von Frauen, die eine Auszeit wünschten, stand ich zur Verfügung. In der Weggemeinschaft wirkte ich mit.  Sehr gern habe ich Meditative Tanztage als Glaubensverkündigung vor den Festen angeboten, ebenso die Oasentage für Frauen. Als ich in den Pfarrgemeinderat von St. Mauritz berufen wurde, setzte ich mich als Katechetin und bei Pfarrfesten ein. Es machte allen Spaß, sich in einer Pfarrgemeinde einzubringen, miteinander   zu feiern und mit den Frauen „Sister Act“ in der Pfarrgemeinde und im Mutterhaus aufzuführen.

Im Jahr 2010 wurde mir eine Überraschung geschenkt, ich durfte nach Amerika reisen. Ich besuchte die Mitschwestern im Mutterhaus in Springfield und meine Schwester in Baltimore, die schon 20 Jahre nicht mehr in der Heimat war.

In dieser Lebensphase wirkte ich gern „für meinen Herrn“, für Ihn und zu meiner Freude zu tanzen. Wie „Myriam“ fühlte ich mich, die ihre Pauke nahm, um mit den Frauen für die Rettung zu danken und zu tanzen. Ja, lobet mit mir Gott mit Pauken und Harfen, singt und tanzt Ihm, meinem Herrn!

Jetzt, nach 20 Jahren intensivem Einsatz im Mutterhaus, war die Zeit gekommen, Abschied zu nehmen.  Ich darf im Kloster St. Anna-Stift in Lohne-Kroge mit Mitschwestern das letzte Lebensdrittel in Ruhe und Gelassenheit, in Einsatzmöglichkeiten füreinander und miteinander froh und heiter leben – solange Er will.  Denn noch immer ist „Die Freude an Gott meine Kraft, Halleluja!“

Zur Übersicht

Sister M. Dolly Kunnel

“I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1

I was born in the Idukki District in Kerala. My parents are Mr. Mathew and the late Mrs. Mariyakutty. I am the fourth of eight children. I have one elder brother, two elder sisters, two younger brothers, and two younger sisters. My father was a farmer, and my mother was a housewife. I was born and brought up in a Catholic family. My parents are God-fearing and attend Holy Mass daily. I received good faith formation at home. My parents and my teachers at school inspired me to practice the Christian faith and live according to its values. The life of the religious Sisters in my parish was also a source of inspiration.

I completed my primary education at a school administered by our diocese. My high school education was at a government school. During my high school years, I developed the desire to become a nun. After completing high school, my desire to become a religious grew stronger. Fr. Thomas Vadakekary, then the parish priest of Pithora, introduced me to our congregation. On September 9, 1985, I arrived at Pithora without knowing anything about the place or the congregation. My parents and teachers played a vital role in my vocation. I thank the Lord for the precious gift of my vocation.

I had a deep desire to become a Sister and a missionary to serve the poor. During my formation, I became more convinced of my choice. I was so grateful that I could join our congregation. During my early days of formation, I felt called to listen to the cry of the poor. This calling remains deep within me even today. The formation period was a time when I deepened my faith in God and experienced God’s immense love and mercy.

I made my first profession to the Lord on January 25, 1990, and my final profession on February 2, 1995. I celebrated the Silver Jubilee of my religious profession in 2015.

After my first profession, I continued my academic studies. I had the opportunity to study for a diploma in Theology and faith formation in Bangalore, as well as a one-year religious formation program at St. Louis University in Missouri, USA. In 2006, I completed my Master’s in Social Work. I also had the chance to attend several short courses, including those on Leadership, Spiritual Direction and Counseling, and Capacity Building.

I was entrusted with the formation ministry for a three-year term. I then served in many of our communities and participated in collaborative ministries with other organizations. At present, I am in the second term of office serving as the Provincial Superior of our province.

I found real joy and satisfaction in working with the poor and marginalized people wherever I served. I was deeply touched in my heart by giving my love to the poor and needy through social service. I am grateful to God that He used me as a blessing to the poor. It was an experience of encountering Jesus through the powerless and poorest of the poor. I realized the joy of my own vocation.

I thank the Almighty God for using me as an instrument for His people. I thank my parents for sowing the seed of faith in my life. Their faith and religious practices in our family enabled me to face the challenges of my missionary journey. I thank the Lord for the love, care, and acceptance I constantly receive from my parents, brothers, and sisters. I thank my Congregation for nurturing me through timely guidance, their trust, support, and prayers. I am grateful to all my superiors and formators for placing their trust in me and supporting me throughout the years of my committed life.

What I am today is a gift from God. I have gained nothing except the joy of belonging to Him. I am grateful to my parents, brothers, and sisters, and especially to my Congregation, for giving me various opportunities to spread His love. I also thank my friends who helped me experience the love of Jesus and supported me in facing the challenging situations of my personal life. May the good Lord bless everyone!

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Sister Ann Mathieu

I grew up in Chicago, Illinois and learned about the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis from my best friend’s older sister who was a student in the Aspirant School at the Motherhouse. My friend and I visited a few times and I was touched by the experience. After I completed high school, I decided to enter the Community on August 22, 1957 and I professed first vows on September 8, 1960.

While it was my hope to be a nurse, my first career was in dietetics. I graduated from Fontbonne College in St. Louis, Missouri in 1964 and served four years at St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator, Illinois. Soon after, I was back to school and earned a nursing degree from Marillac College in St. Louis, Missouri. I served as a nurse at St. John’s Hospital and at St. Monica’s Home, a home for pregnant teenagers, both located in Springfield, Illinois.

From 1975 to 1982, I was the Administrator of the Franciscan Apostolic Center that was located at the Motherhouse. In 1982, I was elected to the Provincial Council and served in that role for three years. For the next four years, I used my nursing education while working with chemically-addicted individuals at the L.E. Phillips Center in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

From 1989 to1995, I served as the local coordinator of St. Francis Convent and at the end of this time I embarked on a very meaningful chapter of my life. I was blessed to practice as a massage therapist from 1998 – 2006. I studied at the Chicago School of Massage Therapy and I also developed an interest in Reiki and energy work and pursued additional education. As a certified massage therapist and healing touch practitioner, I found this to be a call within a call, which is how Saint Theresa of Calcutta described her own vocation. The gift of being present to those I served was powerful, as they found relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, personal growth, and healing.

The recent years were filled with leadership responsibilities in Loretto Home, as the Provincial Secretary, and as a volunteer at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach.

Several years ago, I found my diary, and on one of the pages from 1957, I wrote, “After visiting the Motherhouse these past days, I would love to stay there forever.” I am grateful to have made that visit many years ago.

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Sister Marguerite Cook

I was born on August 4, 1950 in Indianapolis, Indiana and I grew up near Washington, DC (District of Columbia). Currently, I reside in Decatur, Illinois and I volunteer at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital.

My interest in religious life began with the Sisters of St. Joseph who were teachers at St. Rita School in Alexandria, Virginia, where I attended grade school. While I was fascinated by the Sisters, I felt that I was destined for more exciting things than being in a classroom. I wanted to be a missionary and serve in the medical profession where I could be of service to those in need.

I came from a military and government-oriented family. My father worked in civil government, and two uncles served in the military. Eventually, my interest in government drew me into the armed forces as I joined the U.S. Navy in 1968. I worked at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland, in labor and delivery and after completing my three years of service; I continued my education and found work as a bookkeeper.

In 1980, I decided to investigate my thoughts of religious life. I wrote to religious communities that advertised in the Catholic Digest, a national publication, and I received some responses including a letter from the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis who were looking for bookkeepers. The year that followed was a time of prayer and discernment so I could learn how God was calling me. I remembered the letter from the Hospital Sisters and so I decided to visit Springfield, Illinois and that visit was what I needed to confirm my decision as to what God had in mind for me. I entered the Hospital Sisters on August 27, 1983 and professed first vows on May 30, 1987.

I have a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and an associate of applied science degree in alcohol and other drug abuse. Throughout my ministry, I have been rewarded in the understanding of and caring for people with mental health issues and their journey to recovery. I have served my community as an occupational therapist, alcohol and drug counselor, bookkeeper and cashier, membership invitation minister, and on several of our hospital boards including presently at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Effingham, Illinois, and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, Illinois. I have been blessed with serving God’s people in Illinois, Wisconsin and Arizona.

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Schwester M. Riji Kannampuzha

„Kommt und hört alle, die ihr Gott fürchtet,
während ich erzähle, was an mir geschehen ist”.
(Psalm 66,16)

Wenn ich meine Geschichte mit dem Herrn und die vielen Segnungen, die er mir geschenkt hat, Revue passieren lasse, scheint es, als hätte ich ein Gebirge in meinem Hinterhof entdeckt, das ich vorher nie bemerkt hatte! Mein erstes Geschenk des Herrn war, dass ich am 8. März 1974 in ein sehr warmherziges und liebevolles Zuhause hineingeboren wurde, wo ich als älteste von zwei Geschwistern in einem ländlichen Dorf in Kerala aufwuchs. Durch den in meiner Familie gelebten Glauben wuchs ich in den Glauben hinein. Einer der Höhepunkte meines jungen Lebens, an den ich mich noch sehr gut erinnere, war der Empfang meiner Erstkommunion; Jesus ‘stahl mein Herz’, als ich zur Erstkommunion ging. Getreu meiner ersten Liebe habe ich von diesem Moment an freudig gebetet, dass er mich zu seinem Eigentum mache. Ich kann nur sagen, dass Gott von diesem Tag an mein Herz vorbereitet hat.  

Gott überraschte mich mit einer Berufung, als ich in der zehnten Klasse plötzlich daran dachte, Ordensfrau zu werden. Schwester Mary aus meiner Heimatgemeinde riet mir, unsere Kongregation auszuwählen. Zusammen mit Schwester Siji reiste ich am 21. August 1989 nach Nordindien und kam am 23. August 1989 in Pithora an. Meine Ankunft in unserer Kongregation ist für mich der erste Schritt auf dem langen Weg der Gaben und Gnaden, auf dem der Herr mich geduldig und gnädig mein ganzes Leben lang bis heute geführt hat. Wenn ich an meine Reise denke, erinnere ich mich an die Worte des Gebets von Thomas Merton: “Ich hoffe, dass ich nie irgendetwas getrennt von deiner Sehnsucht tue.Und ich weiss, dass du mich die rechte Straße führst, wenn ich das tue, auch wenn ich davon nichts wissen mag.”

Mir gefiel der Rhythmus des Ordenslebens. In der Anfangsphase des Ordenslebens stellte ich fest, dass ich nichts über den heiligen Franz von Assisi wusste, dessen Spiritualität ich folgen sollte. Dann las ich zufällig ein Buch über den hl. Franz von Assisi und war gefangen von seinem Feuer und seiner Liebe zu Jesus. Ich liebe seine Spiritualität und seinen Traum, die ganze Welt mit Liebe zu evangelisieren. Gott rief mich während meiner Ausbildung immer wieder näher zu sich, aber es gab viele Momente, in denen ich versuchte, ihn wegzuschieben, und mir einredete, ich müsse „mehr vom Leben erfahren”. Gott schenkte mir einige der besten und zuverlässigsten Mentoren, die mir zeigten, wie es aussieht, ein Ordensleben freudig und authentisch zu leben, auch wenn es nicht immer einfach ist. Im Laufe meines Lebens bin ich mit vielen spirituellen Programmen gesegnet worden, die von der Gemeinschaft angeboten werden und die mein geistliches Leben und mein Gebet bereichert haben.

Im Laufe der Jahre bin ich zu der Überzeugung gelangt, dass meine Berufung zum Ordensleben ein Geschenk ist, das mich auffordert, offen genug zu sein, um mein wahres Selbst zu werden. Es ist nicht immer leicht, „Ja” zu Gott zu sagen, aber mit Seiner Gnade ist alles möglich. Darüber hinaus habe ich die Erfahrung gemacht, dass Gott mein Glück will und dass ich meine Talente so einsetzen soll, dass sie anderen und mir helfen. Meine Beziehung zu Gott wurde zentral, und mein Engagement für das Ordensleben als Krankenschwester des Dritten Ordens des Heiligen Franziskus wurde real. Mit diesem Bewusstsein blicke ich der Zukunft und dem ganzen Leben mit einem bereitwilligen Geist entgegen, im Glauben, dass Gott bei jedem Schritt auf dem Weg mit mir sein wird. Mit den Worten des heiligen Franziskus: „Er wird mich auf diesem Weg niemals allein lassen!“  habe ich mit dem Unterrichten begonnen und tue dies heute noch. Seit mehr als 25 Jahren bin ich nun eine Ordensfrau. Möge Gott mir noch viele Jahre in dieser Berufung schenken, damit ich voller Eifer weitermachen kann, Jesus bekannt zu machen, und so die Menschen Jesus lieben lernen können.

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Sister M. Agnelda Schulenkorf

I am born in the ‘Münsterland’ as the sixth of ten children. We lived on a small farm. It was not so easy for my parents in the post-war period. Father occasionally went peat cutting and helped on other farms.

Since my mother fell ill at an early age, we girls did not learn a profession but instead worked in the household. After completing school, I lived on a large farm for several years, where I learned housekeeping. When my sister joined the Hiltruper Missionary Sisters, I had to work at home on our farm, since my mother was ill and my sisters and brothers were still in school. Mother’s health deteriorated to the point where she regularly had to spend several weeks in the hospital.

Despite all the work, I enjoyed my youth.  With neighbors and friends, we took small trips and went to festivals and celebrations in the surrounding area. I felt called to religious life at a very early age. The big question for me was ‘Where should I go?’. I put forward some insignificant reasons why I did not choose the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hiltrup. The Franciscan Sisters were active in our hospital and I did not want to become a missionary Sisters under any circumstances. Although only one of the five religious Sisters in the hospital was sympathetic to me, I decided to join the Franciscan Sisters. At that time, I knew nothing about Franciscan life. Only later, I realized that I had been praying St. Francis ‘Canticle of the Sun‘  every Sunday after Mass. It was in the prayer book called ‘Laudate’ and I liked it very much – Coincidence or providence?

In 1965, my eldest brother married, which opened the way for my entry into the congregation. In 1965, my eldest brother married, which opened the way for my entry into the congregation. By that time, my mother was already severly ill.  She died during my pre-noviciate. I entered our congregation in August 1965, and was trained as a dietician from 1970 – 1972. After completing my training, I worked in different houses as head of the kitchen for 15 years.

In 1987, the Provincial Leadership offered me training in nursing care for the elderly, which brought me great joy. I especially enjoyed liestening to the experiences, adventures and stories from the lives of the elderly. Those were years full of blessings. A vacation in Esterwegen made me curious about the history of the place and the events of that time. I felt called to live there. Since November 2015, I have indeed been living in Esterwegen, and it is a wonderful task for me. Here I have time for meeting people, conversations and prayer. I find it particularly beneficial that I can still work as far as my strength allows. I have many enriching encounters, but I am not required to achieve or perform in any specific way. I hope that this will continue for a long time.

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Sister M. Margret Steggemann

I grew up as the oldest of three girls in Stadtlohn, a small town in the beautiful Münsterland. Before and during the World War II, it housed many weaving and spinning mills.

When I was born in 1944, my hometown was a heap of ruins. This sight was quite normal for me, especially when I started school, as I didn’t know it any other way. In fact, playing in the debris was actually interesting for a child.

For my parents however, great worries and hardships soon followed.  My mother fell ill with pulmonary tuberculosis after her second child was born. I can only remember small moments with her. Due to her death, my sister and I were separated. For about one year we lived with our grandparents. I lived with my mother’s parents, and my sister lived with my father’s parents. Soon, after my mother’s death in 1949, my father’s younger sisters took care of us.

My father’s parents’ house had been badly damaged during the war. Nevertheless, several families lived there. We also lived there temporarily. It was a very difficult time for my father and the rest of the family.

However, I don’t remember it being particularly burdensome to me. There were still three children my age at my grandmother’s house and we could play together. Especially “Aunt Toni”, Papas sister-in-law, always had an open ear.

Soon after my mother’s death, I started school, which was very hard for me. My father and sisters worried a lot because I didn’t want to go to school and often fell ill. 

Then my father married a second time. I got along with my second mother very well. Sadly, she already died in 1969. I had to be strong for my sister, who was six years younger than me.

After school, I wanted to learn a profession. I would have liked to become a dressmaker. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a certificate for my visual impairment.

In 1958, the newly built hospital in Stadtlohn urgently sought staff to work at the entrance and in the wards. I immediately was drawn to this job, because I wanted to help the sick people. My mother accompanied me to the hospital, to talk to Sister Superior; and that’s how I became a staff member. In the first years, I often thought that I would never want to lead such a strict life as the sisters did.

I enjoyed taking part in all the festivities that were held in Stadtlohn and the surrounding area. That was not not necessarily viewed favorably by the Sisters.

After a few years, I realized how important proper nursing education was, so I enrolled in the local nursing school. But then, everything took an unexpected turn. An inner voice – the voice of God – called out to me, asking for my complete commitment to Him. I found no peace. After much deliberation and discussion with pastors and religious sisters, I requested admission to the Congregation of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Münster – without completing my nursing exam. My family was shocked, especially my older sister, but my mother supported me and eventually persuaded my father as well.

I arrived in Münster Mauritz on August 15, 1964. I began the usual religious formation, including the postulancy and novitiate periods. Sixteen women joined our Congregation that year. Our group was very active, and we shared a lot of fun and lively moments together.

The preparation period for the first profession of vows in 1967 was marked by a deep inner struggle: “Is this the path God is calling me to follow? Can this be a decision for a lifetime?”  During this time I experienced God’s guidance very intensely.

After making my first profession of vows in 1967, I entered the juniorate period, during which I obtained my intermediate secondary school certificate, completed my nursing exam, and gained practical experience at our St. Francis Hospital. Following several years of work in healthcare, I pursued further education to become a director of nursing. After passing the required exam, I assumed the role of head nurse in various hospitals.

Bidding farewell to the ‘care directly at the patient’s bedside’ became exceedingly difficult for me. Therefore, I was glad to be asked to assume the director’s ministry at Elizabeth Hospice in Datteln. It was the best time in my professional life.

After more than four years, I was appointed to the board of directors of the Order’s own hospitals. Here I was able to pass on a lot of my experience, especially to our nursing staff.

In 2005, I was elected to the Provincial Council. Later, after four years as a Provincial Councilor, it was my wish to go to Berlin to support Sr. M. Juvenalis and Sr. M. Hannelore in their work for people suffering from AIDS. It was my chance to work here in Berlin as a pastoral care worker in the Caritas Hospice Berlin, which just opened.

After almost 10 years, at the age of 75, I retired from my active ministry but I continue to volunteer at the TAUWERK hospice service and at the Caritas Hospice Berlin.

I thank God for each day of life He has given me and that I can still share His graces with full hands.

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Schwester M. Princy Vadakadath

Ich wurde am 18. Oktober 1962 in einem Dorf namens Poovathussery, Trichur Dt., Kerala, Indien, geboren. Herr Varghese und Frau Rosy sind meine Eltern. Ich bin das älteste von fünf Kindern und ich habe drei Brüder und eine Schwester. Bis zur siebten Klasse besuchte ich die kleine Schule im Dorf meiner Mutter, weil die richtige Schule sehr weit von meinem Haus entfernt war. Danach besuchte ich die High-School im Dorf Poovathussery. 

Meine Klassenlehrerin in der ersten Klasse war eine Ordensschwester, die sehr einfach und bescheiden war. Ich mochte sie sehr und hatte den Wunsch, so zu werden wie sie. Ich ging in die Kirche, wann immer es einen Feiertag gab – und oft suchte ich Rat bei den Schwestern.

Als ich die 10. Klasse abschloss, kam mein Onkel, der Priester war, in den Ferien zu Besuch. Bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt hatte ich meinen Wunsch, ins Kloster einzutreten, noch niemandem gegenüber geäußert. Wenige Tage bevor mein Onkel zur Missionsstation zurückkehrte, sagte ich meiner Großmutter, dass ich Ordensschwester werden wollte. Zu dieser Zeit war mein Vater im Krankenhaus, so dass ich ihm nichts davon erzählen konnte. Innerhalb weniger Tage waren alle Vorbereitungen für die Reise nach Pithora abgeschlossen. Mein Vater kam aus dem Krankenhaus zurück, und ich machte mich zusammen mit meinem Onkel auf den Weg nach Pithora. Als wir in Bhilai ankamen, holte mich Schwester M. Gerburg ab. Es war Regenzeit, und so konnten wir Pithora nicht erreichen, weil der Weg durch Regenwasser versperrt war. Wir nahmen einen anderen Weg und erreichten Pithora am 8. September.

Mit Freude behalte ich die ersten Jahre meines Lebens in der Kongregation in Erinnerung. Dankbar erinnere ich mich an die Führung und Hilfe, die mir unsere Schwestern gaben. Die Ausbildungszeit ermöglichte es mir, meine Persönlichkeit zu formen und zu gestalten und meine Berufung zu vertiefen. Ich folgte dem Ruf Gottes und legte am 25. Januar 1988 meine Erste Profess ab. Ich war in verschiedenen Konventen angefangen in Pithora, und genieße mein Ordensleben in der Gemeinschaft. 

Ich bin glücklich, wenn ich auf mein bisheriges Leben zurückblicke. Ich danke Gott für alle, die mich bereichert haben, die mich den Reichtum des Lebens gelehrt und mir geholfen haben, im Leben zu wachsen. Ich danke Gott für alle, die mich in den Höhen und Tiefen meines Lebens begleitet haben, damit ich meine Berufung in ihrer ganzen Fülle leben kann.

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Sister M. Domitilla Motzko

Born: September 28, 1928
Entrance: February 2, 1952
Professed: October 28, 1954
Died: February 13, 2025

On February 13, 2025, our dear Sister M. Domitilla Motzko, ended her pilgrimage on earth, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

My strength, I will sing to you,

for my stronghold is God,

the God who loves me faithfully

Psalm 59:17

Sister M. Domitilla was born on September 28, 1928 in Wawelno near Opole. She entered our congregation on February 2, 1952. She made her first profession on October 28, 1954.

At the beginning of her religious life, Sister M. Domitilla lived and worked for several months in the hospital in Opole as an assistant nurse. Then, from 1955 to 2013, she worked as an organist in various churches in the Archdiocese of Wroclaw. In addition to playing the organ in the parish, she also took on the role of sacristan in the parish church. She embroidered chasubles which are still used at Mass today. In her spare time she read books and crocheted. At the end of her active professional life she moved to the convent in Groß Döbern and later to the sister convent in Oppeln-Stephanshöh.

She was a person who fulfilled the tasks of a household perfectly and did everything with love. She was grateful for the opportunity to serve and to help. Despite her many talents, she always stood in the shadows, somewhere on the periphery, quiet and humble, open to the needs of the poor and homeless. She had an eye for beauty, for liturgy, for music and song. With great compassion and joy she took note of everything that was happening in the community. She carried all of this before God in her prayers.

She had been suffering from age-related problems and dementia for several years. Gradually she needed more and more care and help with her daily activities until she needed total care. During her illness, she patiently and humbly prepared to meet the Lord. As far as her health allowed, she tried to attend Sunday Mass in the convent.

Her health had recently deteriorated. She was conscious and ready to meet the Lord whom she had served with all her devotion.

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Sister M. Jovina Weibring

Born: December 18, 1935
Entrance: January 30, 1959
Professed: October 28, 1961
Died: February 12, 2025

On February 12th, our dear Sister, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis and born by the name of Elisabeth Weibring, who has given many children a good start in life, has been called by the Divine Friend of Children at the age of 89.

Lord, our Lord, how mighty is your name.

whoever keeps singing of your majesty higher than the heavens,

even through the mouths of children, or of babes in arms.

Psalm 8

Sister Jovina was born as the eighth child of the Weibring family on a farm in Mussum, near Borken. Her mother died in childbirth, so her grandmother took care of her and introduced her to life. She was very grateful. During an internship at the Maria Frieden Nursing Home in Emsdetten, young Elisabeth met our Sisters. Later, at the age of twenty-four, she joined our Franciscan congregation.

In addition to her nursing training, she also completed her pediatric nursing training and enthusiastically cared for the youngest patients. She first worked in the neonatal department in Schermbeck for three years. She then returned to Münster and managed the intensive care unit for premature babies at St. Franziskus Hospital from 1971 to 1992 with great expertise and empathy.

After this enthusiastic service she was allowed to retire to the convent. For the first six years she lived in the novitiate convent and then took over the gate and chapel ministries in Telgte, Datteln and Damme. She returned to the Motherhouse as a senior in 2015 and spent the last five years in St. Heriburg House, where she gave her life back to God after a long, debilitating illness, well accompanied by the staff of the Palliative Care Unit, the staff of the House and her fellow Sisters.

We knew Sister M. Jovina as a quiet, calm Sister with radiant eyes, who loved the community and prayed often and gladly.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Jovina. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united to her as sisters.

Zur Übersicht

Pilgrims of Hope (1): Reconciliation

The series “Pilgrims of Hope” is a monthly spiritual contribution to the Holy Year – a collaboration between the international Generalate of the Hospital Sisters of St Francis and the Muenster-based German church publication “Kirche und Leben” (“Church+Life”). Our topic in January: Hope for Reconciliation.

The Holy Year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – a war that started in Germany and brought incredible suffering to the world. This year, we commemorate, among other events, the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp on January 27, 1945, and the dropping of the American atomic bombs on Japan on August 6 and 9, 1945.

At least 1.1 million people were murdered in Auschwitz, about a million of them Jews. In Hiroshima alone, about 80,000 people died immediately after the bomb exploded 80 years ago; in Nagasaki, the death toll was 22,000. More than 200,000 civilians in Japan succumbed to the long-term effects of radiation within the following months.

And while we are still trying to come to terms with the consequences of a war that took place decades ago, the current wars in the world claim new victims every day, create new hatred and fuel the call for revenge in many places.

How can we keep the hope of reconciliation alive in this global madness?

To answer this question, we would like to share two examples from our international congregation.

Sister M. Jacintha Altenburg, who now lives in the motherhouse of our German Province in Muenster, was born in 1939 in a small Catholic village in Friesland in the Netherlands and spent the first years of her life under German occupation, “Of course, our parents tried to protect us children,” says Sister Jacintha. So she didn’t know at the time that her father played an important role in the resistance against the Germans. He survived, but one of Sister Jacintha’s uncles was among the many victims of the occupation: he was shot by the Germans.

Nevertheless, and against the will of some of her family members, the Dutchwoman decided after the war to join our Congregation, although it came from Germany, the country of the hated occupiers. At first she worked as a nurse in the Netherlands, then she helped to build the hospital in Kamp-Lintfort that was founded by our Sisters.

And when we founded a convent at the former concentration camp in Esterwegen in 2007, in order to participate in the design of the memorial site, Sister Jacintha was one of the first Sisters to go there.

“Hell in the Moors” – a book on the former Concentration Camp
Our Convent at the Esterwegen Memorial Site
Sister M. Jacintha practising meditation

Many resistance fighters from the Netherlands, Belgium and France were among the people who were interned, tortured and killed in Esterwegen. Sister Jacintha helped them and their families to come to terms with the inconceivable, and in doing so she repeatedly reached her own limits. “Some of my family and frieds at home did not understand how I could live and work in a place created by the perpetrators”, Sister Jacintha says. “One of my brothers did not speak to me again – not until he was on his deathbed.”

The founding of our community’s Japanese Province was also overshadowed by the Second World War. In 1948, two of our Hospital Sisters from the American Province arrived in Nagasaki and took over St. Francis Hospital, which had been founded in 1922 and destroyed by the atomic bombing of their fellow countrymen. As early as 1951, the first Sisters of Japanes nationality entered our Congregation as novices. Even today, there are four Sisters from Nagasaki in the motherhouse of the Japanese province in Himeji who experienced the bombing themselves, and who survived it. One of them is Sister M. Veronica, born in 1932.

Sister M. Veronica was born in 1932 and survived the Nagasaki atomic bomb.

When asked today whether she felt hatred for the Americans, she says no. And she explains, just like Sister Jacintha in faraway Germany:

If we cannot manage reconciliation, then who can?

So this is what we have learned from the impressive life stories of our international sisters: No matter how many wars are waged between countries and nations, there is always hope for reconciliation between us as people. Here and now, tomorrow and everywhere, for each and every one of us. If we make the first step.

By Sister M. Margarete Ulager and Claudia Berghorn

This article was published online in “Kirche+Leben” on January 27, 2025, and in the printed paper on January 30 – which made Sister M. Jacintha very happy and proud!

Sister Jacintha on the front page of “Kirche+Leben”…
… and with Sister M. Veronica on page 17!
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Sister M. Heraclia Schulte

Born: February 20, 1926
Entrance: August 5, 1949
Professed: May 3, 1952
Died: January 26, 2025

On January 26, 2025, shortly before her 99th birthday, the good God called to Himself our dear Sister M. Heraclia, née Anna Schulte, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Thus, says the Lord: “He who believes in me will live.”

Joh. 11, 25

Sister M. Heraclia was born in Beesten/Ankum. She came from a devout family of craftsmen. Together with her 11 siblings she grew up in Eggermühlen near Ankum. One brother became a priest, one sister joined the Missionary Sisters in Muenster Hiltrup and two sisters served as Caritas Sisters in Cloppenburg. Anna Schulte became acquainted with the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in the hospital in Ankum, where her mother had been a patient for a long time.

She became a Hospital Sister herself at the age of 23. After completing her nursing exams and training as an MTA, she later trained to be the manager of a retirement home. From 1962 to 1977, she worked in various positions at the Marienstift in Alpen, finally as the superior.

Sister M. Heraclia was awarded the town’s “Ring of Honor” for her tireless service in Alpen. The tribute speech emphasized her never failing good mood and her great sense of humor. She always knew how to cheer people up and give them new courage to face life.

Then she became superior in Muenster Roxel and in Hamminkeln-Dingden. After that she took on small ministries in the Sisters’ convent in Boesensell.

Since 2013, Sister M. Heraclia lived in St. Heriburg House in Münster, where she gave her life back into the hands of God in the presence of some of her fellow Sisters. We say goodbye to Sister M. Heraclia with gratitude. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist, which always gave her the strength for her ministry, and remain connected to her as Sisters.

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Charity Christmas bazaar raises record amount

January 14, 2025. From November 22-24, 2024, the traditional Christmas bazaar was held for the sixth time at St. Franziskus-Hospital with handicrafts made by five Hospital Sisters and some of the hospital’s staff. With proceeds of 9200 euros, the record from the previous year was once again exceeded. The money was donated to two projects at St. Franziskus Hospital, helping babies and young families.

Together with the head physician of the Clinic for General Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, PD Dr. Michael Böswald, and those responsible for the supported projects, the Commercial Director of St. Franziskus Hospital, Dr. David Lewers, warmly thanked the organizers of the bazaar: “This fantastic donation will help us to continue and steadily improve the important and increasingly sought-after support for mothers and families in need.”

The Sisters who contribute a large part of the handicrafts to the annual bazaar have been a well-rehearsed team for a long time: They live and work together at the Motherhouse of the Hospital Sisters, in “St. Elisabeth” flat (from left to right): Sister M. Beatinis Thünemann, Sister M. Rainette Schwager, Sister M. Leonardi Reiter, Sister M. Vera Lütkebohmert and Sister M. Stephanie Müller.

“For us, the bazaar is never over; it’s always starting again,” says Sister Vera. “We work towards the November date all year round.” The Sisters have even specialized so that they can offer a wide range of products: Sister Vera mainly knits socks for adults as well as scarves and slipovers, while Sister Stephanie is particularly good at knitting baby socks. Sister Leonardi, who was Head of Physiotherapy at St. Franziskus Hospital for many years, is known for her crocheted therapy balls. But just like Sister Beatinis, she also knits and crochets many wrist warmers, cuffs, scarves and socks in a wide variety of colors and shapes – there are no limits to their creativity. This is also because the Sisters are often given wool as gifts. “Last year, we received a whole van full of wool as a donation,” reports Sister Vera. ”We are delighted and very grateful because this saves us the cost of materials.”

Sister Rainette, on the other hand, prefers to use scissors and paper: she patiently and lovingly creates wonderful Christmas decorations. “For each of my gold stars, for example, I cut out seven individual stars in different sizes, which are then glued together with small adhesive blocks,” she explains. Her large folded paper stars are also a big seller.

The great success of the bazaar has once again shown that the Sisters’ creative efforts are worthwhile and appreciated by many people in Muenster. The Sisters agree: “The greatest success for us is that we can help many babies and young families with the proceeds of the bazaar.” And this is what keeps them going all year.

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Sister M. Leonilla Schampera

Born: July 2, 1940
Entrance: July 25, 1959
Professed: May 3, 1962
Died: January 9, 2025

On January 9, 2025, the Lord called to Himself our dear Sister M. Leonilla, née Barbara Schampera, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.

Isaiah 30:15a

Sister M. Leonilla was born on July 2, 1940, in Krmpa near Dschowitz (OS). She entered our Congregation on July 25, 1959. She made her first Profession on May 3, 1962.

In the early years of her religious life, Sister M. Leonilla worked as a kindergarten teacher in the nursery in Piechowice (Petersdorf near Hirschberg). After that, she performed administrative tasks in our social institutions. From 1997 to 2015, she worked at the Bishops’ House in Opole. The bishops, for whom she cared with devotion, thanked Sister Leonilla “for her dedicated work, which was characterized by warmth and kindness.” During the 18 years of her service, Sister Leonilla “carried out all the work with great dedication, combining the evangelical attitudes of Martha and Mary. Her prayer and service had a diocesan dimension, as she helped Bishop Johannes Baginski fulfill his pastoral duties in the Church of Opole”, remarked Bishop Andrzej Czaja in 2015 at the end of the Sisters’ service in the bishop’s house.

From these years of her faithful service to God, we remember Sister Leonilla as caring and committed to the people she served; discreet, quiet and always full of humor. Since she belonged to the bishop’s house, she also had the special opportunity to be well informed about the affairs of the church and the world, and she often gladly shared this information. She was also happy to maintain contact with her family.

In August 2015, she moved to the Sisters’ convent in Glatz-Scheibe. This is where her memory problems began, which she accepted humbly and gently. She also tolerated other age-related ailments, which somewhat impeded her communication in the community, especially in recent years, with serenity. In February 2024, she settled in the monastery in Dobrzen Wielki. After breaking her hip, she received comprehensive medical and rehabilitative care, and further care in our nursing and treatment facility in Oppeln-Stephanshöh. After a severe circulatory and respiratory failure, she was taken to the hospital, where the Lord invited her into His kingdom on Thursday, January 9, around noon.

We are grateful to Sister Leonilla for her life and her testimony of kindness and devotion to people. She herself also thanks her fellow Sisters who accompanied her in the last years of her life, both in the convents in Scheibe and in Groß Döbern and Stephanshöh. We remember her in our prayers.

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Sister Mary Lou Durbin

Born: March 1, 1937
Entrance: Seüte,ber 8, 1954
Professed: June 13, 1957
Died: December 25, 2024

On Christmas Day 2024, Sister Mary Lou Durbin, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, passed from this life.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

On December 25, 2024, at 12:30 a.m., our Sister Mary Lou Durbin passed from this life with Sister Emerencia Tirkey by her side. As a choir of angels playing violins announced Christ’s birth, their music welcomed Sister Mary Lou into paradise.

Her story of religious life began when she was five years old and stood on the hill outside of St. John’s TB San – waving to her mother who was a patient. Standing on that holy ground was memorable for Sister Mary Lou and the seed of God’s calling to this religious community was planted as she followed in the footsteps of her mother’s sister, Sister Agnesine Miller, OSF (1907-99).

Sister Mary Lou, the former Mary Louise Durbin, was born in Ramsey, IL on March 1, 1937, the daughter of Bernard and Mary Elizabeth (Miller) Durbin. In 1951, she enrolled in the St. Francis Aspirant School, entered the Congregation on September 8, 1954, and professed her religious vows on June 13, 1957.

Sister Mary Lou was a 1962 graduate of St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing, Springfield, IL, and she completed postgraduate studies in obstetrics in 1971 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Sangamon State University in 1986. She served as a nurse at HSHS hospitals in lllinois and Wisconsin along with long-term care facilities in Chicago. She also served as a nurse at St. Francis Convent until 2012. One of her other ministries was as a reading tutor for first graders at Riverton Elementary School, Riverton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Leland Leon Durbin, and a sister, Rose Marie Martie. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Virginia Durbin, and several nieces and a nephew along with their families, as well as her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared her life for 70 years.

The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Richard Chiola on Monday, December 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel and burial will be in Crucifixion HiII Cemetery. Sister Mary Lou was a generous soul who welcomed opportunities to be of service whenever she was asked. Her trademark of offering a piece of candy spoke volumes of her character – a combination of sweetness and blessing. May she rest in peace.

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“May Christ bless this house”: Visit of the Carol Singers

January 3, 2025. Today the Sisters in Muenster enjoyed the visit of the carol singers. Accompanied by Sister M. Dietmara Ahlmann from the German Province and Sister Laetitia Matsunaga from the Generalate, the twins Franziska and Charlotte and their friends Lucie and Rosa brought the blessing for 2025 to the Motherhouse, to St. Heriburg House and Maria Trost retirement home: “Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar wish everyone a bright and blessed year!”

At the Motherhouse in Muenster, the carol singers were expected by many Sisters, Brothers and employees in the refectory. After singing traditional songs for the Sisters and with them, the girls distributed the blessing “20*C+M+B+25” on stickers for the apartments and offices. Then the blessing was written with chalk next to the door of the Motherhouse before the singers visited the manger in the Motherhouse Church.

In the well-known abbreviation of the blessing, the star stands for the star that the wise men from the Orient followed. At the same time, it is a sign for Christ. The letters C, M and B originally stood for the initials of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Today they are interpreted as the Latin words “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” – “May Christ bless this house”. The three crosses represent the Trinity: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

The 2025 nationwide Carol Singing campaign was launched in Paderborn on December 28, 2024. The motto of this 67th campaign in Germany is: ‘Raise your voice! – Carol Singers for Children’s Rights’. The plight of millions of children is still dire: Worldwide, 250 million of them, mostly girls, do not go to school. 160 million children have to work, around half of them under exploitative conditions. The aim of the Three Kings’ Singing is therefore to strengthen the rights of children worldwide and to continue to promote their implementation.

On the website of the children’s mission organization “Die Sternsinger” (The Carol Singers), the goals of the campaign and the regions supported this year are presented as follows: “With the 2025 Carol Singing Campaign, we are encouraging children and young people to work together with their peers from all continents to promote respect for, protection of and implementation of their rights. Carol Singers learn in a very concrete way how their commitment contributes to strengthening children’s rights worldwide. In this sense: Raise your voice!

This year, the donations will be used to support two regions in particular: In Turkana in northern Kenya, children have little access to schools or medical care. Extreme weather conditions often mean that their plates remain empty. Our partner organization is committed to children’s rights to health, nutrition and education and runs schools, among other things.

In Colombia, you can see how our project partner is committed to the rights of children to protection, education and participation. Because far too often, children here have to experience violence and neglect. Programs for peace education and participation, but also concrete therapies, strengthen children again.”

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Sister M. Valenta Piechota

Born: February 17, 1939
Entrance: July 26, 1958
Professed: May 3, 1961
Died: December 25, 2024

On December 25, 2024, on Christmas Day and the first day of the jubilee year, GOD called our dear Sister to His Kingdom.

“The Lord has shown his salvation. Alleluia.”

Sister M. Valenta was born on February 17, 1939 in Opole – Stephanshöh. She entered our Congregation on July 26, 1958 and made her first profession on May 3, 1961.

As a trained nurse, she served in various hospitals and nursing homes in the Polish Province until 1985. Her last assignment as a nurse was in the Oncological Children’s Clinic in Wroclaw.

On May 1, 1985, she took up the post of the Directress of the Nursing Home in Groß Döbern, where she worked for seven years. From May 1, 1992, she lived in the Provincial House. She worked here for 32 years. Initially, she served the sick and our elderly sisters with care and dedication at the sick Sisters’ Department. She also cared for the seriously ill priest of the provincial house, Father Aleksander Gajda, until 1999.

Sister M. Valenta had a special gift for taking care of the sisters who were suffering from senile dementia. She cared for them patiently and devotedly – even when her physical condition was already very weakened. She willingly accompanied many Sisters on their journey to the Lord, kept vigil and prayed at their bedsides.

The Sisters will remember Sister M. Valenta as a dedicated person in her various ministries of the community, conscientious and prayerful. For many years she led the elderly sisters’ prayer ministry for many intentions of the province, the congregation and the world.

She maintained good relations and lively contacts with the Franciscans, which strengthened her spiritual life. She also maintained good contacts with her family and many friends.

Due to her limited mobility, she spent a lot of time in prayer, listening to the radio, reading, knitting and crocheting.  She was the one who crocheted our cords.

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Jubilee door – “the holy door of the heart of God”, which was opened also for Sister M. Valenta at 8:30 a.m. on Christmas Day. She expressed her gratitude to the Sisters, the Franciscans, the priests and the family for every kindness and asked for our prayers.

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Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

December 23, 2024. Christmas is a time of joy and connection, a time of togetherness and personal encounter – and a time to look back on the defining events of the year. All of this is expressed in the following video, which summarizes some of the many beautiful shared moments during the 21st International General Chapter of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Muenster in September 2024. With this view “behind the scenes”, the Generalate wishes all Sisters worldwide, all employees and all those who share a connection to the Congregation a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year, which will hopefully bring more peace around the world. May you be blessed, and experience many moments of joy in 2025!

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Rorate caeli: Candlelight Mass in the Motherhouse Church

December 10, 2024. This morning at seven o’clock, an atmospheric Rorate Mass was celebrated in the motherhouse church. The Mass of Light was prepared by Kristina Jansen and Linus Richter, who are completing a language year at the Borromaeum seminary in preparation for their theological studies.

“Light, especially candlelight, radiates calm,” said Kristina Jansen in her introduction. ‘It is a hopeful sign that also fills our hearts with light and warmth.’ And further: ”God has called us to be light in a dark world. Then his love and his light can be reflected in human relationships to give hope even to those who feel surrounded by darkness.”

After Mass, which was celebrated by Father Dr. Michael Plattig, Motherhouse Superior Sister Cäcilia invited the students to breakfast in the refectory and thanked them on behalf of all the Sisters for the atmospheric start to the day.

The Mass of the Fourth Sunday of Advent, which is named after the introit antiphon Rorate, is considered to be the original Rorate Mass. The name was later also given to the votive Mass in honor of Mary. As early as the fourth century, antiphons were used in which the Latin words “Rorate caeli” (“Drop down, ye heavens”) served as a refrain.

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Sister M. Coronata Scheffer

Born: August 14, 1932
Entrance: August 12, 1955
Professed: May 3, 1958
Died: December 3, 2024

At the beginning of this year’s Advent season, the good God in whom she had always trusted called to His heavenly home Sister M. Coronata Scheffer, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

The Lord is near, let us worship him.

Invitatory Prayer in Advent

Sister M. Coronata grew up with her seven brothers and sisters on a farm in Mesum. She was very grateful for her family because it was there that she learnt everything that was needed in a convent: a deep faith in the Lord God, respect for each other, work and helping people. That’s how she described herself. The connection with her relatives and her Westphalian language accompanied her throughout her life.

After passing her nursing exams, Sister M. Coronata joined St. Willehad Hospital in Wilhelmshaven in 1959 and remained there for 55 years until the convent was dissolved in 2014. She left many traces in the hospital and also in the city, for which she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2007. She was head of the gynaecology department with the neonatal unit. It was here that many young parents experienced her love and care, which they were able to pass on to more than just their children. She herself said that she had held more than one generation of the people of Wilhelmshaven in her arms. She became the “soul of Ward 5”, affectionate, human and natural.  A genuine Westphalian original on the North Sea. In recent years, when she was freed from ward work and could devote herself to pastoral care in the hospital, regardless of the religion or nationality of the patients, she was able to use these qualities and her ability to listen even more effectively.

Sister M. Coronata was always happy when a sister came to Wilhelmshaven by train. She would meet them at the station. She would give the train driver a cigar to thank him for bringing the passengers home safely.

Sister M. Coronata spent her last years in the convent of Maria-Hilf in Telgte and finally in St. Francis convent in Nordwalde, from where God called her and surely said to her: “Nu is guord west” (Now it has been good). All that remains for us to say is: “Guord gohn” (May it go well with you). We remain fraternally united with Sister M. Coronata in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

On Tuesday, 10 December 2024, we will celebrate the Mass of Resurrection for Sister M. Coronata at 10 a.m. in St. Francis House in Nordwalde and then say goodbye to her in the parish cemetery, where she will find her final resting place. Afterwards, we can share our memories over coffee in St. Franziskus-Haus.

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Sister Christa Ann Struewing, OSF

As I observe my 60th Jubilee in 2024, I reflect on my life.

I was born in Carthage, Missouri, on December 26, 1940, the youngest of ten children. Our parents believed that a Catholic education was one of the most valuable gifts and so they took turns driving us about 20 miles to attend the Catholic grade and high schools. After graduating from McAuley Catholic High School in Joplin, Missouri, I enrolled at Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas. During my two years there, my interest in religious life grew. While I had known the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis as a youngster in Carthage, my mother re-introduced them when I came home during college breaks. (The Sisters served at Our Lady of the Ozarks Home Nursing Center, Carthage, from 1945-77.)

In 1961, I entered the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Springfield, Illinois and I made first profession of vows in 1964. After earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1967 from Marillac College (St. Louis, Missouri), I served the next 20 years as a hospital staff nurse, a home health nurse, and a nursing educator. From 1990 until 1995, I served in leadership of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) for the five Wisconsin hospitals. The subsequent 29 years have been spent serving my Sisters as a member of the provincial leadership team along with the leadership of St. Francis Convent. I also have had many years of service on the board of directors of our hospitals and HSHS. I have been blessed to meet our Sisters in Germany, Poland, Japan, India, Taiwan, Haiti, Tanzania, and the Czech Republic. These visits have strengthened me in the common bond of our international community and Franciscan charism.

My journey over these 60 years has brought me to a deeper sense of my calling and my service to those in need.

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Sister M. Bernadinis Heikebrügge

Born: February 12, 1937
Entrance: February 8, 1958
Professed: October 28, 1960
Died: December 1, 2024

The faithful God completed the life of our dear Sister M. Bernardinis Heikebrügge, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

Psalm 31:6

Sister M. Bernardinis was born into the Heikebrügge family in Osterdamme in the Oldenburg region. As her mother died early and her father was ill, Hedwig grew up with her aunt. Throughout her life, Sister M. Bernardinis, her siblings and the whole family maintained a deep relationship with each other.

Sister M. Bernardinis met the Sisters of our Congregation as a ward assistant in the hospital in Damme. She entered the congregation in Münster at the age of 21.

Sister M. Bernardinis qualified as a nurse in 1961. After working in Werne and Bremerhaven, she spent 24 years as a ward nurse in the internal medicine department in Hückeswagen. She was then happy to spend almost 25 years in Haltern, where she welcomed and supported many people through her service in the reception and information area of the hospital.

Sister M. Bernardinis moved to St. Anna-Stift in Lohne-Kroge about ten years ago due to the consequences of an illness. Her strength here was in maintaining old relationships and making new ones. She was very hospitable and sometimes gave the “red card” when she felt a visit had been delayed too long. Until her last days, Sister M. Bernardinis was very attentive to the news and well-being of those close to her. She accompanied them all with her prayers. Sister M. Bernardinis said some years ago: “If I didn’t have such a strong faith, I don’t think I could bear my illness like this”.

Today, on the first day of Advent, Christ finally met her in firm faith and in the presence of those who faithfully cared for her. We trust that she has now reached the goal of her hope. We can keep this as an encouraging testimony of how strong a support in life is trust in God and faithful human care.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Bernardinis. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united to her as sisters.

We will celebrate the resurrection mass for Sister M. Bernardinis on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 2 p.m. in the convent church in Kroge. We will then accompany her to her final resting place in the Kroge cemetery. Afterwards, we can share our memories over coffee together.

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Sister M. Gonzagis Bußwoller

Born: July 6, 1941
Entrance: August 19, 1961
Professed: May 3, 1964
Died: November 28, 2024

The faithful God called to himself our dear Sister M. Gonzagis Bußwoller, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

God who called you is faithful,
and he will also complete it.

1 Thess. 5:24

Agnes Bußwoller was born in Wüllen, near Ahaus, and grew up in this small town on the Dutch border. After leaving school she worked in a hospital in Stadtlohn. It was here that she discovered her vocation to become a Franciscan Sister. At the age of 20 she joined our congregation in Münster and became a nurse. She trained as a school nurse in Cologne-Hohenlind and then worked at the School of Nursing in Haltern, and later became head of the School of Nursing in Tilbeck.

From 1992 to 2018 she worked in Körbecke on the Möhnesee. She worked in the St. Elisabeth House and took over part of the pastoral care in the house and in the parish.  She was also to be found in the parish office. When she left, she was bid farewell with the words: “Dear Gonzagis, we admired your courage, especially in the four years when the convent had already been dissolved.” A radiant smile and encouraging, sparkling eyes – that was Sister Gonzagis’ hallmark, no matter what situation she found herself in. She was the last Sister to retire from Körbecke and also from the Archdiocese of Paderborn.

Until a few months ago, Sister M. Gonzagis lived in St. Magnus House in Everswinkel, where she also offered her pastoral services to the residents and staff. A bout of cancer forced her to give up her beloved work in Everswinkel, and to come first to the Motherhouse and then to St Heriburg House, where she placed her life back in God’s hands today.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Gonzagis. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united to her as sisters.We will celebrate the resurrection Mass for Sister M. Gonzagis on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Motherhouse Church. We will then accompany her to her final resting place in the Sisters’ Cemetery. Afterwards, we can share our memories of her over coffee in the Motherhouse.

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Sister M. Lioba Schwarte

Born: February 27, 1932
Entrance: July 2, 1957
Professed: October 28, 1959
Died: November 28, 2024

The faithful and merciful God called our dear Sister M. Lioba Schwarte, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, into His kingdom of light and peace.

Lord, where shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.

Joh. 6

Hermine Schwarte was born in Störmede near Lippstadt, where she grew up and went to school. At the age of 25, she joined our congregation and the young woman took the religious name Sister M. Lioba.

After her nursing exams, she completed her secondary school leaving certificate and trained as a medical-technical assistant at the University of Münster. She worked in the X-ray departments in Meerbusch-Lank, Lünen, Greven, Wilhelmshaven and Brake until 1989.

In accordance with her wish and her charism, Sister M. Lioba was able to complete her training as a hospital pastoral care with the Malteser organization in Bonn. She was happy to provide pastoral care, first to the sick in Brake and then in Greven until 2012. She was often seen sitting in the chapel and praying for everyone.

At the age of 80, Sister M. Lioba went to St. Josefs-Haus in Seppenrade to enjoy her retirement. Here, too, she continued to be involved in organizing church services and praying together. When the convent there was dissolved in 2021, Sister M. Lioba moved with the other Sisters to St. Heriburg House in Münster. Here she prepared herself for the coming of the Lord, who called her to himself in the midday hours of November 28, 2024.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Lioba. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united to her as sisters.

We will celebrate the resurrection Mass for Sister M. Lioba on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Motherhouse Church. We will then accompany her to her final resting place in the Sisters’ Cemetery.

Afterwards, we can share our memories of her over coffee in the Motherhouse.

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Sister M. Geroldis Beterams

Born: December 7, 1935
Entrance: August 10, 1957
Professed: May 3, 1960
Died: November 21, 2024

Our dear Sister M. Geroldis Beterams has returned her life to the good hands of our God. Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

God has written us in his hand
and God’s hands are good hands..

Cardinal Höffner

Sister M. Geroldis was born in the flower town of Straelen in the Lower Rhine region of Germany. Her family was the source of many flowers for the decoration of our motherhouse. She went to school in Straelen. She met our Sisters in the hospital there.

As was customary at the time, she trained as a nurse after her novitiate. However, she never worked in that profession. Immediately after graduating, she went to work in the large bakery that belonged to the Motherhouse. Sister M. Geroldis learnt the baking trade and became a baker’s apprentice. In 1973 she became the first and so far, only nun in Germany to be allowed to call herself a master baker. This special achievement was the subject of a separate article in the Newspapers in the district of Nordrhein Westfalen.

Besides the large Motherhouse, the bakery also supplied St Francis Hospital, St Heriburg House and House Maria Trost. Under the direction of Sr M. Hadwigis and Sr M. Geroldis, a number of interested workers were employed. At this time of the year, before the Advent season, an additional fourteen quintals of ginger biscuits were baked so that each person could receive a bag of biscuits as a Christmas gift. Many young sisters also got involved in this project.  Sister M. Geroldi’s specialty was cakes. She made them individually for all the feasts and holidays and spoiled us with them.

After the bakery was closed in 1998, Sister M. Geroldis went to Maria-Hilf convent in Telgte, where she served at the convent entrance and also cared the house chapel until she moved to St. Heriburg House as a senior citizen a few years ago, where she gave her life back into the hands of God after a long illness.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Geroldis. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist. We remain united to her as sisters. We will celebrate the Holy Mass for Sister M. Geroldis on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 2 p.m. in the Motherhouse Church. We will then accompany her to her final resting place in the Sisters’ Cemetery.  Afterwards, we can share our memories of her over coffee in the Motherhouse

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Sister M. Annuntiata Arlinghaus

Born: December 11, 1931
Entrance: January 28, 1955
Professed: October 28, 1957
Died: November 11, 1924

On the morning of St. Martin’s Day, our dear Sister M. Annuntiata Arlinghaus, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, gave her life back into God’s hands. .

I received my life from the hand of God,
I shaped my life under God’s hand,
I give my life back into God’s hands.

Saint Augustine

Sister M. Annuntiata was born in Lohne in the Oldenburg region, where she also went to school. At the age of 24, she entered our congregation, just like her biological Sister M. Priscilliana.

After completing her nursing training at St. Franziskus Hospital in Münster, she worked as a nurse and ward nurse in Gronau, Gelsenkirchen-Erle, Haltern, Neuss, Ascheberg and Straelen until 1979. She then completed her training as a geriatric nurse with outstanding results. She worked in Issum-Sevelen from 1985 to 2009.

We got to know Sister M. Annuntiata as a Sister with a great sense of humour and wit, a true original, who was always the first to see the positive side of things. In doing so, she delighted the patients and residents she cared for, and also the staff and fellow Sisters in the institutions where she worked. Some of the staff from Issum-Sevelen stayed in contact with her until the end. They visited her from time to time.

When her strength began to fail, she returned to her home in Oldenburg, Kroge, as a senior citizen. In the beginning she still enjoyed working here and doing small tasks. She loved to sing. It expressed her good mood and her faith. She never lost her sense of humour and her witty sayings right up to the end of her life. On the last night of her life, when her health was suddenly failing and the nurses were under her care, she sent them away with a typical saying: “Go with God – but quickly!” A few hours later she went to God. She followed her sister M. Priscilliana, with whom she had lived in Kroge.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Annunitata. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist. We remain united with her as sisters. We will celebrate the resurrection mass for Sister M. Annuntiata on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 2.30 p.m. in the convent church in Kroge. We will then accompany her to her final resting place in the Kroge cemetery. Afterwards, we can share our memories of her over coffee in the convent.

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Sister M. Felica Kalla

Born: June 12, 1938
Entrance: July 26, 1958
Professed: May 3, 1961
Died: November 10, 2024

On November 10, 2024, Sister M. Felica Kalla, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, completed her earthly pilgrimage.

What is great and beautiful is born through suffering.

Bl. Rev. Jerzy Popieluszko

Sister M. Felica was born on June 12, 1938 in Wrzoski near Opole. She entered our Congregation on July 26, 1958 and made her first profession on May 3, 1961 in Oldrzychowice Klodzkie.

At the beginning of her religious life, Sister M. Felica served for several months among the sick at the Senior Residence Home in Opole, St. Alexius. From 1960 to 1975. She worked as a nurse and in the Blood Bank at hospitals in Cieplice and Radkow.

Since 1974, for health reasons, she took up residence at the Provincial House in Ołdrzychowice Kłodzkie, where she served with the Sisters in the infirmary and in various household chores. In her last years, she required total care herself and agreed to move to the convent in Dobrzeń Wielki, where she received the necessary assistance until her last days and was very grateful for it.

Sister Felica had a blood sister in our congregation – the deceased Sister M. Frankhilde.

Sister M. Felica will be remembered as a quiet, modest, cheerful and kind sister. She was very self-sacrificing, zealous, hard-working and perceptive of the needs of others. As far as her health permitted, she spared no effort in her ministry, even in her later years she continued to do much good to others. 

Illness was a cross for her, which she accepted and accepted as a task from the Lord. It was a hardship for her, but also something that helped her become a truly humble Sister. She was a good Sister, a person of prayer and trust. And she always tried to be present in the community and take an active part in community meetings and work.

Sister M. Felica consciously lived God’s presence every day, she waited longingly for Jesus in Holy Communion, and the day before she died she very consciously asked for a priest to come because she wanted to confess. She also received the sacrament of the Anointing of the sick at that time. For everything, she was always very grateful.

She loved her loved ones very much. She maintained cordial contact with her family and also surrounded them with her prayerful memory.

Grateful to her fellow Sisters and close family for all their kindness, especially for their care, help and prayers on her final journey, we believe she is already enjoying the joy of being with God in heaven.

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Sister M. Coelia Möller

Born: August 16, 1934
Entrance: August 11, 1956
Professed: May 3, 1959
Died: November 1, 2024

In the early hours of the morning of the All Saints’ Day of 2024, the good God welcomed our dear sister into the group of those chosen by Him. Sister M. Coelia Möller, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Rejoice, we are God’s people, chosen by his grace.

Psalm 100:3 (Vespers on All Saints’ Day)

Anna Möller and her five brothers and sisters grew up in a solid Catholic family in the farming community of Lenklar near Werne. She went to school during the war and post-war period. Afterwards, she had to help at home and on the farm. She got to know the Franciscan Sisters at St. Mary’s Hospital in Lünen, where she worked in the kitchen. At the age of 22, she joined our Congregation and was given the name Sister M. Coelia. She qualified as a nurse and dietician in Münster and then worked in the kitchen at St. Marien Hospital in Bottrop for ten years. Those were good years for her, and she spoke fondly of them to the end. The community then entrusted her with the office of superior in Moers, Nottuln, Bochum-Querenburg and Lünen. At Tilbeck Abbey, she continued to provide pastoral care for the residents for another twelve years. She then moved to Seppenrade as a senior citizen and in recent years to St. Heriburg House in Münster, where she died after a long illness.

We knew and appreciated Sister M. Coelia as a straightforward, down-to-earth Sister with a big heart for everyone, especially the poor and sick. She loved telling jokes and stories in her Low German, underlining them with mimic gestures and wiht disguises. On special occasions, she always had a poem of congratulations at the ready. She was always very sensitive to any mood swings in the community, and her sense of humour was always there to compensate.

Throughout her life, Sister M. Coelia kept in close touch with her family. They often went pilgrimaging together from Werne to Our Lady in Werl. After her Iron Jubilee in the summer of this year, they all met again in Werne at the house of her brother Anton. She was very happy about this family gathering.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Coelia. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain connected to her as sisters.

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, we will say goodbye to Sister M. Coelia at 2 p.m. in the Motherhouse Church and then accompany her to her final resting place in the Sisters’ Cemetery. Afterwards, we can share our memories over coffee in the motherhouse.

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Sister M. Elisabeth Schmitz

Born: April 10, 1935
Entrance: August 15, 1963
Professed: May 3, 1966
Died: November 1, 2024

“When morning came, Jesus stood on the shore” (John 21.4) and called our dear sister to HIM. Sister M. Elisabeth Schmitz, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

I always receive myself from your hand.

Romano Guardini

Sister M. Elizabeth was born into a family of musicians in Brüggen in Kempen. Both her father and her brother were organists there. After leaving school, she trained to become a commercial clerk in a wholesale textile company and then went to work in the administration of the Meerbusch-Lank Hospital, where she met the Hospital Sisters of St. Mauritz. From here she joined our congregation. She was employed in the administration of the motherhouse and later in the secretariat. These duties gave the musical Sister the time to complete her training in church music. She played the organ in the Motherhouse church and accompanied the piano at celebrations, to the delight of her fellow Sisters and many visitors. Sister M. Elisabeth literally absorbed the melody of God. She blessed us with her choir singing and organ playing. She was also very fond of secular music and was particularly fond of André Rieu. When she accompanied a Sister on a drive in the car and was looking at the countryside and listenong to music, her eyes would light up even more than usual. This was her way of enjoying the world and life. In addition to her Franciscan spirituality, she also felt a strong attachment to the Benedictine order. She was a great devotee of the Virgin Mary and she prayed a lot.

Sister M. Elisabeth did not make a great fuss about herself. She was there in silence, helping wherever she was needed. She was always very happy when she could travel to her family in the Rhineland and when relatives visited her until the end.

In the year 2018, Sister M. Elisabeth moved to the St. Heriburg House because her strength was failing and the afflictions of old age were becoming more and more noticeable. in the first hour of All Saints’ Day, she placed her life back into the hands of God.

We bid farewell to Sister M. Elisabeth with gratitude. We remember her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist. We remain united with her as sisters. On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, we will say goodbye to Sister M. Elisabeth at 2 pm in the Motherhouse Church and then accompany her to her final resting place in the Sisters’ Cemetery. Afterwards, we can share our memories of her over coffee in the motherhouse.

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Sister M. Albinis Schumacher

Born: March 11, 1932
Entrance: August 14, 1954
Professed: May 3, 1957
Died: October 21, 2024

After a long and fulfilling life, the good and merciful God completed the earthly life of our dear Sister M. Albinis Schumacher, Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Our home is in heaven. That is where we await Jesus Christ, the Lord our Savior.

Phil. 3:20

Sister M. Albinis grew up in Oberhausen-Osterfeld with five siblings. She got to know and appreciate the Franciscan Sisters of Mauritz in Stadtlohn. This prompted the young woman to enter the convent in Münster at the age of 22. Her professional life as a nurse was linked to the St. Marien hospital in Lünen. She was in charge of the urology ward there for a long time and later worked as a sacristan. Her biological sister Brigitte was a surgical nurse at the hospital so that the siblings could support each other.

In 2014, Sister M. Albinis was the last Franciscan to leave the Lüner Marien hospital after 55 years. At her farewell celebration, it was acknowledged that despite her quiet and reserved nature, she had become an “institution of the house” during this long period. And everyone was impressed by the sparkle in her eyes.

As a senior, she came to St. Franziskus-Haus in Nordwalde, where she took on small tasks and was involved in the liturgy. There we experienced Sister Albinis as a calm and kind fellow sister who prayed a lot. In the last fortnight, her strength diminished more and more. She has now consciously joined her Lord.

We say farewell to Sister M. Albinis with gratitude. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist. We remain united with her as sisters. We will celebrate the resurrection Mass for Sister M. Albinis on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10.00 a.m. in St. Franziskus-Haus in Nordwalde.  We will then accompany her to her final resting place in the parish cemetery.   Afterwards, we can share our memories over coffee in St. Franziskus-Haus.

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Sister M. Marita Peters

Born: May 23, 1936
Entrance: August 15, 1962
Professed: May 3, 1965
Died: September 18, 2024

After a long illness, the good and merciful God called to himself our dear Sister M. Marita Peters, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Now, Lord, your servant goes in peace, for my eyes have seen Your salvation.

From the evening prayer of the Church

Angela was born in Altenberge near Meppen, Germany. She was the 10th child of her parents Heinrich and Maria Peters. All her siblings had died at an early age, leaving her alone. After the death of her parents, she no longer had a family.

The young woman attended nursing school at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Cloppenburg and joined the religious community a year later. She took the religious name Sister M. Marita. She always saw her fellow sisters as her siblings, whom she had not experienced in her family.

She trained as a dietician at St. Franziskus Hospital in Münster. This shaped her path in the convent. She managed the dietary kitchens in Lünen and Kirchhellen, where she was also entrusted with the office of convent superior in recent years. When her strength diminished, she joined the newly founded convent in Werne, where she took care of the sacristy in the parish church. In 2007, she moved to St. Franziskus-Haus in Nordwalde as a senior citizen. Her mental capacity increasingly declined there, so she had to move to the dementia ward in Kroge in 2019. Here, her mental deficits were dealt with professionally. She was lovingly cared for there by the staff and fellow nurses until the Lord called her to Himself on September 18 shortly after midnight and completed her long life. We hope that she will meet her family again in heaven.

We know Sister M. Marita as an amiable nurse for whom no job was too much and no journey too long to provide and care patients with varied dietary meals according to the latest standards. We fondly remember the sweet cookies that she baked for us from Werne during the Advent season. Together with Sister M. Paulinis, to whom she felt a special sisterly bond, she went to the Christmas bakery every year.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Marita. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.  We remain united with her as sisters. We will celebrate the resurrection mass for Sister M. Marita on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 2.30 p.m. in the convent church in Kroge. We will then accompany her to her final resting place in the Kroge cemetery.  Afterwards, we can share our memories of her over coffee in the convent.

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Sister Anne Carlino, OSF

Born: March 15, 1936
Entrance: September 8, 1954
Professed: June 13, 1957
Died: September 4, 2024

The loving and kind God completed the life of Sister Anne Cartino, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

And the king will say to them in reply, Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these last brothers of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40

The above scripture reference describes Sister Anne’s life. For so many years, she took care of the least in the world, both near and far. Particularly in the last week, Sister Anne herself was the recipient of the care of others. Her health deteriorated, and the nursing staff were attentive to caring for her needs. She also had visits from her brother as well as other relatives, friends, and sisters. At 10:04 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, she passed peacefully into the arms of our loving God.

Sister Anne was born in Brooklyn, NY, on March 15, 1936, the daughter of Theodore and Vivian (Terrano) Carlino. She entered the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis on September 8, 1954, and professed her first vows on June 13, 1957.

Sister Anne was a 1961 graduate of St. John’s School of Nursing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Louis University in 1968 and a master’s degree in health care administration from Sangamon State University in 1973.

Sister Anne served in nursing leadership in several Illinois hospitals and at St. Francis Convent. From 1969 to 1982, she was instrumental in planning and developing the open-heart surgery, intensive care coronary units, and cardiopulmonary units at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. For three months, beginning in January 1980, she sewed the Cambodian refugees in Thailand, establishing assessment clinics for feeding women, children, and malnourished adults.

Sister Anne was community services coordinator of Catholic Charities in Springfield, IL, from 1987 through 1999, and while there, she was named the Copley First Citizen in November of 1996. She also facilitated the building of a new structure for the St. John’s Breadline, which was completed in 1994. In July 1999, she co-founded the San Damiano Mission in Kemondo, Bukoba, Tanzania, and served there until May 2017.

Sister Anne was a woman of strong determination and had a way of getting what she wanted for others. She also had a creative side. Her best-known creative effort was composing several pieces of music. In the 1980’s, she composed the blessing song that we use for so many occasions. Sister Anne maintained contact with her family and her many friends and cherished their times together.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by a brother, Ted A. Carlino of Riverton, IL, several cousins, and many friends. On behalf of the Community, we offer them our sincere condolences and the prayerful support of the Christian community. Visitation will be held at St. Francis Convent on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from4 – 7 p.m. with a Wake Service at 6 p.m. The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Richard Chiola on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel with burial in Crucifixion Hill Cemetery at St. Francis Convent.

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Sister M. Veronika Bothe

Born: January 11, 1938
Entrance: January 30, 1959
Professed: October 18, 1961
Died: August 29, 2024

In the presence of her fellow sisters, the loving and kind God completed the life of Sister M. Veronika Bothe, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Praise and glorify my Lord and serve him with great joy!

Canticle of the Creatures of St. Francis

Hedwig Bothe was born in Ellenstedt in the district of Vechta, Germany. She was born one year before the Second World War. Her childhood coincided with the time of National Socialism. The people of Oldenburg fought against it fiercely.  It was certainly a learning experience for her to stand up for a cause she believed in. Rooted in a deep faith in the good God, she went her own way. This was also the basis of her decision to give her life to God by joining our Franciscan Congregation.  She took the religious name, Sister M. Veronica.

After completing her training as a nurse, as all young sisters did, Sister M. Veronika received her first assignment in the surgical department of St. Josefs-Stift in Bremen. Three years later, the community entrusted her with administrative duties. Her preparation for this work had been in an annual seminar in Cologne-Hohenlind. In Friesoythe (1973-1979) and in Gronau (1979-1983) she was the superior of the convents. In the hospitals she was the Director of Nursing. She was then elected Provincial Superior of the Westphalian Province. The Province had its seat in Telgte. She led the Province with a strong sense of vision and led it into a bright future.

Sister M. Veronika was then in charge of the large motherhouse convent for twelve years. This time was marked by great upheavals and a move to a new house. Thanks to her co-management, the convent life changed in favor of newly created living groups. It was important to her that spiritual life and silence in the house were not neglected. She always involved the Sisters so that they could support the community’s decisions.

After this time, Sister M. Veronika ventured a new ministry and became one of the founders of the Esterwegen Convent, which was established in 2007 on the site of the concentration camp there at the request of the Diocese of Osnabrück. This was real pioneering work, which Sister M. Veronika took on in her usual manner, with great organizational skills, a realistic view of what was possible and a great deal of empathy for the visitors who came to the convent.

Since 2013, Sister M. Veronika was allowed to spend her twilight years at St. Anna-Stift in Kroge, close to her home in Oldenburg and her relatives, who visited her until the end. Thus, after 65 years as a Franciscan Sister, she gave her life back into the hands of God, whom she was looking forward to.

We say farewell to Sister M. Veronika with gratitude. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist. We remain united with her as Sisters.

We will celebrate the resurrection Mass for Sister M. Veronika on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 2.30 p.m. in the Convent Church in Kroge. We will then accompany her to her final resting place in the Kroge cemetery. Afterwards, we can share our memories of her over coffee in the convent.

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Sister M. Nunechia Dudek

Born: July 19, 1930
Entrance: February 2, 1959
Professed: October 29, 1961
Died: August 28, 2024

On August 28, 2024, our beloved Sister M. Nunechia Dudek, Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, was called to her eternal home.

Blessed are those whom Sister Death will find in your most holy will, for the second death can do them no harm.

Canticle of the Creatures of St. Francis

Sister M. Nunechia was born on July 19, 1930 in Izbicko/Upper Silesia. She entered our Congregation on February 2, 1959. She made her first profession on October 29, 1961.

From November 1960, Sister M. Nunechia worked for several months as a nurse in the nursing home for adults in Opole – St. Alexius. She then spent twenty-five years of her religious life serving in the sacristy of the provincial house in Ołdrzychowice. During this time, she educated many sisters, especially postulants and novices, with her attitude of humility and gentleness, hard work and diligence.

After living in Ołdrzychowice for so many years, she first moved to Opole to the Curia and later to the home for elderly priests. Then, for a short time, she looked after the household of Bishop Jan Wieczorek in Gliwice. In 2004, she came to Ołdrzychowice and willingly offered her help in the sewing room for 14 years. In 2018, she suffered a fractured neck of femur and underwent rehabilitation for the second time, this time in the nursing home in Stephansöh, which lasted eight months. She slowly recovered and had a great desire to return to Ołdrzychowice, which happened in May 2019.

We remember Sister M. Nunechia as a very conscientious and dedicated sister in all her work as well as in her spiritual and community life. She devoted much of her time to prayer. She always had a rosary in her hand. She was quiet and reserved, but her face and heart were full of cheerfulness and joy. She had a very uplifting attitude. She cheerfully showed her gratitude to the sisters for every word and every visit. The sisters enjoyed being in her company.

Her health had already deteriorated considerably in May 2023. On August 11, 2024, she suffered a micro-stroke, which resulted in unilateral facial paralysis and loss of speech. She slowly became weaker and we no longer had any verbal contact with her. The nurses in Ullersdorf cared for her and kept watch over her for many hours during the day and at night. On August 28 at 1 p.m., she passed peacefully into heaven.

Grateful for all the good things she has experienced, she commends herself to our prayers today as she joyfully intercedes for us before God.  The funeral will take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 10 a.m. in Ołdrzychowice.

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Sister M. Luperia Reicks

Born: March 22, 1933
Entrance: August 9, 1957
Professed: May 3, 1960
Died: August 24, 2024

The faithful God completed the life of our dear Sister M. Luperia Reicks, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Death is the gateway to life.

attributed to St. Francis

Sister M. Luperia was born in Billerbeck. Her parents gave her the name Maria, and she remained a devotee of Mary throughout her life. Maria received the Sacrament of Confirmation on July 9, 1943 in the church in Schapdetten.  She went to school in Schapdetten until 1947.  As a 21-year-old young woman, she finished her time as a trainee cook at Senden Hospital.

A longing grew in her to become a Franciscan Sister. At the age of 24, she took the step into religious life. After her training as a nurse and various assignments, two years after her perpetual professions, she took on her first leading role as a ward Sister in the surgical women’s ward at St. Franziskus-Hospital in Muenster. Eight years later, she completed her training as a nursing facility manager and from 1977 to 2010 was superior of the convents in Greven, Leer, Lohne and Lingen and Nursing Director, or sacristan in the latter hospital.

After a year at the Motherhouse, she moved to Nordwalde in 2011 due to increasing health problems. For three years, she welcomed people at the entrance until she increasingly needed support herself.  Her great wish to see the new Motherhouse chapel once again was fulfilled in June of this year, despite her very limited state of health. Her joy was expressed in her beaming smile as she set off on her journey home. Five weeks ago, she was able to spend some time with her biological sister and her niece in Nordwalde. 

Sister M. Luperia showed us that she was a cheerful, responsible woman who was very close to St. Francis, even when living through her infirmities in old age.  On Saturday at 10.15 p.m., in the presence of the night watch, God took her home through the gate of death at the age of 92. 

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Luperia. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain connected to her as sisters.

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, we will celebrate the Resurrection Mass for Sister M. Luperia at 10.00 a.m. in St. Franziskus-Haus in Nordwalde. In gratitude, we bid farewell to her at the parish cemetery, where she will find her final resting place. Afterwards, we can share our memories over coffee in St. Franziskus-Haus.

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Sister M. Clara Okamoto

Born: October 12, 1930
Entrance: February 11, 1962
Professed: September 17, 1964
Died: July 21, 2024

From the Provincialate of the Japan Province, we received the following death message:

O Lord, because of Your mercy and truth, I thank you for your name.

Ps. 138:2

On July 21 at 4:24 p.m., our Sister M. Clara Kyoko Okamoto quietly passed away to the Lord with a peaceful face after only one night in the St. Mary’s Hospital. Sister was one of our Diamond Jubilarians this year in her 60th year of vows. We are respectfully announcing herewith that Sister M. Clara’s last days were spent in the presence of the Lord.

Sister M. Clara spent the last years of her life in good health and convalescence, traveling between Maria Villa and the convent since 2019, under the watchful eye of the sisters and the staff of the institution. On Saturday, the 20th, the day before yesterday, she developed a high fever and went to the emergency room of St. Mary’s Hospital in the afternoon. I was able to accompany her to the ward with Sr. M. Julia but was unable to enter her room due to the coronary disaster. I never dreamed that this would be our last conversation. When I met Sister lying on the stretcher in the emergency room, she said with a big smile and her usual bright voice, “It’s nice to see you! Thank you! I am so grateful for your help!” I cannot get out of my mind the look of gratitude on Sister’s face. I was able to receive this gratitude. I am sure this goes out to the sisters and their families, to the staff at Maria Villa who took care of them, and to the doctors and medical staff who watched over them from the outpatient area to the wards, even if it was just for one night. To all concerned, I am writing here to express my heartfelt thanks with my prayers.

Sister was admitted with her qualifications and experience as a nurse. In 1984, she became the Superior of Nagasaki Convent, and at the end of her term in 1990, she went to Korea to study Korean. In 1996, she was sent to Himeji Convent to complete her second term. She was then sent to Nibuno Villa in the Diocese of Osaka, where she served as Director of the Villa from 2002 to 2009. She returned to Himeji in 2012 and helped as much as possible in the laundry of St. Mary’s Hospital. Sister fully shared her dexterity and blessed talents with others.

Sister’s sister, Mrs. Michi Naito, is one of the Associates of the Japan Province. She was inspired by her sister, Sr. M. Clara, and has been a good collaborator and companion along the way. We thank her very much.

In 2012, she wrote an article entitled “Reflecting on my Calling”, which is transcribed at the end of this text.

The wake will be held on Monday, July 22at 6:30 p.m. with only the sisters to remember Sr. M. Clara.

The funeral mass and farewell service will be held on Tuesday, July 23, at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Litiro, conducted by Franciscan Father Keishiro Furusato, who will take the casket at 2:00 p.m. and cremate the remains at the Nagoyama Cemetery, where they will return to Litiro Chapel stay with the sisters for about one month, and be buried at our church cemetery in Nibuno. The remains will be buried in our church cemetery in Nibuno.

We entrust them into the hands of the Lord so that they may enter eternal rest in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom they have longed for all their lives. In thanksgiving.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Sister Maria Fidelis Furukawa, O.S.F.

In 2012, Sister Clara wrote:

“Reflecting on My Calling”

In April of 1950 I entered nursing school.  Holding a dream in my heart of being a Catholic nurse, after graduation I was employed in St. Mary’s Hospital.  I was given the grace to work here as a Catholic nurse.  In the noon hour when I would go to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, the sisters were always offering prayers.  I would slip quietly in the back bench and found nothing was more enjoyable than daily attuning my heart to the prayers of the sisters.

At this time, I was not thinking about a religious vocation, as it was just the greatest joy for me to join my heart with the prayer of the sisters.  It seems that I was just touched by the prayer of the sisters and charmed by the sisters’ life as they spent the noon-hour happily walking and conversing together.

As for me I felt it difficult in approaching them, but one day I made up my mind and knocked on the convent door.  It was Sister Clementia who opened the door.  It was through that opportunity that God led me to think about religious life.

After entering, I became ill and needed a time of recovery, so had to give up religious life for a time.  However, I received the grace to re-enter and to this day am here.  That journey is long and there were many incidents to overcome, but not abandoning me, God heard my request.

This year I have reached my 48th year of religious vows.  Everything works out in God’s love, and with the support of my sisters and people of good will I greet each day.

Thanks be to God!

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Sister Mary Kelly, OSF

I was born on July 27, 1932, in Kincaid, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence and Mary Rose (Ferrari) Kelly. My father was a coal miner, and my mother raised my brother and me and oversaw our home. In grade school, I began to sense God’s voice for me to consider religious life and since I did not have the nerve to tell my parents about my feelings, I ignored them. I laughed with my friends who were thinking about religious life while thinking that it was a possibility for me.

I wanted to be a nurse, so I enrolled at St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing, Springfield, Illinois, and began my nursing education on September 8, 1949. In this Catholic setting with the presence of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, my calling to religious life was enhanced. Sometime around 3:45 p.m. on January 1, 1951, I felt the need to visit the chapel at St. John’s Hospital (Springfield) and as I prayed before beginning my shift as a nursing student, it was clear to me that God was calling me to enter this community.

There was a class of women entering in February 1951 but since my brother was entering the military at the same time, I did not want to add to my parents’ loss. I waited to tell my mother until April and then told my father in his August 19 birthday card with this message: ‘Happy Birthday, Dad…I’m entering the Convent.’ I entered on September 12 and professed my first vows on June 13, 1954.

As I reflect on my 70 years as a Franciscan Sister, I am blessed with a ministry in nursing leadership, nursing education, pastoral care, and leadership. I also was blessed with experience in serving with our hospital boards and at the corporate office of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS). In addition to graduating from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1955, I earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marquette University (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) in 1958 and a master’s degree in nursing service administration from The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, in 1965.

Throughout our life, God speaks to us. I found that all we must do is be open to listening to God and have faith in how the path before us will unfold. We never walk alone.

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Saying Good Bye

September 23, 2024: Today is a day of farewells. After the intense, exciting, productive, and blessed time shared during the 21st General Chapter, the departure of the international Capitulars and guests has begun.

At 12 o’clock, for one last time, many had lunch together at the Motherhouse, with the Board of Trustees of the St. Francis Foundation as special guests. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Ludger Hellenthal, and Dr. Ulrich Knopp, Member of the Board of Directors of St. Francis Foundation, conveyed warm greetings, also on behalf of Dr. Nils Brüggemann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. Francis Foundation, and congratulated General Superior Sister M. Margarete Ulager and the new General Council.

On behalf of their delegations, Sister Maureen O’Connor, Superior of the U.S. Canonical House, Sister Maria Fidelis, Japan Province, and Sister M. Johncy, Indian Province, thanked the Generalate and the German Province for their hospitality. Sister M. Diethilde, Provincial Superior of the German Province, expressed her thanks for the multicultural experience and emphasized that she was looking forward to the reunion – hopefully, she said, back at the Motherhouse again!

Sister M. Hiltrud, still in her function as Motherhouse Superior, conveyed greetings from the Polish delegation which has already left due to the flood disaster in the Polish Province. Together with General Superior Sister M. Margarete, she wished all travelers a safe and blessed journey home.

Today, the daily coverage of the 21st General Chapter will also come to an end with a selection of photos set to the melody of the Prayer of St. Francis, played by Brian Blasco, Director of Communications and Archivist of the U.S. Canonical House, and also a member of the international Media Team that came together especially for the General Chapter, and is now saying goodbye: Sister M. Franciszka Wanat, Polish Province, and Sister M. Laetitia Matsunaga, Japanese Province, with Michael Kestin (photos and videos) and Claudia Berghorn, Director of Communications at the Generalate.

Thank you very much, see you soon and “Pace e bene!”

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A Day of Thanksgiving

September 22, 2024: Today was a day of thanksgiving.

At 2 p.m., the capitulars, Sisters, and guests gathered for Mass in the Motherhouse Church. Father Michael pointed out that the word “Eucarist” actually means “thanksgiving”, and summarized the chapter with a quote from St. Matthew:

When two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them.

After church, everybody was invited to the Motherhouse for coffee and cake – a great opportunity to exchange thoughts and insights of the past few weeks.

Today was also the last of the Masses that were celebrated for the intention of the Chapter in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi – a gift from the Indian Province. This daily spiritual support has been a guiding light since the Chapter opened.

Throughout the Chapter, the capitulars enjoyed gifts from the different countries – each in its unique way was a blessing to all. The gifts provided food for the body, mind, and soul and also served in very practical ways. Everybody loved the sweets from the German and Polish provinces, and was delighted to receive a special ballpoint pen from Japan and a sewing case from Poland.

Prayers were also offered today in thanksgiving for the Borromeaum staff whose hospitality and care was indeed Franciscan.

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Sharing some insights

September 21, 2024: Towards the end of the General Chapter, some of the Capitulars shared their personal thoughts and insights of the past three weeks.

Sister M. Hiltrud Vacker from the German Province appreciated that the Capitulars from around the world came together for a time of discussions and discernment, paving the way to the future of the international Congregation.

Sister M. Franciszka Wanat from the Polish Province expresses her gratitude with feelings of peace, hope, faith and love, and shares the Franciscan greeting of “Pace e bene”.

With great joy and Franciscan happiness, Sister MaryAnn Falbe from the U.S. Canonical House will return home, assured that the Sisters have many to journey with them into the future.

The youngest of the Capitualars, Vietnamese Sister M. Nichola Truong Thie Hoang Oanh from the Japan Province, feels honored to have been part of the international General Chapter, and appreciates the multicultural experience.

Sister M. Cecilia from the Indian Province shared a motto to inspire each Sister:

Let our smile be our logo. Let our personality be our business card, and let the way we make others feel be our trademark.

The statements are presented in the following video.

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Closing of the 21st General Chapter

September 20, 2024: Today, the 21st General Chapter was officially closed. After final discussions, the Closing Document was read, and the capitulars and guests signed the document that will guide the General Council for the next six years.

The Capitulars shared their gratitude for the intercultural experience during the Chapter. The young Sisters, who were guests, were especially grateful because the charism was brought to life. The chance to participate was a spiritual and personal opportunity.

In her closing remarks, Sister Margarete acknowledged everyone’s contribution to the Chapter. She thanked the Sisters for their openness and vision and quoted the Lenten Homily 2024 of Bishop Dr. Felix Genn, who had referred to this passage from Proverbs 4:23:

With all vigilance, guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.

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Setting the course for the future

September 19, 2024: For 180 years, the congregation has trusted the works of the Holy Spirit and the same can be said in this 21st General Chapter. Within the Chapter of Affairs, two groups have been working on important documents that will be guiding the lives of the Sisters for the next six years.

1. Editorial Group: The Constitutions were revised with suggestions from members of the congregation and the Editorial Group was tasked with clarifying the wording so it can be understood in the various languages.

2. Closing Document Group: Before the General Chapter, all the Sisters were invited to submit suggestions for areas of focus for the future. The Closing Document Group integrated the proposals that were approved into a plan that will guide the new General Council.

Sister Margarete, General Superior, shared information about her new team’s responsibilities and the initiatives that will be undertaken. Sister M. Rita and Sister M. Hiltrud will be responsible for the International Formation. Sister M. Hiltrud will also co-ordinate public relations intitiatives. Sister Lima will serve as the General Secretary, with Sister M. Laetita as Assistant Secretary. Sister M. Beata was re-elected General Treasurer and will be assisted by General Councilor Sister M. Teresa, whose first task it will be to study English and German. Sister M. Beata will also be responsible for the General Archive. Both Sister M. Beata and Sister Christa Maria will remain in the Generalate House, with Sister Christa Maria as the Convent Superior.

Already, the new Generalate team is working closely with all the Provinces and the U.S. Cononical House as well as St. Francis Foundation and other partners to co-ordinate international help for the Sisters in Poland affected by the terrible floods.

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Team work

September 18, 2024: At Mass this morning, music and prayers were shared by the Sisters of the German Province. In his homily, Father Michael spoke of the importance of acceptance and forgiveness.

Conducting the General Chapter is a team effort. For many years, Professor Dr. Margret Nemann and Cathedral Provost Father Hans-Bernd Koeppen have been working with the Generalate as facilitators and moderators. Professor Father Dr. Dr. Michael Plattig O.Carm. serves as the Spiritual Director for the Generalate and the Chapter.

This Chapter also includes several guests. Young Sisters from the Polish, Japan, and Indian Provinces attend, along with the Motherhouse IT team, and the secretaries from the German Province and the Generalate, Mechthild Decker, Birgit Reinermann and Hildegard Benoelken. For the first time, employees who are not vowed religious also participate: Prof. Dr. Michael Moellmann, from the Generalate Board of Directors, Martin Krawinkel, Finance Director, and the media team: Claudia Berghorn/ Generalate, Brian Blasco/ U.S. Canonical House, and Michael Kestin/ photographer.

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Chapter of Affairs continues

September 17, 2024: Today, the Chapter of Affairs continued as we observed that 800 years ago, St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata.

Sister Birgitte from the German Province shared insights from the congregational analysis regarding new members, leadership, handling changes with openness, internationality, connection with lay people, and the congregation’s present mission. She stated that the need of our time is loneliness, and that Franciscan hospitality is the antidote.

Sister Marianne Kamlage (German Province), Sister M. Beata Kapica (Polish Province), Sister M. Laetitia Matsunaga (Japan Province), and Sister M. Lima Arackal (Indian Province) shared the history of their Provinces and Brian Blasco spoke about the legacy of the U.S. Canonical House.

The common theme of the founding Sisters is that they had a strong faith in God, and were visionaries, courageous, and resourceful in their response to the challenges of their time. Their example is an inspiration and guiding light for the present and future.

In the afternoon, the Capitulars continued to discuss the proposals that will be voted on during this General Chapter.

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Opening of the Chapter of Affairs

September 16, 2024: Today was the opening of the Chapter of Affairs. This week, the Sisters will be discussing the revisions to the General Constitutions, and Proposals submitted by members of the international congregation.

Approved by the 2006 General Chapter, the General Constitutions provide inspiration and strength for the Sisters as they seek to live in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, their models of a life united with Christ.

The aim of the discussion is to update the constitutions to reflect the needs of the time and issues facing the congregation. The capitulars voted on topics including English as a common language, social media, and the protection of the environment.

Sister M. Maksymiliana, Provincial Superior of the Polish Province, shared information about the serious flooding in Poland that affects their Province. Some of the Polish capitulars will return home to help in the rescue and recovery.

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Installation of the General Council

September 15, 2024: This afternoon, the new General Councilors were installed by General Superior Sister M. Margarete Ulager during Vespers in the Motherhouse Church.

At 3:30 pm, the capitulars and many guests gathered in the garden of the Generalate’s house. Father Michael blessed a gift from the U.S. Canonical House – a cedar tree as a symbol of the congregation’s roots, endurance and strength.

Afterward, during the installation ceremony at a Vespers in the Motherhouse Church, Father Michael wished the new leadership team the cedar tree’s flexibility and stability. At the request of Sister Margarete, Sisters M. Rita, M. Lima, M. Hiltrud, and M. Teresa, who were elected yesterday afternoon, stated their readiness to serve. They received a candle as bearers of Christ’s light and a blessing from all the Sisters.

Before dinner in the Motherhouse, the cultural richness was revealed through entertainment by the Sisters from Japan, India, and Vietnam. They delighted everyone with their costumes and dancing. A strong sense of Franciscan hospitality and friendship was alive as everyone shared a meal and came together as a family.

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Election of the General Superior and Council

September 14, 2024: Today, Saturday, September 14, 2024, Sister M. Margarete Ulager was re-elected General Superior of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

This morning, Bishop Dr. Felix Genn was welcomed at the Borromaeum. He celebrated Mass and afterward, Bishop Felix and the Capitulars went into the Chapter Hall for the election of the General Superior.

With the voting completed, the Capitulars rode on a red double decker bus to the Motherhouse Church. To the sound of the church bells ringing, Sister Margarete walked down the aisle with Bishop Felix to a standing ovation. Sister Margarete took the oath of office and Bishop Felix presented her with the seal and the key of the congregation.

In the afternoon, back at the Chapter Hall, the new councilors were elected: Sister M. Rita Edakkoottathil, General Vicaress, Sister M. Lima Arackal, Sister M. Hiltrud Vacker, and Sister M. Teresa Wawrowicz.

We congratulate Sister M. Margarete and her team and pray for God’s blessing for her new term of office.

The new General Council is (left to right): Sister M. Teresa Wawrowicz, OSF, General Councilor (Polish Province), Sister M. Lima Arackal, OSF, General Councilor (Indian Province), Sister M. Margarete Ulager, OSF, General Superior (German Province), Sister M. Rita Edakkoottathil, OSF, General Vicaress (Indian Province), and Sister M. Hiltrud Vacker, OSF, General Councilor (German Province).

Some impressions of the day in the following film:

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Day of Silence and Prayer

September 13, 2024: In spiritual preparation for tomorrow’s election of the new Superior General, the capitulars and guests are holding a day of silence and prayer today. In addition to all the personal prayers, the participants will be united by the Chapter Prayer, which was selected before the General Chapter:

Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me true faith, certain hope and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out Your holy and true command. Amen.

We would like to contribute to this time of reflection with a meditative view from the chapel of the Borromaeum.

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