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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 10^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 48^th 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!

Sister M. Honorina Borg

Born: August 7, 1938
Entrance: October 7, 1964
Professed: May 1, 1967
Died: July 7, 2024

From the Provincialate of the German Province, we received the following death message:
“After patiently enduring a serious illness, the good and merciful God called to Himself our dear”

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

John 11:25

Sister M. Honorina was born in Mesum near Rheine as the third youngest of twelve children. Her father died at the age of 53, and God called five of her siblings to Himself at a young age. After leaving school, Hedwig worked as a seamstress in Neuenkirchen and trained in first aid with the Red Cross. She wanted to help people. This is probably why she decided to become a Sister and a nurse with our Hospital Sisters.

She managed the intensive care unit in Lingen for ten years and then worked in Vreden for 25 years, first in the men’s internal ward and later in foot care. She looked after the chapel and became the Convent Superior in the last few years. She then took care of the chapel in Maria Frieden rehabilitation clinic in Telgte and came to Seppenrade and later came to St. Heriburg-Haus as a senior citizen in 2018, where she gave her life back into the hands of God.

Sister M. Honorina suffered a serious traffic accident before she joined. The fact that she survived this can be attributed to God’s protection. She was always very grateful to him for this. The last years of her life were marked by many serious illnesses, which she fought through bravely time and again. She never lost the joy of life and the desire to stay a little longer. As soon as she was feeling a little better, she began to let her creative skills run free. She would make games out of simple materials. The nursing staff learned a great deal from her. As she continued to suffer, she was sustained by the deep faith she had inherited from her family and which never left her.

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

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, we will say goodbye to Sister M. Honorina at 2.00 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 of her over coffee in the Motherhouse.

Sister M. Honorina Borg

Born: August 7, 1938
Entrance: October 7, 1964
Professed: May 1, 1967
Died: July 7, 2024

From the Provincialate of the German Province, we received the following death message:
“After patiently enduring a serious illness, the good and merciful God called to Himself our dear”

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

John 11:25

Sister M. Honorina was born in Mesum near Rheine as the third youngest of twelve children. Her father died at the age of 53, and God called five of her siblings to Himself at a young age. After leaving school, Hedwig worked as a seamstress in Neuenkirchen and trained in first aid with the Red Cross. She wanted to help people. This is probably why she decided to become a Sister and a nurse with our Hospital Sisters.

She managed the intensive care unit in Lingen for ten years and then worked in Vreden for 25 years, first in the men’s internal ward and later in foot care. She looked after the chapel and became the Convent Superior in the last few years. She then took care of the chapel in Maria Frieden rehabilitation clinic in Telgte and came to Seppenrade and later came to St. Heriburg-Haus as a senior citizen in 2018, where she gave her life back into the hands of God.

Sister M. Honorina suffered a serious traffic accident before she joined. The fact that she survived this can be attributed to God’s protection. She was always very grateful to him for this. The last years of her life were marked by many serious illnesses, which she fought through bravely time and again. She never lost the joy of life and the desire to stay a little longer. As soon as she was feeling a little better, she began to let her creative skills run free. She would make games out of simple materials. The nursing staff learned a great deal from her. As she continued to suffer, she was sustained by the deep faith she had inherited from her family and which never left her.

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

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, we will say goodbye to Sister M. Honorina at 2.00 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 of her over coffee in the Motherhouse.

Sister M. Martinette Haskamp

Born: 5 September 1929
Entrance: 16 April 1963
Professed: 28 October 1965
Died: 10 June 2024

Wonderfully sheltered by gracious powers, our dear Sister, Sister M. Martinette Haskamp, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, placed her life back in God’s hands at the age of 95.

By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered, and confidently waiting, come what may.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1944

Elfriede was the third of thirteen children of the carpenter family Haskamp in Mühlen, Oldenburg. She grew up, as she said herself, well protected in the neighborhood of the local Franciscan convent. Not until the age of 34 years, Elfriede was able to enter the Congregation because she had been ill for several years after leaving school. When she felt well again, she went to work as an assistant on the wards of the hospital in Lohne, where she got to know the nursing profession and fell in love with it.  She became a nurse at St Mary’s Hospital in Osnabrück. Shortly afterwards she joined our Congregation and was given the name Sister M. Martinette.

From 1973 to 1989, Sister M. Martinette was responsible for the women’s surgical ward at St.  Marien-Hospital in Vreden. She is still remembered by many people in Vreden for her open and friendly manner and her sense of humour. She then moved to the convent of Maria-Hilf in Telgte. There she took care of the elderly sisters, with whom she did handicrafts. When the pilgrims of the Osnabrück pilgrimage stayed overnight in the St. Rochus hospital, Sister M. Martinette was there to take care of their blisters and other minor wounds.

In 2018, Sister M. Martinette came to St. Heriburg House, where she spent the last years of her life. She was lovingly cared for by the sisters and staff. The day before her death, she was admitted to the neighboring St. Francis Hospital as an emergency case. A few hours later, God called her home.

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

On Monday, 17 June 2024, we will say goodbye to Sister M. Martinette at 2 p.m. in the Motherhouse Church. We will then accompany her to her final resting place in the Sisters’ Cemetery.

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

Sister M. Hilaria Stummann

Born: 13 February 1942
Entrance: 11 February 1964
Professed: 28 October 1966
Died: 09 June 2024

Sixty years after her entry into the religious community, the merciful God completed the life of our dear Sister M. Hilaria Stummann, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Now, Lord, let your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation.

From the Evening Prayer of the Church

Sister M. Hilaria was born in Hiltrup during the Second World War and grew up there with her three siblings. After leaving school, Irmgard worked in several families, where she was introduced to housekeeping. In 1961, she joined the hospital kitchen in Stadtlohn, where she got to know our congregation and the profession of nursing. After the novitiate, it was her great wish to train as a nurse. She worked as a nurse in Holland and Bremerhaven before coming to Telgte. There she was in charge of a ward for mentally ill women.

A serious road accident on 16 June 1989 radically changed her life. She suffered a severe craniocerebral trauma. Very slowly, she had to fight her way back to life. We admire that Sister M. Hilaria has accepted in such a good way her fate with the resulting disability.  She remained the cheerful and optimistic person she was before and she always encouraged others. In the early years, she lived in the Maria-Hilf convent for the elderly in Telgte. In 2014, Sister M. Hilaria moved to St Heriburg House in Münster. She always found ways to bring joy to her fellow sisters with her limited strength. She was particularly happy when people brought her sweets during the visits. Until the very end, she enjoyed eating them.

Unexpectedly and suddenly for us, God redeemed our dear Sister M. Hilaria on Sunday night. He surely took her tightly in His arms when she came home to Him.

Gratefully we say farewell to Sister M. Hilaria. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united with her.

On Thursday, 13 June 2024, we say goodbye to Sister M. Hilaria at 2 pm in the Motherhouse Church and then we will accompany her to her final resting place in the Sisters’ Cemetery.

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

Sister M. Brida Kubis

Born: 28. December 1920
Entrance: 08. November 1947
Profession: 28. October 1950
Died: 08. May 2024

On May 8, 2024, went to be with the Lord, in her 104th year, our dear Sister M. Brida Kubis, Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Enter his gates giving thanks, to his courts singing praise, give thanks to him and bless his name!

PS 100, 4

Sister M. Brida was born on December 28, 1920 in Kolanowice near Opole. She entered our congregation on November 8, 1947 and belonged to the group of five sisters who were the first to enter the Polish novitiate. She made her first profession on October 28, 1950 in Ullersdorf.

Sister M. Brida began her service in our congregation through her nursing practice in the hospital in Opole as an auxiliary nurse, first in the surgical ward and in the ENT and children’s ward. She then served the sick in the nursing home in Stephanshöh and another year in the children’s home in Gierałcice. From October 1956 to January 1996, for 40 years, she worked as a nurse in the St. Hedwig Hospital in Warmbrunn, mainly in the internal ward. She obtained her diploma as a nurse in 1961. After her retirement in 1996, she moved to the Sisters’ Convent in Wroclaw. There, she helped the Sisters with various domestic chores. In 2011, she moved to the convent in Groß Döbern, where she continued to take on small jobs for as long as she was able.

She will be remembered by the sisters as a good and prayerful sister who was diligent, calm and cheerful in her service to the sick and to her fellow sisters. In the last years of her life, she needed more and more care and full support in her daily activities. She accepted this with great gratitude until the end. She was very much loved by the sisters. She herself returned this love with her kind words and above all with her prayers and her silent suffering.

She longed to meet God and her loved ones in heaven, whom she often called by name. She waited a long time for this moment. Today, in the early hours of the morning, around  5.00 a.m., she went peacefully to God. We trust that she is enjoying His closeness.

Many sisters surrounded Sister M. Brida with care and concern. We are grateful to all of them, but special thanks to Sister M. Rafaela and the sisters of the convent in Groß Döbern for their dedication in caring for our oldest sister of the province. We are also grateful to her relatives for every kindness they have shown her.

Sister M. Bononia Mümken

Born: 13. August 1935
Entrance: 11. August 1956
Profession: 3. May 1959
Died: 17. April 2024

The day after her Iron Jubilee of Profession, the good and merciful God completed the earthly life of our dear Sister M. Bononia Mümken, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

We should make people happy.

St. Elizabeth of Thüringen

Sister M. Bononia was born in Raesfeld as the daughter of a farmer. She met our Franciscan Sisters in Schermbeck. There she was trained as a housekeeper.

After joining the order, she became a nurse, like all the sisters. However, she did not work in this profession. Instead, she went on to train as a dietician. So, her path was set. All the Sisters benefited from her cooking and enjoyed the food she prepared

Sister M. Bononia ran the kitchen of the Motherhouse in Münster for 24 years. Then, for 14 years, she enjoyed preparing food for the sisters in Seppenrade. When her strength began to fail, she assumed the service in the refectory in Seppenrade. She remained there until the convent was dissolved in 2021. Since then she has lived and worked at St. Francis House in Nordwalde.

We know and appreciate Sister M. Bononia as a calm, prudent and loyal companion sister. No task was too much and no journey was too long for her to care and often pamper us sisters and many guests with the talent of her cooking.

She lived up to her baptismal name, Elizabeth. Like her patron saint, she cared tirelessly for the people entrusted to her care: “We are here to make people happy”. Sister M. Bononia succeeded in doing this through her culinary skills and the kind way she treated people.

We bid a grateful farewell to Sister M. Bononia. We remain united to her as sisters in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, we will celebrate the Resurrection Mass for Sister M. Bononia at 10.00 a.m. in St. St. Francis House in Nordwalde and then say goodbye to her at the parish cemetery, where she will find her final resting place.

Afterwards, we can share our memories over coffee in St. St. Francis House.

Sister M. Ingetraud Riehemann

Born: 20. October 1939
Entrance: 18. August 1961
Profession: 3. Mai 1964
Died: 16. April 2024

Early in the morning, on the day of her diamond jubilee of profession, the risen Christ took to Himself our dear Sister M. Ingetraud  Riehemann, Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Resurrection is our faith, reunion is our hope. Remembrance is our love.

St. Augustine

Sister M. Ingetraud was born in Recke-Steinbeck. After graduating from high school, she trained as a saleswoman. At the age of 22, she entered our Franciscan community and in 1964, she made her first profession of vows. 60 years later, we wanted to celebrate with her and her family the Diamond Jubilee of her profession in Nordwalde and to thank her for all that she has contributed to our community for the welfare of many patients and fellow sisters. Sister M. Ingetraud is now celebrating her great thanksgiving in heaven. God Himself has ended her journey on this earth and certainly wrapped His arms around when she arrived after a long illness.

After her training as a nurse, Sister M. Ingetraud worked in several women’s hospitals in Münster and Cloppenburg. Most of us still remember the time when she took care of us in the infirmary of the hospital. After her specialization in Regensburg, she became assistant director in Lingen, Damme and in the convent Maria-Hilf in Telgte. Twenty years ago, her strength began to fail and she moved to the St. Joseph’s House in Seppenrade.  Since 2012 she had been living in St. Francis House in Nordwalde. She had been taken care of with love by the staff and by her fellow sisters.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Ingetraud. We remain united with her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

On Friday, April 19, 2024, we will celebrate the Mass of resurrection for Sister M. Ingetraud at 10.00 a.m. in St. Francis House in Nordwalde and then we will bury her in the parish cemetery, where she will find her final resting place.

Afterwards, we can share our memories over coffee in St. Francis House.

Sister M. Fulgentia Kubis

Born: 13. April 1932
Entrance: 16. July 1955
Profession: 03. May 1958
Died: 07. April 2024

On April 7, 2024 our dear Sister M. Fulgentia, née Monika Kubis,Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, peacefully died in the Lord.

Jesus, I Trust in You…

Sister M. Fulgentia was born on April 13, 1932 in Krzanowice near Opole. She entered our Congregation on July 16, 1955 and professed her first vows in Ullersdorf on May 3, 1958.

In the early days of her religious life, Sister M. Fulgentia worked for a year as a nurse in the special children’s home in Proskau. After her first profession of vows, she worked for 14 years as an accountant in St. Alexius retirement home in Opole. She was then appointed secretary and Provincial Treasurer and worked in this ministry for 11 years. From August 1985 to November 1993, she served again at St Alexius House in various ministries: bookkeeper, Convent Superior and, from 1990 to 1993, head of St. Alexius House.

Sister M. Fulgentia will be remembered by the Sisters in her various ministries in the provincial and convent community as a very committed, conscientious and prayerful Sister. Grateful for all the good, hard-working and always very approachable, she took a lively interest in community life.

In her prayers she entrusted many intentions to God: with special love our Sisters, the nursing staff and the residents of St Alexius House in Opole. She enjoyed taking part in international meetings of our Congregation and maintained contacts with Sisters from other Provinces almost until the end of her life.  She was interested in all matters concerning the Province and the Congregation, especially with regard to the vocation ministry.

In her last years, Sister M. Fulgentia patiently endured her illnesses and infirmities, especially when her eyesight deteriorated so much that she could no longer read. She always had the rosary in her hand and surrounded us, her family, her friends and the whole world with her prayers as best she could.  From January 2023, her health deteriorated so much that she accepted the help and care of the Sisters. On Divine Mercy Sunday, Sister M. Fulgentia became weaker and weaker. As she did every evening, she gave thanks for the care she had received. During the night, around 10.30 p.m., the merciful Lord took her to Himself – a few days before her 90th birthday.

We say our farewell to Sister M. Fulgentia, grateful to God for the gift of her life in our Congregation and ask Him to reward her all her goodness with eternal peace. With gratitude we will remember her in our prayer.