Sister Pacis Bao, OSF

Born: April 8, 1921
Entry: September 8, 1944
Professed: September 24, 1947
Died: January 21, 2026

Our fellow Sister in the U.S. Canonical House, Sister Pacis Bao, OSF, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, was called home to the Lord, our God.

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you.

(Jeremiah 29:11)

Our Sister Pacis Bao, OSF (104), the last of the 35 Chinese Sisters and the 26 American missionaries who served in China, passed from this life on Wednesday, January 21 , 2026, at 6:25 a.m. at HSHS St. John’s Hospital.

While her early years were marked by loss, yet she chose to trust in God when the world had given her every reason to tum away. When faced with other disappointments, she persevered. God became her refuge and strength. Fittingly, her name was Latin for “peace,” given to her on October 17, 1945, at the time when the Double Tenth Agreement was signed in China. Peace was more than her name. Her peace was forged in sorrow and sustained by faith, and while her nursing hands healed bodies, her presence healed hearts.

Her most extraordinary testimony came in her ability to forglve. In 2000, through grace and prayer, she forgave those who had commited the unforgivable against her family. Her forgiveness stood as a testament—pmof that love can overcome hatred. She showed us that holiness lives quietly, expressed in endurance. She was a witness who brought forth miracles through her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Maty.

Sister Pacis, the fomer Catherine (Bao Yuan Ying), was bom In Fei Cheng Bao-kiatang-tze, Shan-Tung, China, on April 8, 1921 , the daughter of Bao Tsing Ben and Bao Chang Shih. In the following years, her parents moved her farther from their home to protect her. In 1932, she was enrolled in a school in Jinan, China, and Sister Clementia Dasenbrock, Superior of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Jinan, visited to discuss religious life and the hospital. Six years later, Peter, one of Sister Pacis’ brothers, took her to meet his friends at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where Sisters Clementia and Elise Waletzko welcomed her. Sister Pacis continued her education while living and working at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and the Spirit led her to a vocation. On September 8, 1944, she entered the House community and professed her first vows on September 24, 1947. On May 12, 1948, she and several other Hospital Sisters serving in Jinan sailed on the SS General Meigs to San Francisco, CA, and they arrived in Springfield on June 5, 1948. She continued her formation and education and was a 1963 graduate of St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing with service at St. John’s Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital. On August 8, 1968, she and four other Chinese Sisters began caring for the sick at the Star of the Sea Clinic, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Sister Pacis served there until August 2002, at which time she returned to Springfield.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers and their families. She is survived by two great nephews and their families in China. The Visitation will be held at St. Francis Convent from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with a Wake Service at 6 p.m. The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Joseph Jiang, a relative of Sister Peter Damian Chiang, OSF, on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel with burial in Crucifixion Hill Cemetery at St. Francis Convent.

Sister Sherrey Murphy, OSF

Born: June 15, 1942
Entry: September 5, 1965
Professed: August 22, 1968
Died: January 8, 2026

Our fellow Sister in the U.S. Canonical House, Sister Sherrey Murphy, OSF, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, was called home to the Lord, our God.

Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you for wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

(Ruth 1:18)

Our Sister Sherrey Murphy was called home to God unexpectedly at 8:20 am on Thursday, January 8, 2026, with several Sisters and employees at her side.

This daughter of 100 percent lrish heritage was a Sister of faith, compassion, courage, and a sense of humor who lived her life rooted in service, humility, and love. This girl from South Dakota became a world traveler from 1994 to 2018 in her service to the Sisters of your international congregation. Wherever she went, she embodied the Franciscan spirit – listening deeply, leading gently, and advocating tirelessly with an unshakeable trust in God’s providence. Sister Sherrey’s life was a testament to the blessing of a vocation lived fully. She mentored countless Sisters and strengthened ministries in Germany, Poland, the USA, Japan, and lndia. Her global vision never outshone her personal kindness; she remained attentive to each Sister, believing that everyone she encountered was a gift.

As a nurse, leader, General Councilor, and 10th General Superior, she was grounded in prayer, guided by discernment, and marked by humility. She led not for her own honor, but in obedience to the call of the Church and for the good of the congregation. She formed and encouraged generations of Sisters, reminding them that religious life is first and always a response to God’s love.

Sister Sherrey (age 83) was born in Mitchell, SD, on June 15, 1942, the daughter of Francis A. and Eileen A. (Dunn) Murphy. She entered the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis on September 5, 1965, and professed her first vows on August 22, 1968.

Sister Sherrey’s religious life encompassed a variety of ministries. Most notably, she served the international congregation of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis in Muenster, Germany, as the General Superior from 2006-18 and as a General Councilor from 1994-2006. Before this, she held responsibilities in administration, vocations, and formation at St. Francis Convent, along with nursing and administration responsibilities at St. Vincent Hospital (Green Bay, WI), St. John’s Hospital (Springfield, IL), and St. Mary’s Hospital (Decatur, IL).

Sister Sherrey was a 1963 graduate of St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing, Sioux City, IA. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marillac College in 1970 and a master’s degree in administration from the University of Notre Dame In 1988.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Murphy. She is survived by her sisters, Colleen Moerke and Peggy Fischer; her brothers, Patrick, Michael, and Daniel; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great­nephews.

The Visitation will be held at St. Francis Convent from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026, 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, January 12, 2026, in the St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel with burial in Crucifixion Hill Cemetery at St. Francis Convent. Butler Funeral Home will oversee arrangements. Sister Sherrey’s life continues in the eternal embrace of the God she served so faithfully. May she rest in peace, may her example continue to guide and inspire all of us who follow the Franciscan path of service, compassion, and love, and may her lrish eyes always smile upon us.

Sister Josefa Maria

Born: June 8, 1934
Entrance: January 30, 1959
Professed: October 28, 1961
Died: January 4, 2026

Saint Joseph, her patron saint and the patron saint of the dying, accompanied our Sister on her journey to her eternal home in heaven, Sistesr Josefa Maria, née Josefa Meyer, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Saint Joseph, we praise you, for God has chosen you to be the foster father of his son.

(Prayer from the monastic tradition)

Sister Josefa Maria, who received the name Sister Dalmatia at her investiture, later changed it and resumed her baptismal name. Saint Joseph accompanied her throughout her life. She gladly entrusted herself to him and prayed to him.

Sister Josefa Maria was born in Emstek and joined our Congregation after meeting our Sisters at Cloppenburg Hospital. Under the guidance of Sister M. Landeline, she learnt “cooking and everything else she needed to know for life”, as stated in her certificate.

After her novitiate, she completed her nursing training at St. Franziskus Hospital in Münster and subsequently worked on the women’s ward in Harsewinkel and Horstmar. Later, we encountered her in the “coffee room” on the retreat corridor of the Motherhouse, and from 2003 to 2013 in the Motherhouse library. After that, she performed small duties at St. Heriburg House while continuing to live at the Motherhouse. In 2021, she moved to St. Heriburg House as a resident and, in her final days, lived in the Clara Ward for Sisters with dementia. There, on the fourth evening of the new year 2026, she embarked on her journey to God, lovingly cared for by her fellow Sisters and staff.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister Josefa Maria. In prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist, we remember her and remain sisterly connected to her. Our deepest sympathy goes to Sister M. Ursula, who was able to visit her the day before her death.

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, we will bid farewell to Sister Josefa Maria at the Resurrection Mass 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 of her over coffee at the Motherhouse.

Sister M. Pankratia

Born: February 14, 1939
Entrance: February 3, 1962
Professed: October 28, 1964
Died: December 31, 2025

On New Year’s Eve 2025, the good and merciful God took our Sister by the hand and ended the earthly life of Sister M. Pankratia, née Maria Strüwe, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

“My time is in your hands.”

(Psalm 31:17)

Maria Strüwe joined our Congregation in Münster from Bawinkel in Lower Saxony, about 100 kilometers to the north. Like all the Sisters, she passed her nursing exam. From 1967 to 1974, she worked in the infectious diseases ward of the newly founded St. Bernhard Hospital in Kamp-Lintfort. She then returned to the Motherhouse and found professional fulfillment as a seamstress, working in the Motherhouse sewing room for 51 years.   During that time, she witnessed several changes, including alterations to our religious habit, a relocation from the old sewing room to the present place, and changes among her fellow Sisters and colleagues.

Sister M. Pankratia was a constant presence with her calm and proper manner, always available to everyone. Until her sudden death, she was responsible for the Sisters’ veils. Sadly, she was unable to complete her last orders and did not have the opportunity to hand over her workplace and say goodbye. We are very grateful to her for everything she did for us.

Sister M. Pankratia was constant and persistent in her prayers. She never missed community prayer, and she served as prayer leader for several years. However, she never made a big deal of this; she simply got on with it.

On the Sunday after Christmas, she had a bad fall in her room in the afternoon, suffering a brain hemorrhage from which she never recovered. Three days later, she passed away at Clemens Hospital in Münster.

Sister M. Pankratia has found the last few years increasingly difficult due to her declining hearing. This made her feel lonely. She also missed Sister M. Gerharda, with whom she shared a close bond through their work in the sewing room. We hope that the two Sisters will meet again in Heaven.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Pankratia. As we pray and celebrate the Eucharist, we keep her in our thoughts, united with her as companion Sisters. We will celebrate the Mass of Resurrection for Sister M. Pankratia on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the Motherhouse Church in Münster.  After that, we will accompany her to her final resting place in the Sisters’ Cemetery.

Sister Mary Kelly, OSF

Born: July 27, 1932
Entrance: September 12, 1951
Professed: June 13, 1954
Died: December 5, 2025

Our fellow Sister in the U.S. Canonical House, Sister Mary Kelly, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, was called home to the Lord, our God.

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

(Matthew 13:43)

Similar to turning a page in a book, the earthly life of Sister Mary Kelly gently changed as God turned the page, and her eternal life began – the life she had waited for 93 years – on December 5 at 7:30 a.m. with Sister Josephine Vanitha, Lori Wright, and Rylie Ackman by her side. As she prepared for her passing in the previous days, Sister Mary was lovingly cared for by the Loretto Home employees. She was often visited by Sisters and employees who expressed their love and appreciation.

Sister Mary, the former Sister Masseo and the daughter of Clarence and Mary Rose (Ferrari) Kelly, was born in Kincaid, IL, on July 27, 1932, and was raised in Nokomis, IL. Following her 8th-grade school trip to the Motherhouse, she began to sense God’s calling to consider religious life and nursing, which deepened throughout high school. Upon enrolling in St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1949, she witnessed the spirit and example of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, and on January 1, 1951, at 3:45 p.m., before beginning her evening shift, in the chapel of St. John’s Hospital, she accepted God’s invitation. Four months later, she shared the decision with her mother, and on August 19, 1951, she wrote, “Happy Birthday, Dad…I’m entering the Convent.” She entered the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis on September 12, 1951, and professed her first vows on June 13, 1954.

With Italian culture from her mother and Irish culture from her father, Sister Mary blended these cultures with kindness, empathy, a sense of humor, and a peaceful spirituality in her relationship with God. It might be said that the warmth of her spirit was enriched by her favorite pastime of spending time in the sun, often expressed because she was half Italian. Leadership abilities were enhanced through her trademark serene voice, which she often shared in Community prayer. Love was what motivated her – especially for her family, friends, and her Sisters.

Sister Mary was a 1955 graduate of St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marquette University in 1958 and a master’s degree in nursing service administration from The Catholic University of America in 1965. Her life of service included nursing leadership at HSHS hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin, nursing education at Marillac College, Provincial Vicaress, and Motherhouse Superior of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, the HSHS board of directors, and HSHS receptionist.

May she rest in peace in the warmth of Brother Sun.

Sister M. Waldemara

Born: August 26, 1943
Entrance: August 12, 1965
Professed: May 3, 1968
Died: November 22, 2025

Our fellow sister, Sr. M. Waldemara, née Anna Koop, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, died after a serious illness at the University Hospital in Münster.

Jesus says: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

(John 14:6)

Sister M. Waldemara was born on the Koop family farm in Altenberge, near Meppen, and grew up with her six siblings. Two years after her older sister, Sister M. Herlinde, joined our community, Sister M. Waldemara followed her example.

Sister M. Waldemara was a typical nurse who worked on the wards at St Franziskus Hospital in Münster, Ennigerloh, Waldniel, Dorsten and Haltern. She completed the ward manager course in Freiburg and later took part in the pastoral course for the care of the elderly and sick in Münster. From 2013 onwards, she lived in the parish of Ahaus-Wüllen, caring for the elderly and immobile by visiting them and bringing them Holy Communion. She was also the superior of the convent, welcoming many guests.

In mid-2025, Sister M. Waldemara requested to be relieved of her duties and transferred to St. Franziskus House in Nordwalde. Her strength was visibly declining. After a lengthy stay at St Franziskus Hospital in Münster, she went to Nordwalde to recuperate. Sadly, she was no longer well enough to say goodbye to the sisters in the convent and the people of Wüllen. A few days ago, she was taken to Münster University Hospital due to an acute illness, where she peacefully gave her life back into God’s hands. 

Sister M. Waldemara drew strength in her life from the words of Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” She was familiar with this saying from the altarpiece in her parish church in Altenberge. When asked once whom she would like to meet in heaven, she replied, “Jesus and all my loved ones.” May she be granted just that. 

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

Sister M. Princy

Born: October 18, 1962
Entrance: September 8, 1983
Professed: January 21, 1988
Died: October 27, 2025

Believing wholeheartedly on the words attributed to Saint Clare of Assisi on her deathbed, Sister M. Princy Vadakkadath, stepped into eternity this morning at 10:30, October 27, 2025.

…Blessed be You, O God, for having created me.

(St. Clare of Assisi)

Diagnosed with a malignant illness for more than a decade, she lived her earthly life in complete surrender to God’s will—following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom she deeply loved and faithfully imitated both in times of health and in suffering. Sr. M. Princy was born on October 18, 1962, in Poovathussery, Thrissur District, Kerala, to Mr. Varghese and late Mrs. Rosy. She was the eldest of five children, with three brothers and one sister.

After completing her high school education, she entered our Congregation on September 8, 1983. She made her First Profession on January 21, 1988, and her Final Profession on January 25, 1993. Sr. M. Princy was a sincere and dedicated religious who lived her life with steadfast endurance and love.

After her first profession, she underwent training in tailoring. From 1989 to 1991, she served as a seamstress at Anjali Niketan, Pithora. From 1992 to 2001, she was entrusted with the responsibility of the Tailoring School at the newly established St. Francis Convent, Valiaveli, Kerala. She later returned to Anjali Niketan, Pithora, where she once again assumed charge of the sewing room from2001 to 2003. During this period, she took the initiative to stitch uniforms for the students of Anjali Vidyalaya and Anjali Bal Niketan, Pithora. She also successfully completed a diploma course in embroidery and sewing at Wardha, Maharashtra.

Two years later, Sr. M. Princy was appointed teacher at Anjali Bal Niketan, Pithora. She fulfilled this responsibility with great love and dedication, caring deeply for the little children entrusted to her.

Her joy in teaching and her affection for children were evident in all she did. However, in 2012, she faced a severe trial when she was diagnosed with a malignant disease. During the following four years, she underwent treatment at the Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, and at Sanjivani Hospital, Raipur. The treatment brought positive results, and her health gradually improved. In May 2016, Sr. M. Princy was transferred to St. Francis Vidya Bhawan, Kapa, where she faithfully served as the Sister-in-charge of the community for about four years.In October 2020, Sr. M. Princy was transferred to Anjali Niketan, Pithora. Gradually, her healthbegan to decline, and she required greater care and rest. Desiring to spend this period meaningfully and productively, she devoted herself to a work of love. A faithful devotee of the Blessed Mother, she began making rosaries by hand with deep devotion and dedication. With joy and contentment, she shared these rosaries with our sisters and well-wishers. On Mission Sundays, her handmade rosaries were placed in auctions to help raise funds for the missions.

A true Franciscan at heart, Sr. M. Princy was simple, hardworking, and cheerful. She showed great dedication and commitment to the growth of every ministry entrusted to her. Firm in her faith in God and her devotion to the Blessed Mother, she stood as a steadfast witness and a shining example, especially to the younger members of the Province.

We express our heartfelt condolences to Father Thomas Vadakadath, her paternal uncle, who guided and encouraged Sr. M. Princy to join our Congregation. We also stand in prayerful solidarity with her beloved father, brothers, sister, and all members of her family during this time of sorrow.

Dear Sisters, the passing away of Sr. M. Princy leaves us with a deep sense of loss and void. Her life of dedication, quiet service, and unwavering faith has touched each of us profoundly, and her absence will be felt in many ways.

We believe that Sister M. Princy now rejoices in the eternal presence of the Lord, in the loving company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom she so ardently loved and imitated throughout her life.

The mortal remains of Sr. M. Princy will be laid to rest at 10:30 a.m. on October 29, 2025, in our cemetery at Anjali Niketan Campus.

Farewell, dear Sister M. Princy. In gratitude for the gift of your life, we commend you to God’s loving embrace, rejoicing that you now rest in the Lord you so faithfully praised and served. May you rest in the eternal peace of Christ, whom you served so faithfully.

Sister M. Eufredis

Born: July 19, 1932
Entrance: August 4, 1951
Professed: May 3, 1954
Died: October 21, 2025

Christ, whom she trusted in her life, took our dear Sister M. Eufredis, née Helga Magdalena Scharnet, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, to Himself.

Christ, my Christ!

(Prayer by Sr. M. Eufredis)

Sister M. Eufredis was born in Marienburg in West Prussia, where she spent the first years of her childhood. Her father was transferred to Briesen as a police officer, where Helga was able to attend secondary school. As the Eastern Front drew closer, the family had to leave their home in 1944 and, after many detours, ended up in the Protestant city of Bremerhaven. At that time, it was common for Catholic families to be deliberately sent to Protestant areas. This difficult time had a profound effect on her. She talked about it repeatedly. To graduate from school, the girl attended elementary school and then business school. 

At St. Joseph’s Hospital, she got to know the Franciscan sisters as an apprentice cook and was able to join them in Münster in 1951. 

After passing her nursing exam, she worked in several hospitals in nursing and in the laboratory. Many of us know Sister M. Eufredis as the friendly sister with sparkling eyes at the gate in Kroge. She was then allowed to spend a few more years in Brake, overlooking Bremerhaven, her second home. In 2006, Sister M. Eufredis came to St. Heriburg House and took over the visiting service for her sisters for a long time. Since 2015, she had been a senior there and, for the past year, a resident of the St. Klara residential group, where she lovingly cared for until she passed away at 7:00 a.m.. Sister M. Eufredis was deeply affected by her experiences as a refugee, which never left her. Her anchor was always Christ, to whom she prayed: “Christ, my Christ!”

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Eufredis. In prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist, we remember her and remain united with her in sisterhood.

Sister M. Lea

Born: May 20,1942
Entrance: October 01, 1971
Professed: May 01, 1974
Died: October 02, 2025

The good and merciful God called our sister to him after a long period of illness, our dear Sister M. Lea, née Hilde Leusmann, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

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

(From the evening prayer of the Church)

Sister M. Lea was born the third child to the farming family of Leusmann in Greven. From an early age, she wanted to become a religious sister, but her parents had other plans for her. After finishing school, she was expected to stay at home and look after her grandparents, and later her parents. It was not until the age of 29 that Hilde was finally able to join our congregation.

After completing her nursing exam at St. Franziskus Hospital in Münster, she later attended a ward manager course in Freiburg. Following this training, she worked at St. Josef’s Home in Bremen from 1983 to 1988, after which she moved to St. Rochus Hospital in Telgte. There, she cared for mentally ill women in the St. Michael protected ward.  She then took over foot care of her fellow sisters and reception duties at the Maria Hilf House in Telgte.

In 2018, Sister M. Lea moved into the St. Franziskus House in Nordwalde as a resident, as her strength was steadily declining. For a long time, she was unable to leave her room. When people visited her, she was always open and friendly. She prayed a lot, read, and did needlework with Sister M. Marialdis. Now the Lord has allowed his servant Sister M. Lea to depart in peace, on the day after her 54th anniversary of joining the religious community.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Lea. We remain united to her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Sister M. Johanna

Born: December 30, 1936
Entrance: February 11, 1956
Professed: September 17, 1958
Died: October 3, 2025

On Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at 6:08 AM, our sister Sr. M. Johanna Hisako Kataoka, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, having completed her earthly mission, was called home to the Lord while being cared for by Sr. M. Vianney, leaving behind a peaceful, peaceful expression. 

Lord, you are the light of my path, my all

(Ps. 119)

Sr. M. Johanna was born in Nagasaki and experienced the atomic bombing at age 9. Blessed with good health, she always seemed full of energy as she carried out her ministry. About a year and a half ago, during a routine checkup, her primary physician found an abnormal value in one test result. Further examination led to a diagnosis of “intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.” Sr. M. Johanna received detailed explanations from several specialist physicians regarding the options for medical or surgical treatment and the prognosis. After prayerful consideration, she chose “not to undergo active treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy, but to leave things to God’s will and follow nature’s course.” She expressed her wish to spend her final days in the palliative care unit (hospice). On September 3rd, the anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Province, she was admitted to the palliative care ward, marking exactly one month of her battle with illness. Serving in her second term as Superior of the Himeji Convent, she poured her whole heart and soul into demonstrating her love for the sisters entrusted to her care, as well as for the international sisters, including the General Superior, faithfully fulfilling her sacred duties.

Sr. M. Johanna wrote a letter titled “Gratitude and Thanks” to us sisters this past July. In it, she reflected on her life and expressed her thoughts on the many graces she had received through the sisters in this congregation. 

Sister M. Aloysi

Born: June 15, 1943
Entrance: August 15, 1962
Professed: May 3,1965
Died: September 30, 2025

In this confidence, our dear Sister M. Aloysi, née Barbara Stroinski, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, gave her life back into the hands of God.

Into your hands I place with confidence my spirit

(Psalm 31:6)

Sister M. Aloysi was the last Provincial Superior of the former Rheinisch Province in Kamp-Lintfort, from 1993 until its dissolution in 1998. Before that, she was Provincial Vicaress there. She led the province with prudence and foresight and led it into the chapter in which the merger of the two German provinces was decided. We would like to thank Sister M. Aloysi most sincerely for her ministry.

Sister M. Aloysi was born in Cottbus in the former DDR. She later came to West Germany with her parents and got to know our community as a student at the nursing school in Datteln. It was there that the principal, Sister M. Ludowika, made a particular impression on the young woman.

After joining the religious community, she completed the school for social pedagogy and trained as a home manager. She then managed the student hostel in Datteln. She later became convent superior at the seminary in Bochum-Querenburg. After her time as provincial superior, she lived in a small convent in Krefeld and was involved in pastoral work there. She also did this in Billerbeck and Hamminkeln-Dingden.

In 2017, Sister M. Aloysi came to St. Heriburg House as a resident and took part in the convent and prayer life for as long as she was able. In recent times, she was completely dependent on the help of the staff and sisters, who were very happy to have her, as she accepted her numerous ailments, trusting that God always carried her and supported her even in the most difficult moments. This is what she told us in her personal will.

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

Sister M. Innozentia

Born: December 22, 1926
Entrance: January 30, 1953
Professed: October 28, 1955
Died: September 26, 2025

In the early hours of the morning, Jesus Christ, to whom she had entrusted her life, called to himself our dear Sister M. Innozentia née Paula Vaske, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Jesus be Jesus to me!

(Nils Stensen)

Sister M. Innozentia was born the eighth child of the Vaske family in Diekhaus, near Emstek. She grew up in a sheltered environment on her parents’ farm. She spoke fondly of her happy childhood, which was shaped by the Catholic faith and a down-to-earth attitude.  Two of her older sisters, Sister M. Bercharia and Sister M. Melita, joined our congregation. They were her great role models. At the age of 27, Paula followed them and also became a fellow sister in our congregation, taking the name Sister M. Innozentia.

Sister M. Innozentia served as superior and convent leader in Epe, Ibbenbüren-Püsselbüren and Epe again, for a total of 24 years. She then managed housekeeping at the seminary in Bochum and at the Bernsmeyer House in Telgte. In 2011, she returned to the mother house, moving to St. Heriburg House as a resident in 2021. In recent times, her strength had declined significantly, leaving her increasingly dependent on assistance. Sister M. Maris accompanied her on her journey for many years, supporting her and standing by her side until the final phase of her life. She gave her life back to God after 98 years, and prayed trustingly to him until the end, saying: ‘Jesus, be Jesus to me!’

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Innozentia. We remain united with her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist.  We offer our sympathy to her faithful companion, Sister M. Maris.

Sister M. Ingeburg

Born: May 04, 1940
Entrance: August 15, 1963
Professed: May 03, 1966
Died: September 25, 2025

The good and faithful God whom she worshipped in the Eucharist called our sister, Sister M. Ingeburg, née Annemarie Heidermann, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis to Himself.

Praise and glory be given without end to

 Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament! 

(Eucharistic Adoration)

Sister M. Ingeburg was born in Erle, near Dorsten. Her parents owned a hairdressing salon. Their daughter trained as a hairdresser and worked in the salon for several years. However, this was not her life’s goal. In 1962, aged 23, she joined the domestic service at Dorsten Hospital and subsequently entered our congregation.  After passing her nursing exams, she worked at St Rochus Hospital in Telgte for twenty years. She then had the opportunity to attend a one-year spiritual seminar in Munich, preparing her for her pastoral ministry at St Josef’s Foundation in Bremen and Löningen. From 2014 onwards, Sister M. Ingeburg welcomed guests to St. Franziskus House in Nordwalde. A few months ago, she fell seriously ill. As she had wished, she died in the presence of a fellow sister.

Sister M. Ingeburg drew strength from the Eucharist and from the words of Holy Scripture. 

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Ingeburg. We remain united with her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Sister M. Kunhildis

Born: September 20, 1936
Entrance: October 08, 1960
Professed: May 03, 1946
Died: September 12, 2025

On the evening of her 89^th birthday, the good and merciful GOD took
the cross from her shoulders and called our sister, née Agnes Tappehorn, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis to Himself.

In the cross is salvation,
in the cross is life,
in the cross is hope.

(Edith Stein)

Sister M. Kunhildis was born in Friesoythe in September 1936. In November 1936, Hitler ordered that crosses be removed from schools in the Oldenburg region. This obviously had a profound effect on Agnes Tappehorn. She wanted the key cross from the church in Friesoythe for her death notice. She also always had a good relationship with Our Lady of Bethen. Thus, she lived until the end from the strength of her Catholic faith, which she had come to know and appreciate through her family and her Oldenburg homeland.

At the age of 24, she joined our congregation. Sister M. Kunhildis became a nurse and completed further training as a massage therapist and medical bath attendant. From 1966 to 1989, she worked in physical therapy in Kamp-Lintfort and Meerbusch-Lank in the Rhineland. She was later able to express her creative side when she worked as a night nurse for her elderly sisters in Kamp-Lintfort and at the Maria Hilf retirement home in Telgte. Sister M. Kunhildis lived in Kroge from 2008 onwards. For many years, she lovingly cared for the guests of the convent and took care of the laundry. In recent months, her health had deteriorated, and she wished to devote herself to God, to whom she had made a promise when she took her vows. Sister M. Kunhildis had always had a good relationship with her family.  That is why she was very happy to be able to spend the last phase of her life in Kroge. She always enjoyed visits from her relatives. They were with her on the day she died, actually for a birthday visit, which was to be their last. We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Kunhildis. We remember her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united with her in sisterly love.

Sister M. Kunibalda

Born: September 21, 1938
Entrance: February 4, 1961
Professed: October 28, 1963
Died: August 26, 2025

Our Sister completed her earthly life by the hand of the Mother of God and under her protection, Sister M. Kunibalda, née Katharina Heuer, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Virgin, Mother of God,
let me be wholly yours!
Yours for time and eternity!

(Prayer to Mary)

Sister M. Kunibalda was born into a mining family in Bottrop. She spent her childhood with her thirteen siblings, first in the Ruhr area and then in Legden near Ahaus from 1950 onwards. The family was characterized by a deep Christian faith and active involvement in the Catholic Church.

After finishing school, she helped her mother with the housework and earned money working on a farm before joining as the staff at Ahaus Hospital. She then joined our congregation in Muenster and was named Sister M. Kunibalda.

Following her nursing exams, she worked on a men’s internal medicine ward in Waltrop, in an intensive care unit in Gladbeck, and on another men’s ward in Wadersloh. In Kamp-Lintfort, she gained proficiency in ECG examinations. She then spent 38 years at Elisabeth Hospital in Meerbusch-Lank: 20 years in the ECG department, followed by a period in charge of the Sisters department. When the convent was dissolved in 2020, she moved to Nordwalde, where she spent her final days lovingly cared for by her fellow Sisters, the staff and her niece, who visited her on the day she died.

Sister M. Kunibalda was a great devotee of the Virgin Mary. She often entrusted herself to the Mother of God and loved praying to her. The months of May and October, traditionally associated with the rosary, were particularly precious to her.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Kunibalda. We remain united with her through sisterly love and the celebration of the Eucharist.

Sister M. Ulrike

Born: May 15, 1941
Entrance: April 24, 1965
Professed: October 28, 1967
Died: August 26, 2025

After a long illness, the good and merciful God called to Himself our dear Sister M. Ulrike, née Hedwig Wienand, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

I am certain to see
God’s goodness in the land of the living.

(From Psalm 25)

Sister M. Ulrike was born in Stadtlohn, where she was raised alongside her four brothers and one sister. Her father died in a bombing raid when she was just three years old. During the war, their family home was destroyed in a fire, leaving her mother to raise six young children alone. This event had a profound effect on her and on family life. The young woman tried to support her family with the money she earned herself. At the age of 24, she met our Sisters at the hospital in Stadtlohn and joined our congregation. Following her religious profession, Sister M. Ulrike completed her secondary education in Münster and passed her nursing exam. From 1971 to 1986, she was Head Nurse on the women’s surgical ward at St. Bernhard Hospital in Kamp-Lintfort. She then attended the annual seminar for senior nurses in Göttingen.

During this time, she had a serious bicycle accident that changed her life. Unfortunately, she was never able to return to her previous level of activity. She worked as a sacristan at Haus Maria Trost and at the newly opened convent in Bardowick. She then worked at the reception desk in Bremen, Südlohn, and Telgte. In 2021, her strength declined so much that Sister M. Ulrike came to St. Heriburg House as a senior sister. Since 2022, she had been a resident of the Sylvia ward in Kroge, where she now gave her life back into God’s hands. Sister M. Simone lovingly accompanied her through her final years and remained by her side until her death.

Sister M. Ulrike was a deeply devout woman who lived by the teachings of the Gospel. She took a keen interest in all new theological topics. It was always a joy to discuss things with her.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Ulrike. We remember her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united with her in sisterly love.

Sister M. Liobalda

Born: August 20, 1930
Entrance: August 13, 1954
Professed: May 3, 1957
Died: August 25, 2025

GOD, the good shepherd to whom she entrusted her life, led our Sister home to complete her 95-year journey through life, Sister M. Liobalda, née Johanna Muhle, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

“The Lord is my sheperd;
I have everything I need.”

(Psalm 23,1)

Sister M. Liobalda was born in Olfen in the district of Lüdinghausen and grew up with her uncle. Her parents died when she was three years old. Two of her four siblings also became nuns. She learned cooking from the Franciscan Sisters at the Seppenraden hospital. At the age of 24, she joined the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, became a nurse, and a dietitian.

IIn Emstek and Ankum, Sister M. Liobalda managed the hospital kitchen and then, from 1984 to 1998, served as the Superior and housekeeper at the priests’ seminary in Muenster. This was the time when Pope John Paul II visited Muenster. He stayed at the seminary at that time. For the next ten years, Sister M. Liobalda was the convent superior at the Ahaus hospital. After that, she worked in the library of the Lüdinghausen hospital. Then she moved to the motherhouse and took care of the chapel of Maria-Trost home in Muenster.

In 2016, Sister M. Liobalda moved into St. Heriburg House as a resident. She was increasingly limited by her illnesses. However, this did not prevent her from regularly attending church services in her wheelchair for as long as she could. It was her wish that the psalm verse “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” should appear on her death notice. In this way, she wanted to tell us that she always knew she was in the hands of the Good Shepherd and was thus able to master her long life, even after the early loss of her parents and with her serious illnesses.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Liobalda. In prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist, we remember her and remain united with her in sisterly love.

Sister M. Siegharda

Born: May 7, 1938
Entrance: February 7, 1958
Professed: October 28, 1960
Died: August 19, 2025

The good and benevolent God called to Himself our dear fellow sister, born by the name Elisabeth Grevenstette, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Mary said:

 “Do whatever he tells you.”

(Wedding at Cana, John 2:5)

Sister M. Siegharda was born on a farm in Gramdorf-Langwege in the district of Vechta. After finishing school, she began working in the kitchen of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Cloppenburg. Here she got to know and appreciate the sisters and her future profession. In the convent, she became a nurse and also trained as a dietitian. To be able to support the practical training of dietetic students at St Franziskus Hospital, Sister M. Siegharda attended the annual seminar at Werner School in Göttingen. For almost 30 years, she has helped many students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. Consequently, the hospital’s patients always received appropriate and varied diets. As well as caring for the sick, Sister M. Siegharda always had something to spare for those in need who came to her in the kitchen. Her open and positive attitude made it easy for her to connect with people.

As a devotee of Mary, the words of the Mother of God were important to her. ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Deeply rooted in her faith, after the Vatican II, she examined the innovations that were emerging within religious orders. In her limited free time, she attended theological seminars, further training courses, and discussions.

Following her time as diet kitchen manager at St. Franziskus Hospital, Sister M. Siegharda first served in the kitchen of Priests seminary in Münster, thereafter served in the Franciscan’s kitchen in Werl, and, as she grew older, became involved in Billerbeck and Vreden. In 2018, she moved to St. Anna-Stift as a senior citizen. Even here, she continued to devote herself wholeheartedly. For instance, she picked apples and cooked them in the kitchen. She also made sure to regularly clean the garden benches so that the sisters could use them. In the presence of her niece and fellow sisters, she now entrusted her rich life back into God’s hands.  

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Siegharda. We remember her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united with her in sisterly love.

Sister M. Bernreda

Born: August 13, 1936
Entrance: January 31, 1959
Professed: October 28, 1961
Died: August 14, 2025

He who gives us flowers and herbs called his “flower friend” and fellow sister, born by the name Antonia Fastermann, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, to him.

“Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.”

(Canticle of the Sun)

Sister M. Bernreda was a true Franciscan who made the Canticle of the Sun her life’s song. We knew her as a true flower lover. In all the convents, you could tell that Sister M. Bernreda was there by the floral decorations in the chapel and in the house. We especially remember her 26 years in Seppenrade. The flowers in the convent garden and on the Sisters’ graves bloomed much larger than elsewhere. When asked about this, she said that you had to talk to them and give good fertilizer to the roots. In winter, she grew the flowers in the greenhouse and then planted them in the spring. People came from near and far to admire her garden.

In addition to being a nurse, Sister M. Bernreda was also a dietitian and head of the kitchen in Dorsten for 18 years. She then completed the annual seminar for senior sisters in Göttingen and became the assistant to the superior in Gladbeck and Oberhausen-Osterfeld and herself superior in Liesborn.

In Seppenrade, she was finally able to turn her hobby of gardening into her main profession. She was put in charge of the garden. She also took over the driving service for the Sisters and contributed her beautiful singing voice to the convent’s prayers.

When the convent in Seppenrade was dissolved in 2021, she moved to St. Franziskus House in Nordwalde as a senior citizen. By then, she had exhausted her strength, so she lovingly allowed herself to be cared for by the staff of the nursing station until she gave her life back into God’s hands on the afternoon after her 89th birthday.

Sister M. Viventia

Born: January 3, 1932
Entrance: February 2, 1952
Professed: October 28, 1954
Died: July 16, 2025

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 2:45 p.m., our beloved God called to himself our dear Sister M. Viventia, born by the name of Genowefa Herman, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

The joy of the Lord is our strength.

Neh.8:10

Sister M. Viventia was born in Katowice/Chebzie.

During her postulancy, Sister M. Viventia worked as a nursing assistant in the surgical ward of St. Adalbert Hospital in Opole. She studied at a nursing school in Krakow and obtained her nursing diploma in 1964. She then worked as a highly competent nurse at the Children’s Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Wroclaw until September 1989. During this time, she was provincial councillor for six years and Superior of the local convent for twelve years. For another seven years, she worked in housekeeping and as matron at the bishop’s residence in Opole. From 1996, she lived in the provincial house, where she took on various household tasks and helped in the infirmary. In 2017, she was transferred to the nursing home in Opole-Stephanshöh because she needed treatment and rehabilitation.

Sister M. Viventia distinguished herself in her service as a nurse and by her superior kindness, goodwill, hospitality, gentleness toward all, and a great sense of humour. She had a generous and kind heart for the poor and needy who knocked on the doors of our convents. She showed great openness toward those who visited our provincial house, offering them a kind word, time, and friendliness. Many who came unexpectedly felt welcome and cared for by Sister M. Viventia, who received them at the gate. She was very conscientious in her duties.

From an early age, she had a special love for St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus. She claimed to be as stubborn as little Teresa herself. Sister M. Viventia was as persistent on the path to holiness as Saint Teresa and, like her, had a gentle and boundless love for Jesus.

She cultivated relationships with her family, showed them love and kindness, and surrounded them with prayer and gratitude.

In her last years, her physical strength declined more and more, which she accepted with resignation to God’s will, and on July 16, in the 71st year of her religious life, she slept peacefully under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and entered the Kingdom of Heaven.

She is grateful to her fellow sisters for all the kindness and service they have shown her, especially to the sisters in Opole Szczepanowice. We continue to commend herself to our prayers and trust that she will support us from heaven.

Sister M. Alfriedis

Born: February 2, 1931
Entrance: August 8, 1952
Professed: May 3, 1955
Died: July 19, 2025

In the hope that Christ, her strength and light, would guide her on her way, our fellow sister, born by the name Gertrud Schölpen, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, gave her life back into the hands of the good and merciful God.

My hope and my joy, my strength, my light,

Christ my confidence. I trust in you and am not afraid.

(Gotteslob No. 365)

Sister M. Alfriedis was born in Homberg on the Lower Rhine shortly before the beginning of the Third Reich. Her childhood and school years fell during the time of National Socialism.

Her school certificate bears a stamp with the swastika. Her Catholic family did not have an easy time, but their strong faith carried them through these difficult times and had a lasting impact on their lives.

At the age of 21, Gertrud Schölpen joined our religious order and became Sister M. Alfriedis.

Caring for the sick and elderly was always a deep concern of hers. After qualifying, she worked for 33 years as a nurse and ward sister in Hückeswagen and Waldniel. She then completed a geriatric care seminar while working, in Holthausen, and moved from the Rhineland into elder care at Körbecke on Lake Möhne, with intermediate stops in Dortmund and Sevelen. In 2012, she was finally able to rest from her long service and moved as a senior to the Maria Hilf convent in Telgte. In 2015, she transferred to the St. Heriburg House, where she spent her final months in the new ward St. Klara, enjoying the special atmosphere of this residential group.

According to reports, her namesake, Saint Alfried, died “rich in days”—and so did Sister M. Alfriedis, who lived to be 94 years old.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Alfriedis. We remain united to her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Sister Mary Evelyn, OSF

Born: December 27, 1922
Entrance: September 8, 1949
Professed: June 13, 1952
Died: June 21, 2025

Jesus Christ called our Sister to join him in his heavenly home, Sister Mary Evelyn Lamb, OSF, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

But the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.

Psalm 94:22

When you are the oldest of 12 children, your parents will need your assistance with cooking, household chores, and the care of your younger siblings. By doing so, you will learn many things, including the value of strength, and such is the character of Sister Mary Evelyn, OSF. The strength she leamed as a child, and which carried her through her 102 years of life, was what gently guided her feet as she stepped into heaven on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11 :15 a.m. with Sisters Jamesine and Marilyn, along with Associate Pat Goldsmith, at her side.

Mary Evelyn Lamb was born in Aud, MO, on December 27, 1922, the daughter of James Earl end Hada (Mantle) Lamb. She enjoyed school and was the valedictorian of her graduating class. While she taught first through eighth grades in a one-room school, and worked in a pants factory and the superintendent of schools’ office, she felt a calling to religious life to be a missionary nurse.

In 1945, she was in a boat on a man-made lake on the family’s property with her 18-year-old sister Eartine and a friend. As the boat capsized, her friend swam to safety, while Sister Mary Evelyn, who could not swim, climbed onto the boat. As she watched Earline drown in the lake, Sister Mary Evelyn asked God to save her life, and in doing so, she could follow her calling to religious life. Four years later, an advertisement for the Hospital Sisters in a vocation magazine caught her eye, and following her visit to the Motherhouse, she entered on September 8, 1949. She professed her first vows on June 13, 1952, and two of her sisters joined her in this community: Jane Marie (1954) and Jamesine (1955).

Sister Mary Evelyn was a 1958 graduate of St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing. She also earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Quincy University in 1956 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Sangamon State University in 1975.

Sister Mary Evelyn served in nursing at HSHS lllinois and Wisconsin hospitals and St. Francis Convent. In addition, she served at Springfleld & Sangamon County Community Action, Alverna Horne Nursing Center, Chicago, IL (she enjoyed drivlng in the city), and at lnterfaith Caregivers, Eau Claire, WI, where she was the assistant director.

Sister Mary Evelyn returned to St. Francis Convent in 1995 and, in the years that followed, she remained active by painting in various styles, including icons, healing touch, regular exercise, playing Rummikub, and showcasing her sense of humor, which was one of her trademarks. She was dedicated to the life she chose and lived it fully.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Melvin Mark, James Earl 11, Paul David, Dale George, Walter William, and Robert Owen: and sisters: Earline Lucy Lamb and Sister Jane Marie Lamb, OSF (2005). She is survived by a brother, Charles Joseph (Kansas City, MO), and sisters: Sister Jamesine Lamb, OSF, and Esther Ann Brandt (Kansas City, MO}, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Services and burial will be at St. Francis Convent. The Visitation wlll be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. with a Wake Service at 6:00 p.m. The Eucharistie Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Gregory Dick, O.Praem., on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 10 a.m. in the St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel, and burial will be in Crucifixion Hill Cemetery. Butler Funeral Horne is in charge of arrangements.

As her family greeted her in heaven, her parents and siblings joined in God’s proclamation of “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” May she rest in peace.

Sister M. Ancilla

Born: October 25, 1935
Entrance: August 10, 1956
Professed: May 3, 1959
Died: June 30, 2025

Jesus Christ called our Sister to join him in his heavenly home, Sister M. Ancilla, née Theresia Schomaker, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

“For us, our citizenship is in heaven, from where we await the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Lord.”

Phil 3, 20

Sister M. Ancilla grew up with her twelve siblings on the Schomaker family farm in Westendorf near Glandorf. Like her four sisters, Gottharda, Alderika, Emilianis and Rosalia, she became a member of our congregation.

Until 1983, Sister M. Ancilla worked as a nurse in Legden and Issum-Sevelen. Then she attended a geriatric nursing seminar in Munich and cared for the elderly and for her fellow sisters in Issum-Sevelen, Alpen and in the St. Heriburg House. From 2007, she lived in Lingen-Biene, where she took care of the household and the parish church in the small convent with Sister M. Emilianis. She particularly enjoyed this service, as it allowed her to make good use of her creative skills and the sisters there had a lot of contact with the people in the parish. When the convent was dissolved, she returned to the motherhouse together with Sister M. Emilianis. There, too, she continued to work in the sewing room, despite her dwindling strength.

Together, the two siblings moved to St. Heriburg House as seniors in April of this year, where Sister M. Ancilla gave her life back to God in the early hours of the morning of June 30. Her sisters Gottharda, Alderika, and Rosalia are waiting for her in heaven.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Ancilla. We remember her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist, and we remain united with her in sisterly love.  Our sympathy goes out to Sister M. Emilianis, who accompanied her until her dying hour.

Sister M. Reginata

Born: June 29, 1927
Entrance: January 25, 1952
Professed: October 28, 1954
Died: June 16, 2025

Under the protection and guidance of the Blessed Mother, our sister, born Elisabeth Brinker-Ohmscheiper, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, gave her life back to God at the age of 98.

Mary said: “Do whatever he tells you.”

Wedding at Cana, Joh. 2,5

‘Active charity has defined her life since her youth,’ wrote the local newspaper WAZ in Lünen in 1987 about Sister M. Reginata.  In 1990, she was honored with an honorary certificate as ‘the most popular helper in white’. Friendliness, helpfulness and tireless dedication were cited as her outstanding qualities. This is how we have known and appreciated her for 73 years.

Sister M. Reginata was born in Wettringen 98 years ago and joined our congregation at the age of 25. Following her training as a nurse and ward sister, she became a hospital chaplain, working in Ahaus for the first three years and then at the Marienhospital in Lünen for six years. She then worked as a pastoral care worker at the Maria Frieden rehabilitation clinic in Telgte for another 25 years, where she managed the library as well as providing pastoral care and enjoying interacting with people.

Sister M. Reginata was a pastoral care worker through and through, and she was affectionately known as the ‘Bishop’. She introduced several Nigerian priests to both the German language and the way of life. Had it been possible, she would have been well suited to leading a parish.  Sister M. Reginata had a wealth of prayers which accompanied her into old age. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and enjoyed making pilgrimages to the Chapel of Grace in Telgte to feel close to her.

Ten years ago, Sister M. Reginata came to St. Heriburg House, where she lived in the new 
St. Klara residential area for the last few months due to her dementia.  She resided here for the rest of her life, where she received devoted care from her fellow sisters and staff.

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

Sister M. Bernaldis

Born: September 16, 1939
Entrance: february 4, 1961
Professed: October 28, 1963
Died: June 7, 2025

The good God, in whose hands her name has been written for 86 years, now took our fellow Sisters by the hand and led her to himself, Sister M. Bernaldis, née Helene Eilermann, 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. Bernaldis was born in Spahnharrenstätte, near Sögel, in the German Emsland. Despite the early death of mother, she and her siblings were able to stay together as a family. Sister M. Bernaldis was very grateful for this. It was through her training with Sister M. Landeline in the Cloppenburg hospital kitchen that she became acquainted with the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis.

Following her nursing exams, Sister M. Bernaldis spent the next ten years working as a surgical nurse at Marienhospital in Luenen. However, she missed having direct contact with patients. She therefore completed her training in outpatient care and geriatric nursing at Arenberg, after which she was employed in social care units in Dingden, Datteln, and Muenster-Roxel. Subsequently, she took over the outpatient hospice service in Recklinghausen, followed by the pastoral care service in Emsdetten and Ahaus.

Many people knew and appreciated Sister M. Bernaldis, who always drove up in her little car with a friendly face, as well as a great deal of expertise and empathy.

Sister M. Bernaldis had lived at St. Franziskus-Haus in Nordwalde as a senior since 2016. She repeatedly supported her fellow Sisters who were sick or dying, spending many hours praying at their bedsides. She was always available to help when needed. She managed to continue doing so until a few weeks ago, when she fell ill with cancer herself. She was very aware of her mortality and approached her death calmly. She received a great deal of support from her family and the nursing staff, particularly Sisters M. Seraphinis and M. Vincentia. Thus, protected and sheltered, she was able to put her life back in God’s hands in the early hours of the Saturday before Pentecost.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Bernaldis. We remain united to her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Sister M. Reingardis

Born: April 3, 1938
Entrance: August 12, 1960
Professed: Mai 3, 1963
Died: June 6, 2025

One day after celebrating the 70^th anniversary of her religious profession, the Lord God “”At the age of 87, she returned her life to the hands of God, our dear Sister M. Reingardis, née Lucia Wiewel, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Into your hand Lord I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me,
O Lord, God of truth.

Psalm 31:6

Sister M. Reingardis was born in Neuenkirchen Vörden/Germany, where she grew up with her six siblings. She was particularly good at housework. After leaving school, she worked as a housekeeper on a farm in Lage-Rieste. It was through her aunt, Sister M. Baldimera, who was a kitchen nurse in Damme, that Lucia found her way to the Hospital Sisters at the age of 22.

After her Profession, she completed her nursing training in Muenster, underwent training as a healthcare trainer in Essen, and completed a ward manager course in Freiburg. Well equipped with these qualifications, she worked as a nurse and ward manager in several hospitals until 1980. She then turned her attention to housekeeping, a subject in which she was greatly interested. She worked in Dingden, Gladbeck and Dorsten, and from 1995 to 2015 she worked in the refectory of the Motherhouse in Muenster. She particularly enjoyed helping the guests who came to the Elisabeth Oasis for their daily breakfast.

From 2015 onwards, Sister M. Reingardis lived as a senior citizen, most recently in St. Heriburg House in Muenster, where she returned her life to God in the presence of her fellow sisters.

Her final years were characterized by her deteriorating hearing, which caused her great distress. However, this did not stop her from participating in community life, especially daily prayer and celebrating the Eucharist.

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

Sister M. Benediktis

Born: April 1, 1928
Entrance: August 9, 1952
Professed: Mai 3, 1955
Died: May 7, 2025

One day after celebrating the 70^th anniversary of her religious profession, the Lord God completed the earthly life of our dear Sister M. Benediktis Brügge, Anna Feldhacke, Hosptial Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

When God calls us home, it is the greatest holiday for our soul, because we come to the one who loves us most.

(St. Francis de Sales)

Sister M. Benediktis was born in Recke 97 years ago and grew up with her five siblings on her parents’ farm. After primary school she attended a commercial college in Osnabrück. There she received an “emergency diploma”, as the school had to be closed in 1944 due to the many bomb raids on the city. In the same year, her father died and her brothers were at war, so Anna had to help with the farm work at home. She met our Sisters in the hospital at Recke in 1952 and joined our congregation at the age of 24.

From 1961 to 1979, Sister M. Benediktis was in charge of the laboratory in Lingen and Cloppenburg. It was then that she had the opportunity for training in pastoral care. This was her heart’s desire. From 1980 to 2006 she worked as a pastoral counselor in Lünen and Gronau. There she was able to share her deep faith with many people. Because of her age, she then moved to St. Franziskus-Haus in Nordwalde. There she loved to spend time in the library until her strength no longer allowed it.

Sister M. Benediktis was given the great grace of celebrating her Jubilee of Grace the day before her death in the company of her sisters and relatives. She was especially grateful to her brothers and sisters, as well as to her nieces and nephews, who, together with her fellow Sisters, were always there for her.

Her wish was that Jesus Christ would meet her at the hour of death and that she would then be able to see all those who were dear to her again. We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Benediktis. We remain united to her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Schwester M. Maristella

Born: April 28, 1928
Entrance: January 27, 1956
Profession: October 28, 1958
Died: April 27, 2025

On the morning of Divine Mercy Sunday, our sister, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis and born by the name of Maria Willen gave her life back into God’s hands.

Virgin, Mother of God,
let me be wholly yours!

(Prayer to Mary)

Sister M. Maristella was born in Lewinghausen near Löningen on the Willen family farm, where she grew up with her three sisters and four brothers. Before joining the congregation, she completed her nursing training at the Augusta Hospital in Düsseldorf. She came to our congregation through the Franciscans sisters in Glandorf near Osnabrück. She initially worked as a ward nurse in several hospitals and, from 1979, as a community nurse in her old home town of Essen/Oldbg., Lastrup and Löningen. Sister M. Maristella was very popular there and is still fondly remembered by some of the families she cared for. In 2012, she moved to the St. Heriburg-Haus in Münster as a senior citizen. One day before her 98th birthday, God called her home.

Daily Holy Mass had been familiar to her since childhood and gave her strength for her long journey through life.

Born Maria and later Sister Maristella, she felt a special connection to the Mother of God. She was very fond of praying the Rosary. She wanted the image of Our Lady of Telgte on her death card, also as a sign of her connection to the founding place of our congregation.
She consciously lived her faith until the end and walked the path hand in hand with the Mother of God. May she now accompany her on her final journey to God.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Maristella. We remember her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist, and remain united with her in sisterly love

Schwester M. Hermana

Born: January 21, 1924
Entrance: January 30, 1948
Professed: October 28, 1950
Died: April 15, 2025

Our sister, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, born by the name of Ida Kohls, was able to celebrate her resurrection on Tuesday in the Holy Week.

Resurrection is our faith.

Reunion is our hope.

Remembrance is our love.

(Hl.Augustinus)

Sister M. Hermana was able to look back over a whole century before she died at the age of 101. In three weeks, she would have been able to celebrate her crown jewel anniversary 75 years after her first profession.

Ida Kohls was born in Ellenstedt during the Weimar Republic and grew up with her six siblings on her parents’ farm. She experienced the “Third Reich” as a schoolgirl and helped on her parents’ farm during the Second World War. Her Catholic family actively campaigned against National Socialism in the region “Oldenburger Muensterland” in the North-West of Germany.

When the Federal Republic of Germany was rebuilt after the war, the young woman joined our congregation. In addition to her nursing training, she also trained as a manager for nursing homes. She took on the role of the superior in Everswinkel, Straelen, Körbecke and St Heriburg House.
She then looked after the refectory at St. Josefs-Haus in Ennigerloh and returned to St. Heriburg-Haus as a senior in 2018, where she was still able to take part in the community’s convent and prayer life until a few weeks ago. Weak and tired with age, she placed her life back in God’s hands, as calmly and quietly as we had come to know and appreciate her.

Sister M. Hermana did not make a fuss about herself, but was very present with her large, radiant eyes. She loved going on pilgrimage to the Mother of Sorrows in Buddenbaum. She said that she loved praying in the community, but especially enjoyed the quiet times in the chapel.

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

Schwester M. Sixta

Born: February 12,1942
Entrance: February 11,1964
Profession: October 28,1966
Died: April 5, 2025

In the early morning hours, our Sister,Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, born by the name of Margret Hinxlage, surrendered her life into God’s hands.

My days are in your hand.

(Psalm 31, 16a)

Sister M. Sixta grew up with her twelve siblings on the Hinxlage farm in Kellerhöhe in the Oldenburg region. After finishing school, she attended the agricultural school in Garrel and did her practical training on her parents’ farm. Since she had always wanted to become a nun, she was allowed to go to the hospital in Waltrop for two years to get to know the work of the Franciscan Sisters there, and then she joined the Congregation. She followed her older sisters, Sister M. Johanna and Sister M. Raymira.
Sister M. Sixta worked in the convent mainly as a nurse and in housekeeping.

We have fond memories of our large cemetery in Telgte, which she lovingly tended for many years. She was able to contribute her experience from her agricultural training. The flowers always bloomed beautifully in her care. She also devoted her time to the bees and was able to harvest a lot of honey from them.

We also have to thank her for the decorative bouquets that the Sisters received on their jubilees. Until two years ago, she always made them for everyone.

Since 2017, Sister M. Sixta lived together with Sister M. Raymira in St. Anna-Stift in Kroge. After a long illness, she followed her sister M. Johanna and other Sisters on their way to heaven.

With gratitude, we say goodbye to Sister M. Sixta. We remember her in our prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united with her as Sisters.”

Schwester M. Servulina

Born: 8. Dezember 1928
Entrance: 27. Januar 1951
Profession: 3. Mai 1954
Died: 17. März 2025

On her name day, our good God called our Sister, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, born in the name of Gertrud Micke, to Himself.

Faithful is God who calls you. He will also complete it.

(1. Thess. 5,24)

Sister M. Servulina was born as one of six siblings in Münster-Amelsbüren, where her father was a forester at Herold Castle. As her mother died early, she grew up with foster parents in Füchtorf, who took very good care of her, as she repeatedly said. It was here that she came in contact with the Franciscan Sisters from St. Mauritz, who worked in outpatient care.

At the age of twenty-three, Gertrud joined our religious Congregation and became a member of our community. Among other things, she worked in the hospitals in Haselünne, Lünen, Liesborn and Ennigerloh as a ward sister. In 1979, Sister M. Servulina came to Seppenrade and remained there until the convent was dissolved in 2021. We know her from that time as a receptionist and even better as an organist who played the organ with lot of love and accompanied the church services.  We will always remember her calm and kind manner and her shining eyes.

A few days before her death, Sister M. Servulina was admitted to St. Francis Hospital and was due to be discharged on March 18. However, she insisted that she be discharged on March 17, on her name’s day. In the afternoon, she received the anointing of the sick and the doctor finally allowed her to return to St. Heriburg House that evening. When the nurses said goodbye to her for the night, she had no wishes and just wanted to sleep. So she fell asleep and quietly and unnoticed made her way to God, for whom she longed very much, shortly before midnight.

We gratefully bid farewell to Sister M. Servulina. In prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist, we remember her and remain connected to her as Sisters.

Sister M. Alwine

Born: February 9,1935
Entrance: January 28,1955
Professed: October 28,1957
Died: March 8, 2025

The good and compassionate God called our Sister, born by the name of Klara Niehues, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, to Himself.

Virgin, Mother of God mine,

let me be all yours!

Yours for time and eternity!

(Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary)

Sister M. Alwine was born into a family of miners in Altlünen. She was characterized by the straightforwardness and reliability of the people in this region, which also included a firm faith.

The young Klara became familiar with the Franciscans from St. Mauritz at the Marien Hospital in Lünen. At the age of twenty, she joined our religious community in Münster and became a true Franciscan.

Sister M. Alwine’s name is firmly associated with St. Bernhard Hospital in Kamp-Lintfort. From the founding of the hospital in 1967 until the departure of our Sisters here in 2015, she managed the large laundry there. She thus took on the service of Martha, as described in the Bible, as a tireless caregiver for the well-being of the people in the hospital.

In her little free time, she used her bicycle to go on long tours through the Rhine area. She often went to Kevelaer to pray to Our Lady, as she was a great devotee of the Virgin Mary.

In 2015, Sister M. Alwine moved to St. Franziskus-Haus in Nordwalde, where she spent her retirement. There she quietly gave her life back to her Creator.

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

Sister M. Anna Esseling

Born: December 10, 1940
Entrance: August 15, 1962
Professed: May 3, 1965
Died: February 28, 2025

The good and faithful God, in whom she placed her trust, redeemed our

Sister M. Anna Esseling, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Into your hands I commend my spirit;

You have redeemed me, O Lord, you faithful God.

Psalm 31:6

Sister M. Anna Esseling was born in Stadtlohn, Germany, where she grew up on a farm with her seven brothers and sisters. Before entering the congregation, she was trained as a housekeeper and got to know and appreciate Sister M. Helena as a ward assistant in the hospital in Stadtlohn. Through Sister M. Helena she joined our Congregation and made her first profession in the Motherhouse in Münster in 1965. This year she would have celebrated the diamond jubilee of her religious profession.

As a professed member, Sister M. Anna continued her education as a nurse, also as a geriatric nurse. She enjoyed her profession as a health care professional, but her illness did not allow her to work for long periods of time, so she was often transferred. She enjoyed working in the convent Maria-Hilf in Telgte in the refectory and at the entrance. She was very grateful for that time. Until the convent in Seppenrade was closed, she was there for ten years before moving to St. Heriburg House in Münster as a senior resident.

We know Sister M. Anna as a loving and motherly Sister who was always happy to help her fellow Sisters and to offer them a little help. In doing so, she strove to follow her patron saint, St. Mother Anna, whom she greatly admired.

It was Sister M. Anna’s wish not to be alone at the hour of death. This was granted to her.
A fellow sister sat at her deathbed and held her hand. Sister M. Anna would like to thank everyone and ask for forgiveness if she ever offended anyone.

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

Sister M. Roberta

Born: April 10, 1939
Entrance: October 2, 1958
Professed: May 3, 1962
Died: February 28, 2025

The God of Life, for whom she longed so much, has fulfilled our co-sister’s wish to be with him now in eternity. She was born by the name of Maria Eckhoff, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

I am that I am – I am here.

– I am where you are!

according to Exodus 3:14

We know Sister M. Roberta as a tireless seamstress in our former “embroidery room” and the “parament room”. This service shaped her life. Later she was sacristan in the motherhouse and in recent years lived in the Maria Hilf convent in Telgte and most recently in St. Franziskus-Haus in Nordwalde. She grew up in Ankum and trained as a ladies’ and men’s tailor before entering the convent.

With love and creativity, she made many chasubles and rochettes for the services in the motherhouse church, which are still in use today. After the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council, the vestments had to be adapted to the new understanding. Sister M. Roberta remembered this with pleasure for a long time.

She not only took care of the church services, but was also a tireless prayer warrior and devotee of the Eucharist. She wanted to say goodbye with the wish of her prayer that she gives us here:

“Almighty God, your servant Sister Maria Roberta lived in faith and trust from the holy mystery of the Eucharist and served the people. Now grant her eternal life with you in the light of your presence.

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

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.

Sister M. Jovina Weibring

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

On February 12^th, 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.

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.

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.