Sister M. Josefa

Born: March 1, 1943
Entrance: August 10, 1966
Professed: May 1, 1969
Died: April 13, 2026

Accompanied by her patron saint, Saint Joseph, our Sister journeyed to heavenly paradise in the presence of her fellow Sisters and family members, Sister M. Josefa, née Josefa Maria Thelink, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Saint Joseph, Patron saint of workers and of the dying, pray for us.

Josepha Theling was born in Schapen in the Emsland region, one of nine siblings. She grew up on her parents’ farm. One of her sisters became a Dominican nun. At the age of 23, Josefa joined our congregation. Her religious name was initially Sister M. Thekleta. Later, she resumed her baptismal name, Josefa. Saint Joseph was her faithful companion. He was close to her during her nursing training in Stadtlohn and afterward in Ramsdorf and Lohne.

Since 1977, Sister M. Josefa served as house mother to the Sisters in Seppenrade and at the Motherhouse. She was a quiet worker, just as we have learned from the tradition of Saint Joseph. She enjoyed collecting various texts that we could recite on holidays for everyone’s enjoyment. Unfortunately, due to her increasing hearing loss, she was often unable to participate in community life. This was not easy for her.

Maintaining a good relationship with her family was very important to her. She took interest in their lives and accompanied them all with her prayers.

Sister M. Josefa was delighted that the new Bishop of Münster, Heiner Wilmer, came from her hometown, Schapen. She followed his career with great pride, from his entry into the religious order to his appointment as chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference. Unfortunately, she is no longer able to attend his inauguration in Münster.

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

On Monday, April 20, 2026, we will bid farewell to Sister M. Josefa 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. Afterward, we can share our memories of her over coffee at the Motherhouse.