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Chinese sister studies English with help of FSPA

Sister Theresa Qui Lifang

Sister Theresa Qui Lifang, from the Holy Family Convent in Jilin City, China, had a rare opportunity to improve her English-speaking skills in a real-life immersion program: she stayed at St. Rose Convent with the FSPA. Sister Theresa was granted a visa by the U.S. government to study English in the United States, primarily because of her role as superior of the Holy Family Sisters. While on a six month sabbatical, she studied English for 12 weeks at the Dominican University in Chicago, where her niece lives, then continued her studies in language and culture by living with the sisters at St. Rose. Sisters Geneva Kneer and Jeanice Lohman tutored her during her stay.

Sister Theresa says the things she likes most about her visit are the prayers, the liturgy and the people. "The sisters are very lively, very friendly," she says, and also explains that she enjoys the freedom and independence in the United States. She fondly remembers cooking Chinese food for the St. Rose sisters on New Year's Day.

While in China, Sister Leclare Beres met Sister Theresa, and since then they have become friends. "I'm so proud of her," says Sister Leclare.

Sister Theresa says she learned a lot of English during her stay, but also forged some new connections with the FSPA. "I feel very loved here," she says, "The sisters, to me, were very nice."

Sister Theresa went back to China on Feb. 7.

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