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Affiliates celebrate silver jubilees, marking 25 years with FSPA

Two FSPA affiliates celebrated their silver jubilees in 2007 in private ceremonies where they live and minister. Each offered a reflection on what it means to be an affiliate with the FSPA for 25 years. These milestones mark the first silver jubilees ever for FSPA affiliates. At their jubilee celebrations, both affiliates were gifted with a lard light as a symbol of how they have carried the FSPA charism into the world.

Sister Rita Mae Fischer and Roz Nelson

Roz Nelson
Years ago in Hibbing, Minn., I joined a newly-formed group of lay affiliates of the FSPA. Our group was led by Sister Fran Sulzer and together we shared prayers, laughter and how to live out the Franciscan values in the 1982 world. At that time, I was the new kid on the block, as all the others in the group were more mature and had walked longer and closer with God than I had. But wisely I drew near, and listened well and absorbed their collective wisdom and love of God—my first Franciscan mentors—what a wonderful sharing, inspiring and joy-filled group they were! I was so blessed to have found them!

Now 25 years later, I continue to be blessed, along with an ever-growing group of lay affiliates who wisely still continue to draw near and listen and share prayer, laughter and our love of God with the FSPA. And together we all share Francis’ ideals and values with our brothers and sisters in the global community. Thanks be to God for leading me to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who have continued to let me draw near for 25 years, especially Sisters Fran and Rita Mae Fischer. Thanks be to God for St. Francis, our leader and inspiration. And joyfully, thanks be to God, I now have my own lard light!

Frances Wolowick, center, with Sisters Dorthy Wenzel, standing, and Dorothy Schneider, right.

Frances Wolowick
In 1982 there was an article in the La Crosse diocesan paper, the Times Review, stating that an affiliation program came into being. This particular program originated through the efforts of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at St. Rose Convent. Anyone desiring to live the values and goals of this Franciscan community of women could apply. I became very excited about this opportunity. So after much consideration and prayer with the grace of God and the Holy Spirit, I became one of the pioneer affiliates in this new, wonderful organization. I have to say that the joy and knowledge I have received in being affiliated with these Franciscan Sisters can never be measured.

I have enjoyed attending affiliation meetings and educational gatherings, taking part in all church activities such as eucharistic minister, loving the readings and sacristan work. I also enjoyed taking Communion to the sick at their homes, and teaching CCD for many, many years. I loved arranging flowers for the altar and I grew flowers for church decorations. An exciting thing in my life was receiving cancelled checks by Mother Theresa of Calcutta, India. She wrote a very nice “thank you” note.

Affiliation means the world to me. Affiliation brings me closer to God—after following the way these sisters live.

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