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Six new affiliates make their covenant with FSPA

Six affiliates recently made their covenants with the FSPA. On Oct. 16, 2004, Arlene Bonacci, George Meirick and Anne Wainwright Ransom made their covenants, followed by Madalene Buelow, Wilma Spaeth and Shirley Huhn on Feb. 26. Insight caught up with each of the covenant affiliates to learn more about them and their ministries.

Arlene Bonacci had FSPA as teachers at St. Anthony School in Superior, Wis. She says she had a deep love for all teachers throughout her eight years in Catholic school. It led her not only into education as a career, but also to consider becoming a member of the FSPA community. In fact, she was a postulant and a novice at St. Rose Convent, and she says, “I chose not to continue to be a FSPA but those years will always be treasured by me. My love for Jesus grew because of my being at St. Rose Convent.”

Now Arlene feels pulled back to St. Rose, as a covenant affiliate. “The Adoration Chapel at St. Rose has always been a beacon of light and love for me. Whenever I am in La Crosse, I stop so I can make a visit to the Adoration Chapel. I wish I lived closer to La Crosse so I could go to the Adoration Chapel every day.”
Arlene’s sponsor is Sister Esther Leis.

Arlene grew up in and around Superior, Wis., and now lives in Antigo. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin schools at Stevens Point and Superior, and has continued learning by attending classes at Viterbo College (now Viterbo University) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Throughout her professional career, she worked in various roles in education, including religious education director in Pittsville, first grade teacher in Marshfield, and elementary principal in Antigo.

She has been active in charitable works as well as community involvement, serving on the county board, and in guardianship and visiting the elderly. In her spare time she loves to read, knit, play cards and visit with friends.
She and her husband Michael have two children.

George Meirick says he decided to become an FSPA affiliate as a way to give back. “I have come to realize, as I have grown older, that I have been very blessed and gifted throughout my entire life: my growing-up years with my family of origin, opportunities for furthering my education, a challenging and rewarding career working for Catholic Charities, a loving wife of 44 years, six tremendous daughters and son-in-laws, 15 grandchildren, many caring and supportive friends and good health.”

Born and raised in North St. Paul, Minn., George now calls La Crosse home. He is technically retired, though recently took on a temporary full-time position at the David School in David, Ky., as project manager for construction of a gymnasium. George holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology/psychology from St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minn., and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago. He’s now working toward his master of arts degree in servant leadership at Viterbo University, studies which he set aside to help out with the David School construction project.

From left, Arlene Bonacci, George Meirick and Anne Wainwright Ransom celebrate their covenant affiliation.

George is extensively involved in church ministries and charitable works. He is a eucharistic minister at Mary Mother of the Church in La Crosse, he is a long-time volunteer at Place of Grace, and has been a volunteer both for David School and Catholic Charities.

“I have profound respect for the FSPA, I am drawn to the example of the life of Francis and Clare, and I saw affiliation as a significant way to carry me on my spiritual journey,” he says.

George’s sponsor is Sister Betty Hebert.

Anne Wainwright Ransom was born in Norwalk, Conn., grew up in Nobleboro, Maine, and now lives in Lansing, Iowa. She holds an RN degree from the Maine Medical Center school of nursing. In addition, she has a BSN and master’s degree from the Boston University school of nursing and she is a geriatric nurse practitioner. Though she considers herself retired, she stays very busy.

Anne says she was introduced to the FSPA by Edna Whalen in 2002. She decided to become a covenant affiliate “to be closely associated with a community of faith, dedicated to strong faith works and the Franciscan way.”
Anne is married to Woodbury S. Ransom, and they have two children.

Anne’s sponsor as a covenant affiliate is Sister Beatrice Merkes. When she has free time, Anne enjoys gardening and being outdoors as much as possible.

Madalene Buelow works as an administrative assistant for Franciscan Skemp Foundation, which is how she became interested in becoming a covenant affiliate. “After joining the foundation I was introduced to Sister Leclare Beres—former director of the St. Clare Health Mission. Her deep desire to help the poor who are sick and uninsured helped me know that I could help in some way to alleviate that injustice. I also met Sister Ladonna Kassmeyer—the circle widened.

“I was looking to rekindle my spiritual and prayer life,” Madalene explains. “The power of prayer as a community is awesome. I wanted to share in it again. I aged and knew that I wanted a different kind of life for myself and family. Franciscan values placed an importance in sharing and caring for all that God made.”

Madalene was born and raised in the Chicago area, but now lives in La Crosse. She has a degree in human resources from the University of Iowa. She has experience in working with youth programs, and volunteers as a receptionist at St. Clare Health Mission, in addition to collecting and distributing medical equipment for missionaries who serve the poor. She chairs the St. Patrick’s religious education committee in Onalaska and participated in liturgy of the word for children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, knitting and spending time with family. Madalene and her husband Kevin have two daughters.

Madalene’s sponsor is affiliate Darlene Wozney.

Wilma Spaeth says she first came to know the FSPA through the nurses at St. Francis Medical Center (now Franciscan Skemp) and later through her training from 1959–1962 as a postulant and novice. Though she left the community, she remained connected to the church through professional and spiritual growth.

Wilma holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and has taken University of Wisconsin extension courses in social work and public administration. She worked for the Diocese of La Crosse Times-Review (now the Catholic Times) and as secretary to the lay mission director. She was also a social worker for the La Crosse County human services department, prior to retirement.

From left, Shirley Huhn, Wilma Spaeth and Madalene Buelow pose following their covenant affiliation ceremony in February. Photos courtesy of Marci Madary

At the invitation of Sister Mary Ann Gschwind, Wilma attended the 125th celebration of perpetual adoration. At that celebration, Sister Mary Ann invited Wilma to consider the affiliation program. “I chose to begin the process of affiliation realizing that, truly, the FSPA have held a place in my heart through the years and it made perfect sense for me to reconnect with the Franciscan family.” Sister Mary Ann became Wilma’s sponsor.

“Through the affiliation process, I found reward in fulfilling my ‘heart’s desire’ to gradually progress to making covenant and to continue working with the poor at St. Clare Health Mission. Belonging to FSPA and having common aspirations helps one in efforts that lead us deeper into God,” Wilma explains.

“I am grateful to Sister Mary Ann and the local sisters for extending their kindness, acceptance and love. As one sister said, ‘It seems you’ve come full circle.’ I said, ‘Yes,’ with joy and satisfaction.”

Shirley Huhn was born and raised in La Crosse, and now calls Bangor home. She has had a connection to the congregation since an early age, as she received her education from the FSPA. The FSPA were present at the birth of her children, she has attended events at the Franciscan Spirituality Center for many years. She has attended Sunday Mass at St. Rose, and she says she now works with and for FSPA. Becoming a covenant affiliate appears to be a natural progression.

“Affiliation fills the need I have for spiritual support from this community of faith-filled women as I try to deepen my commitment to walk the gospel in my daily life. In return I want to be a support to the sisters as they live out the gospel in the world,” Shirley says.

Shirley has an associate degree in food service management from Western Wisconsin Technical College (WWTC). She is also a certified dietary manager specialist. She has enjoyed a long career in food service, including working as a dietary aide at Lakeview Health Center, and as a cook at a community-based residential care facility. After graduating from WWTC, she worked as a food service supervisor at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Sparta campus until beginning work at the Villa St. Joseph in 1992, where she continues to work to this day.

According to Shirley, affiliation is a vital part of who she is. “To me affiliation means mutual support through prayers, companionship and ministry, walking the footsteps of St. Francis. It has come to be very important in my life.”

Shirley lost her husband Carl in 1999. They have four grown children.

Shirley’s sponsor is Sister Dorothy Dunbar.

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