Sister Nirmala Dias welcomed, transfers religious vows to FSPA

During Mass on Sept. 15, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration embraced Sister Nirmala Dias as a new transfer to the community.

In the welcome ritual, FSPA President Sister Marlene Weisenbeck proclaimed that in January the FSPA leadership council “joyfully and gratefully” reached the decision to approve Sister Nirmala’s request to begin the transfer process.

“Our Third Order Rule of Life exhorts us to receive kindly those who, through the Lord’s inspiration, come to us desiring to accept this way of life,” said Sister Marlene. “We welcome Nirmala,” she continued, “to live the Constitutions of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and mutually accept responsibility for continuing our lives of conversion in harmony with the Gospel and our Franciscan eucharistic heritage.”

After living 27 years in religious life as a Daughter of St. Paul in Mumbai, India, Sister Nirmala arrived in La Crosse in August to begin the three-year transfer period. She currently works at St. Rose Convent as a cook and dishwasher, and is enrolled in Viterbo University’s servant leadership program. “As a sister in transfer to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration,” said Sister Nirmala, “I ask for your prayers and support that I may grow in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi and in the charism of the congregation. I ask to share in the life of your community and its mission. I ask that you accompany me on my journey toward full membership.”

Mission Councilor Sister Sharon Berger presented Sister Nirmala with the FSPA medal. Following the ritual, Sister Joan Weigel gave the intercessions and asked the congregation to pray “for Sister Nirmala Dias, as she begins her incorporation phase in religious life with FSPA, and for all those in formation.”