January 26 marked the end of a decades-long ministry of prayer, witness and service with a gathering to honor the decommissioning of Mayo Clinic Health System – La Crosse’s Saint Francis Chapel.
FSPA and the Diocese of La Crosse have served Mayo Clinic patients and families in the chapel, located on the institution's campus in the St. Francis Building, for 46 years. The chapel — a sacred space of compassion and healing in the community — is itself scheduled for decommissioning in Spring 2026.
Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Sue Ernster, with Diocese of La Crosse Bishop Gerard W. Battersby, shares a reflection.
WXOW News 19 reported the decommissioning and shared comments by Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Sue Ernster, who addressed those gathered to honor the space and the faith tradition it has served.
"Saint Francis Chapel [in Mayo Clinic's St. Francis Building] has faithfully fulfilled its purpose as a place of prayer and presence, and while this chapter is ending, the spirit of devotion, compassion and care it fostered continues beyond the chapel itself."
To get the full report, visit wxow.com. WKBT News 8 also covered the event in the story, “Mayo Clinic in La Crosse closes historic chapel after 46 years,” accessible for viewing at news8000.com.
Photo above: Many Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration attended the decommissioning service and offered a blessing.