The La Crosse Tribune recently featured a story highlighting the modern lives of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Reporter Saskia Hatvany offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the sisters and how the FSPA is adapting to change.
The story highlights how FSPA continues to balance tradition with the evolving modern-day life. One of the most notable recent changes came in 2020. Due to the declining numbers and an aging population, the sisters transitioned from around-the-clock adoration to the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Later in March 2020, the COVID-19 shutdown began. Sister Antona Schedlo shared in the La Crosse Tribune publication, “God was with (our decision) because it was the perfect timing.”
Despite the smaller FSPA community, the sisters do not view their congregation as fading away. As Saskia Hatvany writes, both Sister Sarah Hennessey and Sister Julia Walsh, “acknowledge that change and uncertainty are on the horizon – and some of that change will involve grief and loss.”
Read the full story at the La Crosse Tribune: “The modern lives of the sisters at La Crosse’s 154-year-old convent.”
In the online publication, the La Crosse Tribune shares a video interview with Sister Eileen McKenzie from the second immigration summit in 2024.