After 50 years of ministry, FSPA celebrates Sister Linda's jubilee
Sister Linda Riesberg, celebrating her jubilee at Villa St. Joseph
In many classrooms across the United States, young children begin expanding their senses of belonging in the world. Their learning deepens as they listen to people who come to visit them, telling of the jobs they do on behalf of the world. Inevitably, their teachers ask, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”
Many students change their ideas and their replies over time, but since the second grade, Sister Linda Riesberg has known who she wants to be — a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. Now, 50 years later, after fulfilling this sense of self, she continues to grow into this choice each day. Recently, Show me a sign asked Sister Linda to contemplate her discernment story ...
Show me a sign:
How did you know that you wanted to be a religious sister?
Sister Linda:
I just knew since second grade, and never changed my mind. I don’t know what in particular affected that decision. I thank God every day for my vocation.
Show me a sign:
How did your family and friends react when you first told them of your desire to become a sister?
Sister Linda:
I wanted to enter the convent after eighth grade, but my parents told me I had to attend two years of high school first. I didn’t like that answer and kept asking them to let me go. After my freshman year, they did: I finished my last three years of high school at St. Mary’s Academy in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, which was a school run by FSPA.
Sister Linda, 1967
Show me a sign:
As you reflect on your jubilee, what facets of serving as an FSPA first come to mind?
Sister Linda:
My biggest memories include being received into the novitiate, making promises on Holy Thursday (another step in the incorporation process during that time) and making final vows.
Show me a sign:
What has been your favorite ministry and why?
Sister Linda:
I particularly enjoyed working with people who are developmentally challenged and have special needs. They taught me a lot about unconditional love, trust and being myself.
The celebration of our 2019 jubilarians continues as they share reflections of gratitude for religious life. Read them here!
Are you discerning religious life? Walking with someone who is? We invite you to share this link, fspa.org/showmeasign, and join the conversation.
