Stories

The second largest ethnic group where I grew up, after the Euro-American population, was the people of the HoChunk Nation. At that time, in my community, Ho-Chunk children were my classmates in grade school. I also saw them occasionally at the swimming pool in the summer; however, we rarely — if ever — were playmates and friends. We did not attend one another’s birthday parties. I could never figure out what invisible force separated my world from theirs, nor how to bridge the gap.

When the air outside begins to feel crisp, it brings to my mind the season of remembrance in the Catholic Church. On Nov. 1 and 2, we celebrate all saints and the
souls of those who have gone before us. We remember saints as those who exemplified a way of life that radiates hope, joy and peace, not one that squelches the joy of living. I endeavor to emulate these people of goodness.

In a world where oppressive systems often hold back the dreams and aspirations of many, the Quixote Center stands as a ray of hope. As an FSPA-sponsored ministry located in Greenbelt, Maryland, the Quixote Center is dedicated to advancing social justice and human rights, especially in Latin America.

There is nothing more precious than our water and our future. With this rally cry for all of creation, we walk with Pope Francis, our placards held high, declaring our commitment to care for our common home.

The dedication of Mayo Clinic Health System’s La Crosse, Wisconsin hospital on Aug. 1 marked the beginning of a new chapter in a story that dates back more than 140 years. In 1883 the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration opened St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse. The modest, 35-bed facility was just the fifth hospital in Wisconsin, and the first to be located outside the southeast corner of the state.

In “Wells of Wisdom," author Sister Karen Lueck features Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Maria Friedman as she reflects on a life well lived as a Catholic Sister today. 

On Monday, Sept. 30, Nuns on the Bus and Friends started their two-and-a-half week “Vote Our Future” tour to encourage voter participation. The tour stopped in 11 states and 20 cities, including Chicago, Illinois, where Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Julia Walsh attended,  and Nogales, Arizona, where Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Eileen McKenzie joined the Nuns on the Bus and Friends and spoke about the importance of supporting asylum seeking and the significance of voting. 

“Allow” is an important word for Sister Marlou Ricke. She spent part of her life trying to figure out what others expected of her and forcing herself to comply. “I don’t know if Mom ever let me be me. I wanted to express myself.”

Today, September 4, FSPA honors the feast day of St. Rose of Viterbo. In the small town of Viterbo, Italy, a young girl named Rose was born in 1233. From a young age, Rose was drawn to the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. She dedicated her life to prayer and helping others. By the time she was seventeen, Rose had become a beacon of hope in Viterbo, encouraging the people to stay loyal to the Church and resist Emperor Frederick II's forces.

Every summer, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Odanah, Wisconsin, celebrate the coming harvest of Manoomin, or wild rice.

My Franciscan roots have instilled in me the importance of valuing relationships with all of creation. These relationships are dear to me and have allowed me to experience God’s presence on numerous occasions. As I grow older, I have come to cherish these encounters even more. Ministering at WAFER allows me to cultivate meaningful and life-giving relationships through ecological programs that value all creation.

FSPA celebrates 175th anniversary with a pilgrimage.