Stories

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.”

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.

Angie Jack, former FSPA partner in mission and donor, tells her FSPA giving story and the 'ripple effect.'

Sister Meg Earsley took the next step in religious life with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, renewing her vows on Aug. 2, Feast of the Portiuncula.

On Aug. 1, we gathered in Mary of the Angels Chapel to celebrate 146 years of perpetual adoration, our sacred tradition that started in 1878.