Companions in Franciscan Solidarity
a global Franciscan sisterhood
Eight hundred years after St. Francis of Assisi traversed Italy, his questions still echo with surprising urgency: How do we live simply in a world of excess? How do we choose peace in a time of division? How do we care for creation when the earth itself is crying out?
As the Church marks the Year of St. Francis, three Franciscan sister communities—companions in Franciscan Solidarity—the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi (St. Francis, Wisconsin), the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (La Crosse, Wisconsin) and the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis (Italy, Africa, Bolivia, Austria) are answering those questions with lived commitment.
Though distinct in ministries and spiritual practices, the sisters share a common Franciscan foundation: a belief that prayer must shape action, that humility is a strength and that love of God is inseparable from love of neighbor and care for creation. In a fractured world, this shared witness feels especially timely.
For us as FSPA, the Year of St. Francis is deeply connected to prayer as public service. Through perpetual eucharistic adoration, FSPA offers to God continuous praise and thanksgiving. Nurtured and strengthened by Jesus' presence, we live out this adoration in our daily lives as we strive to help those in need. “In a culture that prizes productivity and speed, our steady presence before the Eucharist offers a countercultural reminder that transformation begins in stillness, listening and trust. Our prayer embraces concerns and creates the energy to sustain our work far beyond convent walls—our work for climate disruption, violence, migration and the ache for peace,” said FSPA President Sister Sue Ernster.
Sister Sue Ernster stands inside the FSPA Adoration Chapel, La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Established in 1849, The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi were the first foundation of vowed Franciscan women founded in the United States. Throughout their history of caring for others, they have embodied St. Francis’ call to minister to the underserved and overlooked. Through the years, they took on roles as educators, pastoral ministers, advocates for the poor and vulnerable, and health care workers. As pioneers in the field of education for the developmentally and physically challenged, their zeal for serving those most in need led the way for others in the field. Today, they sponsor eight ministries in the United States, located in Wisconsin, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Maryland. The ministries offer programs for those with disabilities, for seniors in need of affordable housing, and for older adults who seek assisted living and enhanced care options.
Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi Margaret, Donna and Diane
Photo courtesy of Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi
The Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis bring yet another expression of the Franciscan charism: radical simplicity and a fierce commitment to justice. Living in intentional community and often choosing to be close to those experiencing poverty, the Tertiary Sisters challenge prevailing assumptions about success and security. During the Year of St. Francis, their lives stand as a quiet but powerful critique of consumerism and economic systems that leave too many behind. They remind us that simplicity is not deprivation—it is freedom for relationship, generosity and joy.
A large and diverse gathering of people joined the TSSF for a joyful and vibrant Eucharistic celebration.
Photo courtesy of TSSF website, "90 Years of Compassion"
What unites these three communities is not uniformity, but fidelity—to the Gospel, to Francis’ vision and to the needs of the present moment. Together, they offer a Franciscan response to today’s most pressing concerns: climate anxiety, social fragmentation, spiritual hunger and the search for meaning in uncertain times.
St. Francis did not set out to found a movement that would endure for centuries. He simply tried to live the Gospel as literally and lovingly as possible. Eight centuries later, Franciscan sisters continue that same experiment—adapting it to new contexts, new questions and new urgencies.
The Year of St. Francis is not just a commemoration of the past. It is an invitation—to individuals, communities and the wider world—to ask how humility, peace and care for creation might shape our own lives. In the shared witness of these three Franciscan communities, we catch a glimpse of what is possible when faith is lived with courage, compassion and joy.
During the Year of St. Francis, you're invited...
Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis
We invite you to join us as a partner in our mission to deliver hope and Good News where it’s needed most. It’s only through the generous support of friends and supporters that we are able to carry out our ministries across the globe. Consider making a gift here.
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
Issued by the Vatican's Apostolic Penitentiary, the decree establishes a Franciscan Jubilee Year focused on spiritual renewal and invites Christians to embrace St. Francis's witness of holiness and peace in the world today. Follow our Year of St. Francis events here.
Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi
During this jubilee year, join us in prayer and deed as we carry on the work of St. Francis … to respect our fellow human beings, support those in need, and care for all of God’s creation. Visit our website here.