Bishop James Schuerman of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee presided at the Mass at the Basilica of St. Josaphat. He is pictured here with (right of bishop) Sister Joanne Schatzlein, OSF, director of The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi and Sister Sue Ernster, FSPA, leader of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. At left are Sisters Sylvia Anne Sheldon, OSF, associate director of The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi; Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, mother superior of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist; and Sister Charlotte Roost, OSF, associate director of The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi and guests gathered at the Basilica of St. Josaphat on June 23 for an anniversary Mass of thanksgiving. Over 140 friends of the congregation celebrated with the Sisters at the Mass and attended the reception that followed under a festive tent on the grounds of St. Francis Convent. Representatives of the congregation's eight corporate ministries were there, along with donors, Associates, members of religious congregations, and other invited guests.
Leadership of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration traveled from La Crosse, Wis., for the event. Representatives of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist from Meriden, Conn., also attended. Both of those congregations of women religious share common roots with The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. The histories of all three communities trace their origins to the grounds in St. Francis, linked to the original foundresses who established the first vowed community of Franciscan women in the United States.
Bishop James Schuerman of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee was the presider at the Mass.
The celebration was one that will go down in congregation history as a very special day of thanksgiving, friendship, and joyful sharing. It was a beautiful public recognition of the milestone anniversary of The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi!