The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi celebrated their 175th anniversary on Foundation Day, May 28. The day began with a Mass of thanksgiving attended by Sisters who came from near and far to celebrate with each other for this momentous occasion. Father Jim Schroeder presided. Following the Mass, proclamations and awards from the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Historical Society were read and displayed, along with a papal blessing from Pope Francis. Specially commissioned artwork for the anniversary was unveiled by the two Sister-artists who created the designs -- Sisters Jeanne Carrigan and Stella DeVenuta. The congregation's new magazine, called Troubadour, was introduced, and Archivist Sister Celial Struck opened the time capsule that was in the cornerstone of the 1894 chapel. It contained four newspapers from the year.
The afternoon began with a festive lunch and continued with fun activities that included a sing-along and an ice cream social. The Sisters remarked that the day was one to remember!
Other celebratory events are planned through the end of the year for various groups with ties to the Sisters, to honor and congratulate them on reaching this significant milestone in their history!