Franciscan Sister of St. John the Baptist

Franciscan Sister of St. John the Baptist –  Sister Mary Thomasina, F.S.J.B.                                                                         “Ecce Agnus Dei”  –  “Behold the Lamb of God”                                                                                        “Trusting God in profound humility and joy”

Foundress:  Mother Mary Vaclava Ballon

Place:  Peoria Heights, Illinois

Year:  2006 A.D.

Her Charism:  Following in the footsteps of John the Baptist, this Sister wants to “decrease” and draw attention to Christ.  She lives out her charism trusting in God and striving for limitless and profound Franciscan humility, simplicity, and joy.  Like St. John the Baptist, she maintains a constant spirit of anticipating Christ (prayer), and recognizing Christ (community), Who manifests Himself to her throughout the day.  She proclaims Christ (service) through her work in the fields of education, healthcare, and varied diocesan ministries.  Indispensable parts of her consecrated life are prayer and silence which free her from the distractions of the world and make her more attentive to Christ’s sweet voice.                                                              † Inspired by Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen from Peoria, Illinois, (the “John the Baptist of the 20th century”) this Sister makes a daily Eucharistic Holy Hour for priests and seminarians and prays the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the dying – “the beacon of hope for the third millennium.” †