FRANCISCAN SISTER OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

Franciscan Sister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help –  Sister Jerzy Marie Kostka, O.S.F.                                                                   Polish Franciscan School Sister of St. Louis                                                                                           “How she treats others is how she treats Jesus.”

Foundresses:  Mother Mary Solana Leczna    (*These 3 Sisters separated                                                                 Mother Mary Ernestine Matz      from the Joliet Franciscans                                                               Mother Mary Hilaria Matz            of Mary Immaculate*)                                                Co-Founder:  Reverend Urban Stanowski

Place:  St. Louis, Missouri

Year:  1901 A.D.

Her Charism:  Grasped by Jesus Christ, responding to a call from the Holy Spirit, and nurtured by a contemplative stance before God and the world, this Sister is called to be a peacemaker wherever she is. and to renew all things in Christ.  She strives to be a prayerful woman of faith and a prophetic woman of courage,  Discerning God’s Will within the Church, she dedicates her life to being a transformative presence in society through witnessing the Gospel compassionately and joyfully.  She believes there is no place too far, no service too humble, and no person too lowly.  With a common heart, she welcomes and receives all people as brothers and sisters in Christ no matter what their differences, beliefs and convictions.  Her original calling was to serve the needs of the Polish immigrants and their children.  With the times, it has expanded to include a ministry in education and working with Native Americans, Black Americans, and Hispanics. This Sister is also a consummate steward of the earth, our common home.  The world is her cloister.