Marian Sister of Lincoln
Marian Sister of Lincoln – Sister Carissa Jane of the Visitation, M.S. Originally known by the name “Sister of Mercy of St. Francis” “He has called us together so that we may do great things. for Him.” Foundresses: Sister Marta Silna and Sister Theresa Gottvald (Franciscan Sisters of Mercy) who fled the Czech Republic during the Communist regime in 1950 Place: originally: Brno, Czechoslovakia; presently: Lincoln, Nebraska Year: 1954 A.D. Her Charism: Living out her Franciscan heritage and Marian spirituality, this Sister is vowed to do God’s Will joyfully in imitation of Mary and St. Francis of Assisi. She strives to live Mary’s “Fiat” and St. Francis’s simplicity, through an authentic life of prayer which is centered on the Eucharist, her Bridegroom – the One Whom she loves. At every Mass this Sister joins Mary at the Foot of the Cross along with St. Francis. And throughout each day, she lives the joy of this sacramental union with everyone she meets. Like Mary at the Annunciation, her “Fiat” (“Yes”) embraces all that God the Father sends her throughout the day. With Franciscan humility she recognizes with a grateful heart that ALL is a gift: work, study, prayer, recreation. Everything contributes to the salvation of souls. In true Marian spirit while embracing the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, this Sister is sent as an apostle to spread the message of Christ and witness His kind and merciful love to others by her life. Her particular apostolates include teaching, nursing, and social work. ☩ The Community’s Feast Day is August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother Mary. ☩