Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration
Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration – Sister Thea Rose of St. Mary of the Angels, FSPA
Congregatio Sororum Franciscalium ab Adoratione Perpetua
“O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine. All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.”
Foundresses: Mother Aemeliana Dirr originally, and Mother Antonia Herb later
✠ It is Mother Antonia who designed the pectoral medal worn by the Sisters which expressed their Franciscan identity and beliefs and their devotion to the Holy Eucharist ✠
Place: Bavaria, Germany (1849) originally; La Crosse, Wisconsin (1878) presently
Years: 1849 A.D. (Germany); 1878 A.D. La Crosse, Wisconsin (Perpetual Adoration begins); and in 1883 A,D. – The name of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration is given ✠
Her Charism: This vowed Franciscan woman has a nobility of spirit which is centered in the Eucharist. She is committed to being a loving presence through the unbroken chain of prayer (ceaseless praise and thanksgiving), Eucharistic devotion, witness, and service. These practices inspire her to bring the love of Christ that she personally encounters in the chapel, out to the world. Dedicated to responding to the needs of the times, this Sister accompanies all who face systemic inequities, providing a much-needed compassionate presence, and giving witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her work is as varied as her talents and interests. The grace from her prayer “overflows” into active ministries. This Sister is committed to building bridges of relationships and thereby building up Christ’s Kingdom of justice and peace. She balances 24 – hour Eucharistic Adoration for the needs of the Church and the world with active outward service using creative innovative approaches through her ministries in healthcare, education, environmental stewardship, social justice, and advocacy for systemic change. Rooted in the teachings of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, she too is in touch with the wounded of her time and her life also makes a countercultural statement. As a penitent, she sacrifices comfort and lives a prophetic message that God’s love is wildly transformative. For her, there is no room for “feeble service.” Her entire being embraces the essential Franciscan values of community, contemplation, conversion, minority (littleness), poverty, hope, resilience, courage, generosity, prophetic witness and a dedication to joy.
✠ This is the Order of Servant of God, Sister Thea Bowman, an African American Sister, who encouraged people to communicate with one another so that they could understand other cultures and races. She prayed “to live until I die.” Her prayer was answered as she fought evil, especially prejudice, suspicion, hatred, and things that drive people apart. She fought for God and His people until her death in 1990 when she “went home like a shooting star.” ✠