The Sisters opened schools and hospitals, cared for the aged and for orphaned and neglected children and undertook missionary work among the Indians. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration celebrate 150 years as an International Congregation founded in Olpe, Germany, in 1863. Currently, the sisters minister in California, Colorado, Nebraska and New Mexico. Sister Christine was born in Cudahy, Wisconsin, and entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration on Aug. 12, 1944. In 1932 the motherhouse at Olpe also served as the provincialate of the southern province, but it was later moved to Bonn. Home About Sisters of St. Francis Who We Are. The Congregations motherhouse is in Olpe, Germany, with provincial houses in Olpe, Germany; Mishawaka, Indiana; Colorado Springs, CO; Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines and a mission house in Brazil. Mission Statement: We, the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perptual Adoration, Saint Joseph Province, are a Community of Catholic women religious. Four of the Sisters from our Province will travel to Olpe, Germany for the 150th Anniversary Celebration on July 20th which marks our Foundation Day. Emergency Locksmith Service. Conditions slowly changed in Germany and the Kulturkampf regime ended. COVID-19 Update: Learn about precautions - including visitor guidelines - in place at our hospitals for your safety, and for our patients and caregivers. The growing number of Sisters in the Philippines made possible the establishment of the Immaculate Conception Province in 1993. Who We Are. God will not let anyone be confounded who trusts in Him and not in man.. She has been residing at Our Lady of Angels Convent since 2003. . The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration is a papal congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, founded on July 20, 1863 by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel in Olpe, Germany. The first sisters came to Lafayette at the invitation of Bishop Joseph Dwenger, bishop of what was called the Diocese of Fort Wayne at the time. . The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration celebrate 150 years as an International Congregation founded in Olpe, Germany, in 1863. Sister Clarice was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration on Aug. 12, 1939. June 23, 2013 2.9K views, 90 likes, 64 loves, 84 comments, 20 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration: Today, we witness the Rite of Perpetual Profession by which a sister. In her instructions to the first Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, your holy foundress, Mother Maria Theresia, wrote: The grace of our holy vocation is the greatest grace that could come to us after Baptism, and we ought to be most grateful for it, he quoted. In his homily, Archbishop Becker spoke of the dignity of human life and the inseparability of love of God from love of neighbor. Connect with FRANCISCAN HEALTH INDIANAPOLIS, Accounting in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1903 the doctors gave up all hope of her recovery. July 16-25, 2013 In time, the government removed all restrictions, orphans were again accepted, and more hospitals and schools were opened. The presence of the congregation in the United States dates from 1874, when the first three missionary sisters, accompanied by general superior Mother Aloysia Lenders, arrived . Francis and Clares passionate love for God and all of Gods creatures has had a profound impact on our world and continues to motivate contemporary women and men to embrace the Franciscan dream. Email: malta truck driver visa An American branch was established in 1875 at Lafayette, Indiana. Roman Catholic congregation for women, founded in 1863 in Olpe, Germany. Our Beloved Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel The Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (FSOLPH) are prayerful women dedicated to the mission of being a transforming presence in the world by compassionately and joyfully witnessing Gospel values. When the citizens of Olpe saw what the situation was, they voiced their objections to Bishop Konrad Martin, who intervened. In 1962 the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province opened it first foreign mission at Baybay on the island of Leyte in the Philippines. To Sister Maria Theresias surprise, on July 20, 1863, he declared the convent at Olpe an independent community. February 6, 1905, is the anniversary date of the death of our foundress, Venerable Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. From there we serve in the Archdioceses of Chicago and Indianapolis, and the Dioceses of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Lafayette-in-Indiana, and Gary. Cardinal Angelo Amato SDB, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican, was the principal celebrant at the Pontifical Mass which officially accepted Maria Theresia Bonzel OSF into the circle of the blessed of the Catholic Church. Throughout her life, the Lord sent Mother Maria Theresia many difficulties, sorrows, trials, and disappointments. It was evident that God, in His providence, wanted not one Congregation but two, both destined to do much for God and the Church. The officially recognized miracle attributed to Mother Maria Theresia Bonzels intercession occurred in February 1999. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration was founded by Blessed Marie Theresia Bonzel in Olpe, Germany, in 1863. Today the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration still has its generalate at Olpe, Germany. O.S.F. In 1875, they opened St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana; now part of the Franciscan Health healthcare system. In the years that followed, Aline took care of her sick sister, Emily, thereby preparing herself for her later care of the sick in their homes and in hospitals. The Beatification of Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, foundress of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, which was declared by Pope Francis on March 27, 2013, was publicly celebrated in the Great Cathedral in Paderborn on November 10, 2013. It was a sunny December day in 1923 when word began to spread first among the panicked sisters, then through the town: St. Rose Convent, the motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin, was on fire.. She died on February 6, 1905. The message today is that prayer is powerful. This is the testimony today of the Olpe Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The Cardinal referred to Blessed Maria Theresias service of charity: the charity to the elderly and the sick, the needy and refugeesTo many sick she gave consolation and relief, together with her Sisters; how many children she and her religious Community took from the streets; how many homeless and hungry people they gave food and drink. Through the Decree of January 31, 1931, our community received the acknowledgment as a Congregation of papal rights. The practice of health care was possible only under the control of the state. despite the interruption of more than ten years, the number of Sisters increased rapidly and Mother Maria Theresia could plan new foundations. Her first apostolate was care of the orphans and the home nursing care of those who could not afford to be hospitalized. At first, her mother refused to grant permission for her to enter the convent. Her zeal for Christ in the tabernacle prompted her to provide for the proper decoration of churches, and for beautiful vestments and altar linens. From earliest childhood she showed great love for prayer and a strong devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. They chose to live the Gospel in the spirit of Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and now Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel. 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the Congregation's founding. Rejoice with us! In January, 1905, another sickness befell Mother Maria Theresia, and she sensed that her end was near. Franciscan Sisters furthering the work of the Catholic Church & Gospel, working in the US & internationally in varied ministries, healing, teaching & praying. In Baptism she was named Regina Christine Wilhelmine, but was called Aline. For many years she prayed the Stations of the Cross barefoot outdoors, some distance from the convent. Along with various events celebrating the 150th of the Congregation, the Sisters will now add other jubilant festivities to commemorate this momentous year. At Mount St. Francis, the Sisters will have a simple and meaningful celebration to mark our Foundation Day as a Congregation. Faithful to the mind and heart of the Church, we strive to combine contemplative life with the active through Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration and the works of mercy. OF PERPETUAL ADORATION Everything seemed promising for the development of the young Congregation, but before long, both internal and external difficulties led to a division of the group. 2022 Sisters of St. Francis . In 1876, St. Elizabeth Hospital was dedicated. The essence of our Franciscan life is our relationship with God, who calls us to a new worldview that proclaims the goodness of God in all of life and creation. Maria Theresia and her friend, Regina Loeser, decided to join her. There are four provinces. PO Box 4467Washington, DC 20017-0467202-832-2575, 2023 Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious. Jesus says: The Father will honor whoever serves me., Sister Ren and Sister Ruth, thank you for your loving service of Jesus, he concluded. She was born in Coldwater, Ohio, and entered the novitiate on Aug. 10, 1979. On March 25, 1865, she submitted to the bishop the first Constitution she had written. Before founding the Congregation, she lived with her parents in a house located just across the street from St. Martins Church. The Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis was accepted by the Sisters. In every age there can be found persons whose hearts yearn for life in God, and from among these the Holy Spirit calls noble, generous souls to do His work. Two American delegates, Sister Alphonsa and Sister Rosa, took part in these deliberations. In order to unite her foundation more closely with the worldwide Franciscan family and thus visibly express her love for St. Francis, Mother Maria Theresia obtained the aggregation to the First and Second Orders in 1904. Sister Ren is observing her 60th anniversary. REJOICE WITH US, Through perpetual eucharistic adoration, we offer God continuous praise and thanksgiving before the Blessed Sacrament. Since the continuation of the Congregation was threatened by the severe restrictions of the May Laws enacted under the Kulturkampf regime, Mother Maria Theresia considered it wise to begin a new foundation in North America. underserved that began in Germany in 1863 arrived . Together with Regina Lser, a childhood friend, Aline became acquainted with Klara Pfnder, a teacher, who, with permission of the Local Ordinary intended to found a new religious Congregation. She cultivated a great reverence for the Holy Father and the bishops, especially the bishop of the diocese. At her time, 150 years ago, state and society hardly did anything for the public ministry of the people in need.. The fire started on the third floor and outraced the fire department's attempts to control it, spreading quickly through the building, some of which dated . Before long, the thought that she was called to the religious life took form within her. Upon the urgent request of Klara Pfnder, both young ladies declared themselves willing to join her to give financial assistance to the new foundation. A music video expressing the joy and gratitude of the Sisters during their jubilee year. Colorado Springs, Colorado is one of four Provinces of the Sisters of St. Francis with others in Mishawaka, Indiana; Olpe, Germany and BayBay, Leyete, in the Philippines. Maria Theresia kept her tertiary name adding the phrase of the Blessed Sacrament. The following morning Mass was celebrated for the first time in their little oratory. Four young women from Germany, together with two other adults, will visit St. Joseph Province to interview and video the Sisters. Little known as yet in America, Mother Maria Theresia was one of Gods special instruments, chosen to promote the ideals of Christian charity and piety. We, the Colorado Springs Franciscans, are the Saint Joseph Province of an international congregation, the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration. Her supernatural motives were the secret of her strength and success, and she considered herself merely an instrument in the hands of God. The Congregation continued to grow and further missions could be founded. Since Aug. 1, 1878, we've prayed nonstop. Bishop Rhoades told worshippers the vocation of every person, as disciples of Jesus, involves dying with Jesus in order to produce fruit. Introduced into the United States in 1875, St. Joseph Province is based at Mt. Home; Our Services. As Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, we commit ourselves to witness our love for God in service to others. Again and again she went to the hidden God to find light, courage and strength. The Congregation of The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration was founded in Olpe, Germany, in 1863, by Maria Theresia Bonzel, now Venerable Mother Maria Theresia. Accordingly, she endeavored to undertake works that corresponded to the spirit of St. Francis, in order to combine contemplative life with apostolic love. Bishop's homily from this Mass can be found here. St. Francis in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was often seen kneeling before the tabernacle. Blessed Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel One hundred fifty years have passed since the Community's foundation - a good reason to recall Mother Maria Theresia's life and work. The reception of her First Communion made such an indelible impression upon her that she recalled it vividly throughout her life. She has been residing at Our Lady of Angels Convent since 2003. A video about our community and our charism of perpetual adoration and the works of mercy. Mother Maria Theresia was born of deeply religious parents on September 17, 1830, the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis. The number of sisters grew steadily, so that health care in hospitals and other charitable works could be undertaken. POPE FRANCIS May this house of God be a space of living faith. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration at Mount Saint Francis were delighted to learn that Pope Francis declared that henceforth the foundress of their Congregation, Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, will be invoked as Blessed. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration serve in education, health care, and other ecclesial ministries in Germany, the United States, and the Philippines. A celebration with St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Colorado Springs, at Mount Saint Francis, will mark the 25th Anniversary of the Parish, the 50th Anniversary of the Parish Church building, and the 150th Congregational Anniversary of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. Sie suchen nach einem 70413 lego, das Ihren Ansprchen gerecht wird? ssfpavocations Sisters of St Francis of Perpetual Adoration Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the source of our JOY 155+ years of adoration He leads, I Follow The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration and OSF Companions will have an opening celebration of the 150th Congregational Anniversary and 25th Anniversary of Companion Relationship with a Eucharistic Celebration of Thanksgiving and Festive Noon Meal. On December 20, 1860, the investiture of the first nine took place in the parish church at Olpe. On November 25, 1875, six pioneer Sisters embarked for the United States to open a convent at Lafayette, Indiana. Sister Maria Theresia was appointed Superior of the nine Sisters who remained with her. Sister Ren has served in hospitals throughout the Franciscan Health system in the departments of Environmental Services, Patient Relations and Spiritual Care. (en) Le Povere Suore Francescane dell'Adorazione Perpetua (in tedesco Arme Franziskanerinnen der Ewigen Anbetung) . Our Congregation was founded in Olpe, Westphalia, Germany, in 1863, by Maria Theresia Bonzel. In later years, the sisters additionally ministered in Arizona, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and overseas in Barbados and Brazil. The act of beatification took place after the Introductory Rite of the Mass. Archbishop Hans Josef Becker, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, and Cardinal AmatoSister Mediatrix Nies OSF then gave an overview of the life of the newly Blessed and Cardinal Amato proclaimed the papal decree of beatification. Bishop Michael Sheridan and other invited bishops and priests, will be the celebrants for the Liturgy of the Eucharist at 3:00pm at Saint Francis of Assisi Church at Mount Saint Francis. Submit a story, ask a question, or get in touch with our staff. These Sisters, who were separated from their foundress by an ocean, felt her special solicitude and love proven by her frequent visits and numerous letters. The congregation was founded in 1863 in Olpe, Germany, by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel who was beatified Nov. 10, 2013. The files of her beatificationattest to the love and strength she found therein: She had grown under the softlight of the Eucharistic sun. The first sisters came to Lafayette at the invitation of Bishop Joseph Dwenger, bishop of what was called the Diocese of Fort Wayne at the time. January 1, 2013. A woman of prayer, she possessed a piety marked by a truly childlike relationship to God. By 1932, it became necessary to divide the Sisters and ministries into two Provinces; one with its administrative headquarters in Lafayette, Indiana, and the other in Denver, Colorado. May 27, 2013 Gods blessing was on their work, however, and they received many vocations. The primary purposes and/or ministries of the Congregation at that time, which continue today, are: Living the Gospel; Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; Caring for the sick, elderly, poor and powerless; Education; Responding to unmet needs of others. 150 years ago our foundress, Maria Theresia Bonzel, of Olpe, Germany, trustingly prayed: "He leads; I follow." To Mother Maria Theresa, whose foremost concern was to live according to Franciscan spirituality, and especially to foster perpetual adoration of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, it was without question that true love of God becomes visible and credible only in sincere love of neighbor. We adopted a new name Franciscan Health to strengthen our presence as a large, comprehensive healthcare system. In 1875, a group of Catholic Sisters from Olpe, Germany answered a call to bring St. Francis' ministries of health and education to the Midwest United States. Franziskanerinnen-Kloster-Bett der Maria Theresia.JPG 3 888 2 592; 3,04 MB. P.O. Watch sisters discuss their vocation stories, Download the app and learn more about our communities, Read the latest CMSWR press releases and news, Watch vocation stories and other videos from CMSWR, P.O. . Any Sister of St. Francis or Companion may invite an interested person to become a candidate or any interested person may contact the . It was a very special blessing that the beatification of our foundress took place during the 150thanniversary year of the founding of our Congregation here in Olpe in 1863.. In all things, especially in poverty and mortification, she followed the Seraphic Father Francis. Like all great souls, she saw in these events the hand of God, and more and more the image of St. Francis impressed itself upon her consciousness. Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, the foundress of our Congregation, was born on September 17, 1830, in Olpe, Germany. He enjoined the congregation in a prayer of joyful thanksgiving with the jubilarians present, thanking God for their holy vocations, their Yes to the Lord years ago and their witness to the love at the heart of their vocation, the love poured into your hearts through the Holy Spirit., That outpouring of the Holy Spirit invoked in them a beautiful response of love for God and all whom you have served in your mission as Sisters of St. Francis.. On Christmas Day she placed into the crib with her own hands a statue of the Infant Jesus. In our personal, communal and public lives, the Sisters of St. Francis commit to ongoing conversion as we: deepen our relationship with Mother Earth and Sister Water; stand with persons who are poor; and make peace and practice non-violence. We seek to bring the love of Christ to each other and to all we encounter through our ministries. One of the great religious women who founded a Congregation was Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, foundress of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Olpe, Westphalia, Germany. How to become a Companion Invitation. We, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, participate in the mission of the Roman Catholic Church by living the Gospel after the example of Saint Francis and our foundress, Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. By Tim Johnson. This is the date the new Chapel of St. Joseph at Mt. Undaunted by these challenges, they soon built a hospital and a school. It is an opportunity for these young women, who will produce a documentary, to experience the daily lives and activities of the sisters of our province. Box 7661515 W. Dragoon TrailMishawaka, IN 46546. Colorado Springs, Colorado is one of four Provinces of . This date commemorates the birth date of Venerable Mother Maria Theresia. Saint Joseph Province initially sponsored ministries in healthcare and education in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Other young women joined them, and in 1860 Bishop Martin of Paderborn approved of the new Statutes for their way of life. Year after year Mother Maria Theresia sent Sisters across the Atlantic along with candidates who could not be admitted to the community in Germany. In humble gratitude we bow to this Holy God who dwells within and among us as we step forward with expectancy into a future full of hope. Such were the humble origins of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration which was . Meet local business professionals in the Fort Wayne - South Bend area. Learn about our history, our mission, and our team. Her zeal, which had embraced all needs of the Church in loving concern, endeavored to spread the Gospel in mission lands. She adopted the Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis approved by Pope Leo X for those living a community life. Although she did not see the complete fulfillment of this wish during her lifetime, the Congregation, only a few decades after her death, undertook missionary work in the Philippines, Brazil, and Honduras. They also sponsor Women Partnering, located downtown. General Intercessions are offeredThe celebration was profound in every way, and it was truly an honor to be present for this very special event in the life of our Congregation. said Sister Nadine Heimann, Provincial of the Colorado Springs Province. YouTube Encyclopedic. Today, the provinces of our Congregation are located in Olpe, Germany; Mishawaka, Indiana; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Leyte, the Philippines. She knew all her Sisters by name, because she carried them all in her heart. Cardinal Cordes said, Today is a great day of rejoicing for the whole Archdiocese of Paderborn. for The vision and charisma of Saints Francis and Clare so inspired Maria Theresia that she founded her new community as a Third Order Franciscan Congregation. A miracle attributed to her intercession was accepted by a decree of His Holiness Pope Francis, which paved the way for her beatification on November 10, 2013. assists the sisters in their ministries, when possible. During a mission given in a neighboring town in 1850, Aline experienced an even stronger calling to religious life. Although Mother Maria Theresia readily responded to immediate needs, she planned the expansion of her community with greatest care in order not to overburden the Sisters. MARCH 27, 2013. 2023 Franciscan Alliance, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Franciscan Health Facilities and Franciscan Alliance d/b/a Franciscan Physician Network comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Many struggles and trials, however, were to come between Aline and the fulfillment of her spiritual goal. During the same year, Mother Maria Theresia acquired the old castle of the former Teutonic Knights at Mulheim on the Mohne where, before the time of the Kulturkampf, the Salesian Sisters had conducted a school for girls. When the then Superior General, Sr. Mediatrix Nies, Olpe, Germany, was told of this possible miracle, she petitioned Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, Postulator and Vatican Attorney, in Rome to consider it as the miracle necessary for Beatification, a process begun in 1961. Her home was close to the village church, and the sound of the organ and the singing of the congregation often mingled with the cradle-songs her mother sang to her. Founded by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, the congregation later became known as the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. Without really knowing what I was saying, I repeated over and over again, O Lord, I am your victim, accept me as your victim; do not reject me. The Lord accepted her sacrifice. Impelled by the love of Christ, we, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL), KS offer every loving service in our power to meet the critical needs of God's people. On Sunday, November 10, 2013, Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, OSF, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration was beatified in the Cathedral in Paderborn, Germany. Tested and matured through difficulties, she realized that God had destined her to live the life of the Gospel in a Franciscan community. Five of the Sisters died from sickness and overwork while caring for the soldiers. On April 13, 1897, in view of the spirit and apostolic commitment of the Sisters, Pope Leo XIII issued aDecree of Commendation. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration is a papal congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, founded on July 20, 1863, by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel in Olpe, Germany. This community of women religious serves across the country in varied ministries, but with a common heart. The Sisters expanded the health system with more . The spirit that imbued Mother Maria Theresia remained active after her death. . For more photos visit the photo gallery. Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel founded our congregation in Olpe, Germany, in the year 1863. 150 years ago our foundress, Maria Theresia Bonzel, of Olpe, Germany, trustingly prayed: He leads; I follow. In these days and times, her Sisters continue to pray that prayer through all embracing lived adoration across the globe: Yes, God leads and we follow. St. Francis Convent. Cardinal Cordes invited the faithful to frequently visit the Chapel for prayer: Where we pray, Gods Spirit creates our hearts anew. For assistance in the following languages: | | | Nederlands | Franais | Deutsche | | | | Italiano | | | | Pennsylvania Nederlands | Polskie | | Espaol | Pilipino | | Ting Vit. She bore her sorrows and sufferings with heroic patience. . Womans Story, a program of Women Partnering (one of the OSF sponsored ministries) will host an enactment of the life of Venerable Mother Maria Theresia. Then the remains of the new Blessed were buried in the crypt at the feet of the Blessed Sacrament. What We Do. In 1875, they opened St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana; now part of the Franciscan . In 1875, six German Sisters traveled from Olpe, Germany, to the United States and settled in Indiana. . The Gospel of the day, Luke 13:1-9, contained the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. During the war years of 1870-71, eight hundred wounded soldiers were cared for by the Sisters from Olpe. Undaunted, Mother Maria Theresia accepted the invitation of Bishop Joseph Dwenger to establish a convent within his diocese of Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 2012, our health system was selected to participate in a Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Gods blessing was visibly with Mother Maria Theresia. In the midst of great persecution, good always triumphs! As the fire truck with the remains of the newly blessed reached St. Martins Church in Olpe, many parishioners came to receive their Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. Led by a vision of faith, Francis, Clare and Maria Theresia stood in solidarity with the poor, the powerless, the outcastas did Jesusand embraced the Gospel as their rule of life. In 1875, the political unrest in Germany made the further growth of the Congregation impossible, curbing many of the activities essential to the religious life of the Sisters. August 2-12, 2013 A Companion's relationship with the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration is a spiritual, not a legal bond.