Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration
Encyclopedia
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
. An American branch was established by six pioneer nuns who emigrated to Lafayette, Indiana
in 1875. In 1886 the congregation was formally divided into two provinces, the German and the American. The American has since divided into eastern and western provinces, and another has been established in the Philippines.
and of their foundress Maria Theresia Bonzel. It emphasizes good works in the areas of healthcare and education. The sisters minister in the United States
, Germany
, the Philippines
and Brazil
.
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
, founded on July 20, 1863 by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel in Olpe, Germany
Olpe, Germany
Olpe is situated in the foothills of the Ebbegebirge in North Rhine-Westphalia, roughly 60 km east of Cologne and 20 km northwest of Siegen. It is part of the Regierungsbezirk of Arnsberg and is the seat of the district of Olpe.- Location :...
. An American branch was established by six pioneer nuns who emigrated to Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette is a city in and the county seat of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States, northwest of Indianapolis. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 67,140. West Lafayette, on the other side of the Wabash River, is home to Purdue University, which has a large impact on...
in 1875. In 1886 the congregation was formally divided into two provinces, the German and the American. The American has since divided into eastern and western provinces, and another has been established in the Philippines.
Mission
The congregation's mission reflects the values of St. Francis of AssisiFrancis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher. He founded the men's Franciscan Order, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the lay Third Order of Saint Francis. St...
and of their foundress Maria Theresia Bonzel. It emphasizes good works in the areas of healthcare and education. The sisters minister in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
and Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
.
Structure
Communities of the Sisters of St. Francis are organized into provinces:- St. Elizabeth of Hungary Province, centered in GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. - Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, centered at Mount Alverno provincial house in Mishawaka, IndianaMishawaka, IndianaMishawaka is a city on the St. Joseph River and a Twin city of South Bend in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. The population was 48,252 as of the 2010 Census...
- St. Joseph Province, centered at Mount Saint Joseph provincial house in Colorado Springs, ColoradoColorado Springs, ColoradoColorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, United States. Colorado Springs is located in South-Central Colorado, in the southern portion of the state. It is situated on Fountain Creek and is located south of the Colorado...
- Immaculate Conception Province, centered in the PhilippinesPhilippinesThe Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
.