Sisters Stories 2023
The stories below were recorded in December of 2023.
Sister Alice Thraen
“My choice in leaving the homestead was to join the Franciscan Sisters because I wanted to live with a group of women who live the gospel and, at the same time, could be of service to other people.”
Sister Bernadine Jax
“I really felt called in second grade to be a Sister of St. Francis. I was taught by our Sisters of St. Francis. But it wasn’t until I was a senior in high school that I had to ponder where I was going to go.”
Sister Briana McCarthy
“When I walked into the hospital, these two Franciscans walked out and they were Sisters Marcan and Renata. And when they walked by me, something came over me… it was like an energy field.”
Sister Dawn Nothwehr
“I have a rather unusual story, because I grew up Lutheran and my family was one that was very involved in in religion in a variety of ways… Reflection on my life as a Sister: I was given a vocation within a vocation and that was to be a theological ethicist and also a Franciscan Sister. I would just quote Saint Paul: “But it’s grace upon grace.”
Sister Edith Zamboni
“We were visiting a Sister, who was at the time at the Dean of Women or something, at the College of Teresa in Winona, Minnesota. And we went to visit her and she said, “Have you ever thought about being a Sister?” And I remember starting to cry. That’s kind of where it started.”
Sister Elaine Frank
“Throughout the years, it’s been very meaningful as I moved from one place to another and lived with different Sisters along the way, and participated in different groupings and systems. I loved my years in community and have always found them very meaningful. And I’m happy that this is the path that was laid out for me and that it’s been a part of the life for me.”
Sister Jennifer Corbett
“It is just always been about God. And that’s a relationship that, for me, is just never stale. That always asks something that is within your ability, but also holds something that you don’t know. And I, I have to say, I find it strange to say that. I have to say it’s only in the last couple of years, really, that the word “disciple” has become really important to me.”
Sister Linda Wieser
“I have loved my life. It’s been mystery, it’s been gift, it’s been grace, it’s been all those kinds of words and it’s been right for me. And I believe that there’s many forms of our religious life, and I want to continue to support that in whatever way I can.”
Sister Marlys Jax
“Well, I think for me, growing up on a farm in Iowa, that entering the Congregation was such a broadening experience. It brought me to a bigger world. It brought me to bigger issues. It brought me to think about how how do I fit and what do I bring to the world. It was not just one direction. It was a two direction relationship that that would grow and grow and grow and bring new life to wherever I was about living or giving.”
Sister Mary Kay Mahowald
“I really did not want to do this. I, I knew God was calling me. I didn’t understand it. I but I was like, I I’m going to do it, but I’m not going to like it and I’m going to leave at Christmas. That was in 1966. I’m still here. So that didn’t work!”
Sister Ruth Snyder
“How have I come so far and often on dark roads? It must be because of the light of those who went before me and were shining lights for me. So, other people have been shining lights. It’s just been a blessing. I’ve lived with so many beautiful Sisters who have witnessed a life of poverty, chastity and obedience.”