Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity
Encyclopedia
The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are a Congregation of Roman Catholic apostolic religious women. The congregation was founded in 1869 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin
in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee
--later part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
. They follow St. Francis of Assisi’s
Gospel way of life and declared their aspiration to live the Gospel
in simplicity, built on faith in a loving God, joyful acceptance of poverty, love for the Church
and selfless dedication to the service of others.
arrived from Germany
in 1854 in the frontier region of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
, with a community of men and women dedicated to Gospel
-living as members of the Third Order of St. Francis
. On November 9, 1869 five women from this group were declared a religious community and began living under the Rule of the Franciscan Third Order Regular. This was done with the approval of the Rt. Rev. John Henni
, Bishop
(later Archbishop
) of Milwaukee
and the Very Reverend Father Francis J. Haas
, O.M.C., at that time the Minister Provincial
of the Capuchin Friars
in Wisconsin. The Reverend Joseph Fessler, pastor
of Manitowoc, was the investing
priest.
In 1875, the Congregation of the Poor School Sisters of St. Francis from Gieboldehausen
, Germany
, in the Diocese of Hildesheim, relocated to the United States and amalgamated with the American Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of Manitowoc. The German Congregation had been founded in 1857. Archbishop Henni suggested residence with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc County when these Sisters were seeking a place of refuge from the Kulturkampf
which had developed from Prince Otto von Bismark's conflict with the Roman Catholic Church in his efforts to unify Germany
. Leaving Germany on the Feast of the Stigmata
of St. Francis (September 17), they arrived in New York City
on October 3 and left for their new home on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
As the Congregation grew, so did the Church in mid-western America, with an increased demand for teachers for parochial schools. A paramount concern of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity has been the religious formation of its members and the professional education necessary for quality teaching in the Catholic schools. In the early 1900s, to expand the professional training of the members of the Congregation, sisters were prepared at The Catholic University of America
, Washington D.C.. A new college wing was added to the Sisters' motherhouse
in 1935 and a four-year liberal arts college was established. The construction of Holy Family College in 1935 anticipated by six years the beginning of the movement in the United States to upgrade the formation of religious women by integrating four facets of their formation: the spiritual, intellectual, social and professional. The congregation's motherhouse, a four-story building which has been the congregation's home for over one hundred years, shares the shores of Silver Lake with Silver Lake College of the Holy Family
. Holy Family College's name was later changed to Silver Lake College
to reflect the geographical location and expanded clientele.
Although founded to meet the need of Catholic education in a pioneer society, the Sisters have always answered the call of the Church for whatever task there is to be done. Thus, at the turn of the century, within the space of a few years, they were asked to take charge of two out-of-state medical facilities, in addition to re-establishing such an institution in Manitowoc.
In the late 1940s, the Congregation petitioned the Holy See
for acceptance as a one of Papal Right, which would place them directly under the oversight of the Holy See
, independent in their internal workings from the local bishop
and thus more easily able to cross lines of diocesan authority. On December 20, 1948, the revised Constitutions and the recommendation of the Sacred Congregation for Religious
concerning the Congregation were presented to Pope Pius XII
, who gave his approval and raised the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity from the status of a diocesan Congregation to that of a Congregation with papal approbation.
, the latest trends in education or the healing hand of God to countless people in need of education
or health care
or spiritual direction
. They serve throughout the Midwestern and Western United States
, as well as in Hawaii
.
The Sisters also offer different types of discernment through retreats for young adult and college age Catholic women who may be considering religious life as their calling or career. Retreats are held through the year and include personal and communal prayer, group sharing, Eucharist, Sacrament of Reconciliation, meals, creativity, opportunity to interact with postulants
and novices, and outreach through music.
religious orders innovatively utilizing the Internet
. Each month on the site, special songs and pictures are chosen for spiritual reflection. In April, 2007, it was a Bruce Cockburn’s "God Bless The Children" song. In April, 2009, John Gorka, known for his folk-inspired acoustic music, "Love is Our Cross to Bear" was highlighted.
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Manitowoc is a city in and the county seat of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, United States. The city is located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Manitowoc River. According to the 2000 census, Manitowoc had a population of 34,053, with over 50,000 residents in the surrounding communities...
in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is a Roman Catholic archdiocese headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States. It encompasses the City of Milwaukee, as well as the counties of Dodge, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha, all...
--later part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
Roman Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Green Bay was established on March 3, 1868 by Pope Pius IX. It covers the city of Green Bay as well as Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago counties,...
. They follow St. Francis of Assisi’s
Francis 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...
Gospel way of life and declared their aspiration to live the Gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
in simplicity, built on faith in a loving God, joyful acceptance of poverty, love for the Church
Christian Church
The Christian Church is the assembly or association of followers of Jesus Christ. The Greek term ἐκκλησία that in its appearances in the New Testament is usually translated as "church" basically means "assembly"...
and selfless dedication to the service of others.
History
The Reverend Ambrose OschwaldAmbrose Oschwald
The Reverend Ambrose Oschwald was a Roman Catholic priest. Ordained to the priesthood on August 1, 1833, Oschwald came to Wisconsin to form a religious haven for the members of his congregation in August 1854 which became the town of St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, located at what became the John F...
arrived from 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...
in 1854 in the frontier region of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
Manitowoc County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 82,887. Its county seat is Manitowoc. The United States Census Bureau's Manitowoc Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Manitowoc County.-Government:...
, with a community of men and women dedicated to Gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
-living as members of the Third Order of St. Francis
Third Order of St. Francis
The Third Order of St. Francis is a third order within the Franciscan movement of the Roman Catholic Church. It includes both congregations of vowed men and women and fraternities of men and women living standard lives in the world, usually married...
. On November 9, 1869 five women from this group were declared a religious community and began living under the Rule of the Franciscan Third Order Regular. This was done with the approval of the Rt. Rev. John Henni
John Henni
John Martin Henni was a Swiss-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first Archbishop of Milwaukee, serving from 1843 until his death in 1881.-Early life and education:...
, Bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
(later Archbishop
Archbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
) of Milwaukee
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is a Roman Catholic archdiocese headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States. It encompasses the City of Milwaukee, as well as the counties of Dodge, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha, all...
and the Very Reverend Father Francis J. Haas
Francis J. Haas
Francis Joseph Haas was an American Roman Catholic bishop and advocate for social justice. He was the sixth bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids from 1943 until his death in 1953.-Early Life and Training:...
, O.M.C., at that time the Minister Provincial
Provincial superior
A Provincial Superior is a major superior of a religious order acting under the order's Superior General and exercising a general supervision over all the members of that order in a territorial division of the order called a province--similar to but not to be confused with an ecclesiastical...
of the Capuchin Friars
Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin is an Order of friars in the Catholic Church, among the chief offshoots of the Franciscans. The worldwide head of the Order, called the Minister General, is currently Father Mauro Jöhri.-Origins :...
in Wisconsin. The Reverend Joseph Fessler, pastor
Pastor
The word pastor usually refers to an ordained leader of a Christian congregation. When used as an ecclesiastical styling or title, this role may be abbreviated to "Pr." or often "Ps"....
of Manitowoc, was the investing
Investiture
Investiture, from the Latin is a rather general term for the formal installation of an incumbent...
priest.
In 1875, the Congregation of the Poor School Sisters of St. Francis from Gieboldehausen
Gieboldehausen
Gieboldehausen is a municipality in the district of Göttingen, in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated on the river Rhume, approx. 25 km northeast of Göttingen, and 15 km south of Osterode am Harz. It is part of the Eichsfeld....
, 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...
, in the Diocese of Hildesheim, relocated to the United States and amalgamated with the American Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of Manitowoc. The German Congregation had been founded in 1857. Archbishop Henni suggested residence with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc County when these Sisters were seeking a place of refuge from the Kulturkampf
Kulturkampf
The German term refers to German policies in relation to secularity and the influence of the Roman Catholic Church, enacted from 1871 to 1878 by the Prime Minister of Prussia, Otto von Bismarck. The Kulturkampf did not extend to the other German states such as Bavaria...
which had developed from Prince Otto von Bismark's conflict with the Roman Catholic Church in his efforts to unify 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...
. Leaving Germany on the Feast of the Stigmata
Stigmata
Stigmata are bodily marks, sores, or sensations of pain in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus, such as the hands and feet...
of St. Francis (September 17), they arrived in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
on October 3 and left for their new home on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
As the Congregation grew, so did the Church in mid-western America, with an increased demand for teachers for parochial schools. A paramount concern of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity has been the religious formation of its members and the professional education necessary for quality teaching in the Catholic schools. In the early 1900s, to expand the professional training of the members of the Congregation, sisters were prepared at The Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America is a private university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States. It is a pontifical university of the Catholic Church in the United States and the only institution of higher education founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops...
, Washington D.C.. A new college wing was added to the Sisters' motherhouse
Motherhouse
The term motherhouse is used by religious Orders and religious congregations to designate the principal house or community for that group. It can be either for the entire institute or for a region....
in 1935 and a four-year liberal arts college was established. The construction of Holy Family College in 1935 anticipated by six years the beginning of the movement in the United States to upgrade the formation of religious women by integrating four facets of their formation: the spiritual, intellectual, social and professional. The congregation's motherhouse, a four-story building which has been the congregation's home for over one hundred years, shares the shores of Silver Lake with Silver Lake College of the Holy Family
Silver Lake College
Silver Lake College is a four-year, Catholic liberal arts college located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in the Diocese of Green Bay. Founded as an academy in 1885 by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, the college achieved four-year college status in 1935 and was then called Holy Family College...
. Holy Family College's name was later changed to Silver Lake College
Silver Lake College
Silver Lake College is a four-year, Catholic liberal arts college located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in the Diocese of Green Bay. Founded as an academy in 1885 by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, the college achieved four-year college status in 1935 and was then called Holy Family College...
to reflect the geographical location and expanded clientele.
Although founded to meet the need of Catholic education in a pioneer society, the Sisters have always answered the call of the Church for whatever task there is to be done. Thus, at the turn of the century, within the space of a few years, they were asked to take charge of two out-of-state medical facilities, in addition to re-establishing such an institution in Manitowoc.
In the late 1940s, the Congregation petitioned the Holy See
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
for acceptance as a one of Papal Right, which would place them directly under the oversight of the Holy See
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
, independent in their internal workings from the local bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
and thus more easily able to cross lines of diocesan authority. On December 20, 1948, the revised Constitutions and the recommendation of the Sacred Congregation for Religious
Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life
The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is the congregation of the Roman Curia responsible for everything which concerns institutes of consecrated life and Society of Apostolic Life regarding their government, discipline, studies, goods, rights, and...
concerning the Congregation were presented to Pope Pius XII
Pope Pius XII
The Venerable Pope Pius XII , born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli , reigned as Pope, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State, from 2 March 1939 until his death in 1958....
, who gave his approval and raised the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity from the status of a diocesan Congregation to that of a Congregation with papal approbation.
Current status
Today there are about 300 Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity who bring the Word of GodWord of God
Word of God or God's Word may refer to:*Divine revelation**certain Religious texts**Prophecy**Biblical literalism*Logos as "divine word"** in biblical creation, see Genesis creation narrative**in trinitarianism, see Jesus Christ the Logos...
, the latest trends in education or the healing hand of God to countless people in need of education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
or health care
Health care
Health care is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers...
or spiritual direction
Spiritual direction
Spiritual direction is the practice of being with people as they attempt to deepen their relationship with the divine, or to learn and grow in their own personal spirituality. The person seeking direction shares stories of his or her encounters of the divine, or how he or she is experiencing...
. They serve throughout the Midwestern and Western United States
Western United States
.The Western United States, commonly referred to as the American West or simply "the West," traditionally refers to the region comprising the westernmost states of the United States. Because the U.S. expanded westward after its founding, the meaning of the West has evolved over time...
, as well as in Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
.
The Sisters also offer different types of discernment through retreats for young adult and college age Catholic women who may be considering religious life as their calling or career. Retreats are held through the year and include personal and communal prayer, group sharing, Eucharist, Sacrament of Reconciliation, meals, creativity, opportunity to interact with postulants
Postulant
A postulant was originally one who makes a request or demand; hence, a candidate. The use of the term is now generally restricted to those asking for admission into a monastery or a convent, both before actual admission and for the length of time preceding their admission into the novitiate...
and novices, and outreach through music.
Present time
In 2007, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and The Franciscanized World website were featured in Time Magazine’s profile of CatholicCatholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
religious orders innovatively utilizing the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
. Each month on the site, special songs and pictures are chosen for spiritual reflection. In April, 2007, it was a Bruce Cockburn’s "God Bless The Children" song. In April, 2009, John Gorka, known for his folk-inspired acoustic music, "Love is Our Cross to Bear" was highlighted.