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ROOTED in the Gospel, UNITED in prayer and community,
WE SHARE Franciscan joy, AND SERVE generously.
-- Mission Statement of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago
They Might Be Saints - Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik
An EWTN Documentary Available on DVD!
The Franciscan Sisters of Chicago are proud to present the They Might Be Saints documentary on foundress Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik's life that aired on EWTN. Produced by Michael O'Neill from the radio show The Miracle Hunter, this program presents interviews and actor reenactments about her life. There are two versions: A 30 minute version and an extended 60 minute version. A DVD is also available to purchase.
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FSC Associate Article:
Franciscans, Pilgrims of Hope - Sister Joyce Shanabarger, FSSH
By Mary Mosser, FSC Associate
We started our day with the Jubilee 2025 Prayer written by Pope Francis. Sr. Joyce talked about how we, as Franciscans, are pilgrims of hope. She explained that we can find hope in our common home, in others and in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sr. Joyce used three encyclicals that Pope Francis wrote which are Laudato Si’, Fratelli tutti and Dilexit Nos, to talk about these three areas where we can find hope.​
Jubilee 2025
Sr. Joseph Marie Zenda celebrates her 70th year in religious life!
Sr. Joseph Marie Zenda was born on August 16, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio. She entered religious life on July 16, 1955, and professed her vows on August 12, 1958. Sister was assigned to the ministry of education. Her first teaching assignment was at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Chicago where she taught first grade from 1955-1956.
Franciscan Ministries and Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Featured in Good Housekeeping
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Franciscan Ministries and the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago were recently featured in the May edition of the magazine Good Housekeeping. The article is entitled “Finding a Legacy of Compassionate Care.” Patrick Schuerer, Vice President of Communications and Brand Strategy with Franciscan Ministries provides insight in the piece on Franciscan Ministries’ continuing mission of “Celebrate Life and Serve with Joy.” This mission upholds the legacy of Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik, Foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago which was then carried on through the years by the Sisters and later through their creation and sponsorship of Franciscan Ministries. The article discusses how the associates of Franciscan Ministries’ senior living communities care for the residents by applying the seven pillars of ‘Living Joyfully’ philosophy. This philosophy helps the residents live with joy and purpose. Many thanks to Patrick Schuerer for all his work on this piece.
"I realized that it is safest to put all hope in God alone; therefore, in all difficulties, I went to Him for help."
- Venerable Mary Theresa Dudzik, Foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago