On Sunday, December 8, the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago celebrated their 130th anniversary of the founding of their congregation. It was on that date in 1894 that Josephine Dudzik founded the congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Kunegunda (the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago’s original name). To honor the anniversary, the Sisters held a special Mass at Sacred Heart Chapel in Our Lady of Victory Convent. They then had a celebratory dinner with religious from several congregations, friends, and guests.
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The Sisters received an official Apostolic Blessing and message of congratulations from our Holy Father, Pope Francis. This was presented in a beautiful frame by Fr. Joe Glab, CR, who gave a wonderful homily about the legacy of the Sisters and foundress Mother Mary Theresa. The Sisters also received proclamations and letters of recognition from the Archdiocese of Chicago, JB Pritzker (Governor of Illinois), Lemont Historical Society, and the city of Lemont. These are all on display near the entrance of OLV Convent. After Mass, the Sisters celebrated with friends and other invited congregations. Each Sister was presented a commemorative book filled with thank you messages and other well wishes from employees of Franciscan Ministries. Many thanks to all who attended and joined the Sisters on this special day!
The anniversary Mass was held in Sacred Heart Chapel at Our Lady of Victory Convent.
Fr. Joe Glab, CR, presented Sr. M. Bernadette Bajuscik, OSF, (General Minister of Franciscan Sisters of Chicago), with an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis
The Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis was framed and now hangs in Our Lady of Victory Convent.
Senior Management from Franciscan Ministries attended the celebration. (Left to Right) Patrick Schuerer (Vice President of Communications & Brand Strategy), Lindsey Lavery, (Chief Sales and Marketing Officer), Regina Umanskiy (CEO and President), Nancy Salerno (Chief People Officer), and Robert Rosenberger (Chief Financial Officer).
Sr. Jean Therese Jarosz, OSF, Fr. Bob Lucas, CM, Mary Mosser (FSC Associate), and Sr. Kathleen Melia, OSF.
Sr. M. Bernadette Bajusick, OSF, (General Minister of Franciscan Sisters of Chicago) and Regina Umanskiy, President and CEO of Franciscan Ministries.
Sr. Doloria Kosiek, OSF.
Sr. M. Francis Clare Radke, OSF, with Dawn Mayer (Chief Mission Integration & Pastoral Care Officer).
Lindsey Lavery with Sr. Emilie Marie Lesniak, OSF.
Author Pat Camilliere and her husband with Sr. Jeanne Marie Toriskie, OSF.