Honoring Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik on September 20th
Sunday, September 20, marks the anniversary of the passing of the foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, Mother Mary Theresa (Josephine) Dudzik, in 1918. Today we honor her memory and legacy. Generous, compassionate, and deeply devout, Josephine was moved by the needs of the elderly, poor, and orphaned people she encountered in her neighborhood in Chicago in the vicinity of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. She supported them spiritually, physically, and emotionally, even welcoming some into her family home. She later founded the congregation, the Franciscan Sisters of Blessed Kunegunda (the original name of the congregation) and took the religious name of Sister Mary Theresa Dudzik.
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Her early efforts became the spiritual foundation and inspiration for the congregation. She was later honored with the title “Mother” in 1948. For 132 years, imbued with the spirit of Mother Mary Theresa, the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago have responded to the needs of God's people and have served in various ministries, the care of the elderly and the sick in hospitals and nursing homes: providing housing and services for residents in independent, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities; the operation of child care centers; teaching in elementary and secondary schools and universities; pastoral care; social service work; and sheltering victims of domestic violence.
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Because of the heroic virtues evident in her life, Mother Mary Theresa is now a candidate for sainthood. The Vatican declared her a Servant of God in 1982, and then Venerable in 1994. The cause for her beatification and canonization is actively being pursued. We pray that Venerable Mother Mary Theresa will be recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church and remain an enduring model for all.
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Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik
Foundress, Franciscan Sisters of Chicago
Below are Mother Mary Theresa prayers for both beatification and intercessions that you may say today. We also have two documentaries on her life (both 30 and 60 min(to share that were produced by EWTN. Click here to view our documentary and DVD page.
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Beatification Prayer for the Venerable Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik
Heavenly Father, you inflamed the compassionate heart of Mother Mary Theresa with the heroic virtues of charity and mercy. If it is your will, may she be declared. Blessed for your honor and glory and may she inspire others to imitate her love for the needy, poor and suffering of our world. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Novena Prayer through the intercession of the Venerable Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik
Venerable Mother Mary Theresa, during your lifetime you practiced great charity and later wrote: "I felt the misery and suffering of others and was constantly occupied with the thought of how I could be of service to the needy and the poor." I, who venerate you, come to you for help. Venerable Mother Mary Theresa, beg for me at the throne of God, for this, my special intention through Christ our Lord. Amen.