FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF CHICAGO

Theresa Mary Labus was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 30. 1936, and was baptized a couple of weeks later on December 27th at St. Casimir Church.  She was the daughter of John and Victoria Labus.  They had six children.  Theresa was the first born.  In 1937 the family moved to Gary, Indiana, and joined St. Hedwig Church where Theresa received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 17, 1949.    

 

Theresa’s first contact with the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago was as a student at St. Hedwig School.  She joined the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago on August 22, 1952.  She became a postulant on February 2, 1953, entered novitiate on August 12, 1953, and received the name Sister Mary Francine. Two years later, Sister made her First Profession of Vows on August 12, 1955, and her Final Profession on August 12, 1960. 

 

Sister began her teaching career in 1954 when she was sent to teach the fifth grade at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr in Chicago.  In 1956 Sister was missioned at St. John Cantius in East Chicago, Indiana, to teach fourth grade and also be a substitute organist.  For the next 11 years, Sister was at St. Louise de Marillac in La Grange Park, Illinois where she taught various grades from third to sixth, served as organist and the girls’ choir director. 

 

From 1968-1972, Sister M. Francine lived at the motherhouse in Lemont while attending Loyola University in Chicago.  During this time, she was also the organist and the Director for the Sisters in Temporary Vows.  In 1972 Sister was at St. Pancratius in Chicago as the school principal and the Local Minister. Sister was a religion teacher at Madonna High School in Chicago for a year before she was sent in 1975 to be principal at Five Holy Martyrs in Chicago.  Sister spent five years in this position and received an award from the CWV Post 500 for outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence in Catholic Education. 

 

During her years in education Sister M. Francine received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master of Education from Loyola University in Chicago. In 1980 Sister went to live at the St. Francis House of Prayer in Lemont, Illinois, as the Local Minister.  Sister was instrumental in establishing a program for this new ministry. In 1983 Sister M. Francine was elected General Councilor and Secretary General and went to reside at the motherhouse in Lemont.  For part of this time, Sister was also Formation Director and part-time organist. In 1991 Sister M. Francine embarked on a new career as Director of Mission Integration at St. Anthony Home, Crown Point, Indiana, a position she held for eight years.  While at St. Anthony’s Sister was the organist and the Local Assistant Minister for two years.  Sister was also the Community Director of Mission Integration for eight years. 

 

Sister M. Francine was elected the General Vicar in 1998 and returned to reside in Lemont in 1999.  Sister served in this position for two five-year terms.  In 2008 Sister was granted a year Sabbatical.  She served as the secretary to the Board of Directors of Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Service Corporation, now known as Franciscan Ministries for two years, until 2010.

Sister M. Francine served as the Beatification Liaison from 2002 to 2014, promoting the cause of sainthood for Venerable Mary Theresa Dudzik, Foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.  In 2014, Sister was also honored with the Franciscan Weaver Award. 

 

During her life in the convent, Sister M. Francine had many positions: local secretary, local treasurer, local assistant minister, and local minister, CCD Coordinator: to name a few.  She served on various committees as well. Sister retired in 2013 and eventually in 2015 Sister M. Francine moved from a coach house to reside at the motherhouse. She was known for her quiet prayerful demeanor and her organizational skills.  In the 73rd year of religious life and at the age of 89, Sister Francine peacefully entered into eternal life at 12:55 P.M. on Monday, December 15, 2025, to be with Jesus whom she loved and served with all her heart.