The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is rooted in our Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s early founding. How early? In 1866 our founding pastor Father Joseph Fessler had his first view of a Clarks Mills, WI Catholic Church under the patronage of Mary as the Immaculate Conception.
Teresa Gramlich, our first Mother Superior, wrote: “When he [Father Joseph Fessler] had seen the condition of the Church, and congregation he found nothing there to rest his eyes on, nor his body, nor a place to board. So he came back the same day.”
Father Joseph was not to be disheartened. He was prompt, decisive, quick to sense a need and quick to do something about it. His first thought was the children. His attention turned to Teresa, a young woman 23 years old. Father asked her to teach catechism at Clarks Mills. Her reply was simple. “If Father wants me to go, I will.” It was as simple as that. From this ‘yes’ grew our Community of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.
Might God be calling you this 2013 Feast of the Immaculate Conception to be a Franciscan Sister? Click here to schedule a time to meet us at our Motherhouse. Bring your family or friends. Or invite us to meet you where you are!
