Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie shares the call of Sister Carmen Rank to be a Franciscan Sister. The pastor of her local parish in Antigo, WI was instrumental in her making steps to follow the Lord.
Marion Sophia Rank’s family moved to Antigo, Wisconsin after her birth in 1930. Her mother died at the age of 33 when Marion was 3 ½ years old, leaving her Father to take care of and raise two boys and three girls. Marion admired and loved her Dad very much. Her Father was a hard worker, had a deep faith and love for the Church. Religion was very important in the Rank home. The children attended St. John’s School in Antigo which was staffed by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.
Marion’s first thought of being a Sister was in the 4th Grade. She admired the example of her teacher, Sister David Hunt, later known as Sister Rosalie. When she was in 8th grade her principal, Sister Francis Philip, impressed her with her kindness and a classmate, Mary Wogsland, suggested that she enter the Convent in Manitowoc with her. Marion had the support of her Father, her brothers and sisters and the prayers of her Mother from heaven! She wrote a letter to Mother Perpetua asking for application papers to join the Community. The papers were submitted and Marion was accepted to enter Holy Family Convent. Sister Ezra Polska helped her get ready. Monsignor Saile, her pastor wrote the following recommendation:
Dear Mother Superior,
I gladly and safely recommend Sophia M. Rank who intends to enter Alverno Convent as a candidate. Miss Rank is from a good family of my congregation, attended St. John’s School from which she graduated with the eighth grade class this spring. Since she has been under my spiritual supervision all the time she attended school and her conduct in every way having been the best, I feel confident that she has a vocation for Convent life.
Yours Very Sincerely, Monsignor Saile
Marion entered the Convent with her friend, on August 20, 1945. To read more about Sister Carmen, click here: Comments for Franciscan Sister Carmen’s Wake
