With our whole being, in Relationship, Gospel Living and Unity in Diversity, may we give witness to the goodness that is all around us.

It has been 175 years since six women, who traveled from Ettenbeuren, Bavaria, to America, were received as a religious community by the Diocese of Milwaukee on May 28, 1949. FSPA's commitment to be loving presence through prayer, witness and service was founded in the ministry of Christian education for their fellow immigrants and grown to include perpetual adoration, justice and peace and integral ecology, stretching around the world. In honor of this milestone, we invite you to celebrate with us: visit fspa.org to find a schedule of events, including a visual art experience, Sister Thea Bowman documentary screening, historical exhibition and more.

In celebration of 175 years of prayer, witness and service, FSPA is sharing our legacy of visual art. Twelve FSPA artists are telling personal stories about their work and inspiration behind the pieces showcased in a virtual gallery. Our first featured artist is Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Pauline Wittry. Experience her stories in the video below, view her gallery at FSPA Visual Art Experience and watch for new artists every month throughout 2024.

FSPA has received recognition by National Catholic Reporter for impactful contributions to people and planet in 2023. In an article announcing Loretto Sister Jeannine Gramick as the publication’s Newsmaker of the Year, FSPA is also acknowledged for the $2 million gift given to support the expansion of climate lobbying efforts by women religious on Capitol Hill. Read the full article, "Those on the margins took center stage in 2023," at ncronline.org.

Joe Kruse, FSPA affiliate, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Mary Ann Gschwind and Barb Kruse, FSPA affiliate, were honored with the Iverson Freking Ecumenical Recognition Award on Jan. 24 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Sister Mary Ann, Joe and Barb are among 84 people in the La Crosse community who have received the award. (Photo courtesy of Bethany St. Joseph Corporation)

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Mary Ann Gschwind and Joe and Barb Kruse, affiliates with FSPA, have received the 37th annual Iverson Freking Ecumenical Recognition Award. The honor is given by Bethany St. Joseph Corporation to individuals who actively work to bring people of different faiths together and contribute positively to the community of La Crosse. To learn more about the award and get local media coverage of the award and event, visit bsjcorp.com.

In reflection of Martin Luther King, Jr., Messy Jesus Business blog contributor Angela Paviglianiti writes about a world confounded by "injustice, hate, aggression," and entreats the civil rights activist to "pray that we remain of tough mind and tender heart … until we are free." Read more of Angela's reflection at messyjesusbusiness.com, and click here to subscribe.

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Julia Walsh's book, "For Love of the Broken Body," is set for release on April 16. A coming-of-age story, her spiritual memoir invites readers to reflect on the universal human experiences of being broken and the pull to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Several tour events (both in-person and hybrid) are planned, kicking off with a reading and discussion in Harlan, Iowa, on Feb. 3 and including more stops in Illinois and Wisconsin. Visit srjuliawalsh.wordpress.com for a full list of engagements and bookshop.org to pre-order the book.

On Aug. 2, 1873, FSPA's first Maria Angelorum Chapel at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin, was dedicated, ushering in a new chapter of perpetual adoration.

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Marguerite Bruening, Betty Bradley and Mary Louise Mutch recently exercised their artistic abilities, creating winter crafts at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

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