Why We Are Franciscan Sisters

I felt called first to religious life, then I discovered the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity when I was a student of the University of St. Thomas in Houston... it grew as time went. Even in the formation process it grew.

- Sr. Marie Kolbe Zamora, OSF

A Catholic Sister actively lives her vocation to serve and minister to others. A Franciscan Sister’s calling requires living a special Franciscan Charism.

In 1869, five young Catholic women in rural Wisconsin responded to God’s call, discerning they should share their daily lives together in religious community. St. Francis of Assisi’s Gospel way of life inspired them. Their love for the Catholic Church and selfless dedication to the service of others guided them.Since then, we Franciscan Sisters have led an active and prayerful community life, responding to needs in Catholic Dioceses and parishes in the United States.

Today, we whole-heartedly live our vocation in the loving community spirit of our foundresses. We strive to live the Gospel in simplicity, built on faith in a loving God; joyful acceptance of poverty, love for the Church, and selfless dedication to the service of others.

For those women who join us in following St. Francis, we offer a community life that will be peaceful, exciting, challenging and an ongoing discovery of your gifts given by the God Who loves you.

God Calls You. We Invite You.

Become a Franciscan Sister