My Vocation Story by Sr. Maria Pesavento, OSF

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Pesavento_Maria-240x300Being asked to share my vocation story with you has given me an opportunity to once again consider all that has brought me to this time in my life. I wish that I could tell you that, like Mary, an angel appeared to me and told me that I should become a Sister. However, rarely does it work that way and it certainly didn’t work that way in my life. I grew up in an ordinary Italian Catholic family. My parents saw that my sister, brother and I were educated in Catholic schools. We went to Mass each Sunday, said grace before meals and led pretty normal lives. Because of the times, I was privileged to have many Sisters as my teachers throughout grade school and high school. I can remember, as early as 3rd grade, admiring these women and feeling that I would like to be like them and do what they do. This feeling stayed with me, though I kept trying to push it to the background. Through my years of schooling, I had three different orders of Sisters, but when I met the Joliet Franciscan Sisters at St. Francis Academy here in Joliet I knew that if I were to become a Sister that I would join them. They were excellent, dedicated teachers and exhibited joy in all that they did. They took an interest in their students and it was obvious to me that they truly enjoyed what they were doing. So, after high school, I entered the convent and recently celebrated my golden jubilee. My life has been rich and fulfilling. I have had so many opportunities for education, travel and enrichment in my life. I have been a teacher, high school administrator, nursing home administrator and I have served in various leadership positions for the Joliet Franciscans. My life has been and continues to be full and fulfilling. I do not regret a day that I have spent as a Sister of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. So, as you contemplate your path in life, I encourage you to be open to all vocations. Listen as the Spirit speaks to you. May our loving God lead you to do and be what is yours to do and be!

Sisters Announce 2014 Jubilarians

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Andrea_and_Maurice
Sr. Andrea & Sr. Maurice
Each year a group of dedicated Sisters from the Congregation celebrate their jubilees (anniversaries). Below is the list of celebrants for the 2014 calendar year. Combined, these women have served both the Joliet area and beyond for over 700 years!
Celebrating their 75th, 60th and 50th Jubilees are the following Sisters:
75th Jubilarians: Sister Andrea Prindes and Sister Maurice White (see photos above).
60th Jubilarians: Sister Patricia Mitchell, Sister Laura Filipas, Sister Helen Vahling, Sister Carlene Howell, Sister Verene Girmscheid and Sister Margaret Alice Martinek.
50th Jubilarians: Sister Jaye Nelson, Sister Kathleen Salewski, Sister Karen Berry, Sister Carol Mecko and Sister Mary Jo Young.
The official celebration will take place on June 21, 2014 at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet.
More information about these Jubilarians can be found at: www.jolietfranciscans.org/news/our-jubilarians.

Joliet Franciscan Sister, Sister Leomarie Luecke honored for 43 years of service at the Spanish Community Center

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Sister-Leomarie-LueckeSister Leomarie Luecke was recently honored by the Spanish Community Center of Joliet, Illinois, for her 40 plus years of service to the center
and the community at large. She has been involved with the Spanish Center since 1971. To this day, many people still come to their door looking for “the nun who speaks Spanish that teaches English!”

At their Award Celebration and Fiesta held on March 13, 2014, The Spanish Community Center bestowed their Community Service Award to Sister Leomarie. While presenting Sister Leomarie her award, Elizabeth Guzman, a Board Member of the Spanish Center, said this, “Do you know how it’s often said that if you want to change the world, teach? Well since 1971, Sister Leomarie has been a catalyst for positive change in the lives of hundreds – maybe thousands of people who, thanks to Sister Leo, have learned to speak the English language!” It is indeed a great tribute to Sister Leomarie, who through her special dedication, patience and love of teaching, has been able “to empowered so many who have contributed to a better community for everyone.” Her award reads: “Walk the Talk – take the initiative and lead the way, you can make the difference. Sister Leo Marie Luecke, In sincere appreciation of your contributions. 2014 Spanish Community Center.

Sister Leomarie and the other honorees received a letter from Illinois State Senator, Pat McGuire in which he says the following about Sister Leomarie, “…your skills, smile, musical talents continue to enrich our community. Felicidades and continued good wishes to each of you and to the Spanish Community Center.”

There is no stopping Sister Leomarie anytime soon. Sister Leomarie who just celebrated her 76th birthday and has said there are no plans for retiring. As she put it, “As long as I can continue, I will!”

Sister-Leomarie-Luecke-group

Sister Leomarie Luecke (seated) was accompanied to the award
ceremony by the following Sisters (standing from the left):
Rose Marie Surwilo, Teresinha Del’Acqua, Rosemary Huzl,
Odelia Kloc, Lourdes Boyer, Pauline Ann Furiel, Mary Agnes
Cross, Clarita Schumacher, Dolores Zemont, Albert Marie
Papesh and Martha Kienzler.