Jubilee Celebrations
Congratulations to all FSPA celebrating jubilee in 2024!
We are honored to celebrate our jubilarians, who are living their vows as Franciscan women centered in Eucharist, committed to be loving presence through prayer, witness and service, collaborating with the world in care for all creation.
Please join us in our jubilee joy: Scroll through this slideshow of the May 1 celebration for the Class of 1954 -- Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Malinda Gerke, Rachel Kiefer, Marie Kyle and Dolores Lilla -- and the Class of 1964 -- Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Mary Becker and Karen Flottmeier -- at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Get to know our jubilarians: Read about their ministries in Global Sisters Report.
Below, we also share their personal reflections of gratitude for life as Catholic sisters.
Class of 1954: 70 years as Catholic sisters
Sister Malinda Gerke
In some ways, my journey through life has been a very straight one. I was born into a strong Catholic family, received an FSPA education through high school and college, joined FSPA at the age of 14 and am here now. No new pathways to follow. In other ways, I have had many different ministries, all of which were and are supported by this FSPA community. I am extremely grateful for the support and trust I have been given. Rejoice with me and be glad.
Sister Rachel Kiefer
Gratitude fills my heart as I celebrate seventy years as an FSPA. I thank the wonderful Sisters who have accompanied me on my journey. I also thank my family who always encouraged me. My community has given me many opportunities to prepare me for the ministries where I have served. May God bless all of us as we continue to serve Him.
Sister Marie Kyle
Gratitude and joy fill my heart as I reflect on my 70 years as an FSPA. I'm grateful for the call to be an FSPA and I am grateful for the many people I have served and with whom I have served. FSPA has gifted me with many opportunities for spiritual and personal growth and a sound education that allowed me to serve in the healthcare ministry where I was one of many, serving together — and together we brought new life, meaning, and hope to suffering and searching humanity.
Sister Dolores Lilla
Deep gratitude fills my heart at this jubilee time. I thank God for the call to be an FSPA. It has opened doors to incredible blessings, opportunities and experiences. I am grateful for the love and support of my FSPA community and my family that enabled me to live life fully while being of service to others.
Class of 1964: 60 years as Catholic sisters
Sister Mary Becker
On this, the year of my 60th jubilee, I am truly grateful. First of all, for God for having called me. I know so many who would have given so much more than I, but God called me. And I am grateful for our FSPA community for accepting me, challenging me, supporting me and loving me. I have received so many wonderful opportunities and experiences that I never would have had outside the community. And I thank my family and my friends who have loved and supported me. Sister Karen Fottmeier and I are the only two from our class still here to celebrate this jubilee. It’s been 60 years of many, many blessings, and we are truly grateful.
Sister Karen Flottmeier
During this jubilee year, my heart is full of immense gratitude: gratitude for my FSPA community and my family. They’ve all shown such love and support which allowed for me to be fully present in life and, at the same time, minister to many others. And I especially thank God for calling me to become a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. Accepting the invitation has given me so many experiences, opportunities and blessings.
And congratulations to all FSPA affiliates celebrating 25 years of affiliation!
Affiliates Nancy Alm, Lola Burge, Sharon Laitinen, Beverly Miller, Janice Munson and Mary Skemp