Begin Your Journey

Have you thought about becoming a sister? Explore this page and learn about our Felician charism, vows, history, prayer life, community and the formation process. We are always here to answer your questions. If you are just beginning, we invite you to reflect and discern with the following questions:

  • What do I hope to do with my life?
  • Where do I find joy and give love?
  • What keeps me from living a fuller life?
  • What fears hold me back?
  • What is my heart telling me to do?
  • How can I best use my gifts to serve God and other people?

Text, call or email Vocation Outreach Directors: Sr. Jane Gawlik or Sr. Judy Blizzard.

Sr. Jane 210-845-7940
Sr. Judy 734-718-0632
vocation@feliciansisters.org

Watch How Do I Know if I Should be a Sister?

Our Charism

A charism is a spirit of the community. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit that is a living force that unites us as a family with a dynamic mission, a particular way of being Christ present in the world today. Through this very special Felician legacy, modeling ourselves after our foundress Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, we dedicate ourselves to the service of God and God’s people, so that in all and by all, God may be known, loved and glorified.

Our charism is to imitate Blessed Mary Angela’s boundless love of God, surrender to God’s will in compassionate service, and live in total availability and concern for the salvation of all people.

“My wish for you is a continuously increasing life of grace, that is, that all your actions will be for God’s glory.”

Blessed Mary Angela

Vows

As Felician Sisters, we profess vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. These are sacred commitments made publicly before God and the Church that signal a readiness to live a life of total availability in service to God and people.

Chastity

In living the vow of chastity, we remain celibate, dedicating ourselves entirely to Jesus. The outward expression of that love for God is the joyous and generous love we give to all without exception.

Poverty

The vow of poverty is a commitment to living simply and humbly. We imitate Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, who relinquished all riches and goods to fully follow in the footprints of Jesus. Without worldly possessions, we can devote our lives to God and serving others.

Obedience

The vow of obedience is a commitment to listen to the will of God as it is revealed to us through our spiritual director, prayer and the counsel of our sisters. This vow is also a pledge to faithfully follow the Felician Constitution, the rule of Saint Francis and Church teaching.

Explore Your Vocation

How do I know if I am being called to be a sister? There are many ways to help you discover God’s calling. Remember, you are not alone! We have created the following tools to help you learn more.

Spotlight on

Sr. Maria Louise Edwards

Graduating from NYU with a BFA in theater, Sr. Maria Louise Edwards had roles in commercials and films, but found herself asking, “Is this all there is?” She fell in love with God and changed her path. Today she is a Felician Sister saving lives at the border.

Read Sr. Maria Louise’s reflection

Recent Stories & Updates

See all stories & updates about Vocation.

Upcoming Discernment Events

See all Discernment events.

Serving where needed since 1874

Founded in Poland in 1855, the Felician Sisters are a congregation of women religious inspired by the spiritual ideals of their foundress, Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, and Saints Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi and Felix of Cantalice. Arriving in North America in 1874 following Blessed Mary Angela’s directive “to serve where needed,” they helped to weave the social service system. Today, the Felician Sisters founded, sponsor or support through the presence of our sisters, more than 40 ministries – all continuing to evolve to meet the needs of the people they serve.

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Provincial Offices

Provincial Information

  • Felician Sisters of North America is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
  • EIN 27-1282473
Felician Sisters of North America