The Congregation of Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice (Felician Franciscan Sisters), was founded in 1855 by Blessed Mary Angela (Sophia) Truszkowska as Poland’s first active-contemplative religious community.
Concerned for the homeless children on the streets of Warsaw, Sophia and a group of young women initially housed and cared for the orphans. As the number of sisters grew, they began teaching religion and practical living skills to adults as well. Sisters also rendered nursing care in poor homes and on the battlefield. Felicians today number almost 2000 worldwide, with establishments on 4 continents and in 12 countries.
The Felician Sisters came to the central northern United States in 1874 and grew to eight provinces serving coast to coast.
The Felicians of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province relocated their headquarters to Rio Rancho, NM, in1976, mainly serving in education and healthcare. Imitating their foundress’ boundless love of God and surrender to God’s will, Felicians now engage in compassionate service in the Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Corrales areas through:
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| Social Work: |
Family counseling; St. Felix Pantry food, social resource information, clothing, and tutoring; parish-based outreach to the poor and homeless |
| Church: |
Pastoral ministry, St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocesan Vocation Pilgrimage, mission rosary project, catechesis, Right to Life group hosting |
| Spirituality: |
Rocky Mountain Franciscan Gathering coordination, prayer and suffering for the spiritual renewal of the world, Felician Associate program |
| Education: |
High school theology, catechesis, grade school library |
More at www.feliciansisters.org and www.southwestfeliciansisters.org |
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