Meet Sister Sharon
Sister Sharon Bongiorno was born in Spokane, Washington, and began her life as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration there in 1966, ministering as an elementary school teacher. Having attended a high school taught by FSPA, Sister Sharon felt called by God to "try" religious life. Many years later, she now serves the elderly in her parish, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, Washington, as the visitation coordinator. As part of this ministry, she is in charge of coordinating parish homebound minister visits for those who are confined to their homes or care facilities. "Jesus is present to me not only in our little chapel that I pray in each morning," shares Sister Sharon, "but also in the faces of the homebound to whom I bring communion." She is also a member of the parish pastoral council, serving as pastoral staff and secretary.
When discussing what daily prayer and community life looks like for her, Sister Sharon explains that she takes time for personal prayer every morning and again every evening, usually before bedtime. Sister Sharon lives with two other sisters, so the three of them also share time in prayer together every weekday evening. Since the FSPA community decided to no longer wear the habit, but rather clothing that is consistent with their way of life, Sister Sharon believes that as religious women, "we have to rely not on what we look like, but how our actions exemplify what being a Catholic sister really means in our Church today."
Documentary Preview Showing
"Going Home Like a Shooting Star, Sister Thea Bowman's Journey to Sainthood," a new documentary about the riveting life of Sister Thea Bowman, an African American Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, produced by NewGroup Media, will air on ABC stations this fall. A portion of the documentary was filmed in La Crosse in June 2021.

All are invited to join FSPA for a preview party on Monday, Sept. 26, in Viterbo University's Nola Starling Recital Hall, 929 Jackson Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin. A reception will begin at 6 p.m. CT with showtimes at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at all events. No RSVP necessary.
Unravel the mystery of your call
"Knowing 'God’s will' is rarely, if ever, a crystal-clear process. It is more like bike riding at night where you can only see 500 feet in front of you, with successive distances coming into the light only as you move forward."

"Since you are reading this article, chances are you're in a significant moment in your life. You are wondering how God is calling you and how you want to be fully alive and fully yourself. Perhaps you feel that little stirring within you, that magnetic draw to follow your heart, but also that oh-my-God-is-this-for-real-cold-sweat fear that stops you dead in your tracks."
Upcoming Events for Discerning Women
Friday Virtual Adoration and Mass
Every Friday | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CT | via Zoom

All are invited to join FSPA for virtual adoration live from the Adoration Chapel located inside St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, WI.

Virtual adoration will pause at 11 a.m. and Mass will stream live from Mary of the Angels Chapel. Virtual adoration will resume again after Mass. Click here to access the Zoom link.
Tuesday Garden Green Thumb Gatherings
Every Tuesday | 12 - 6 p.m. CT | Villa St. Joseph, near La Crosse, WI

All are invited to join us in the gardens, greenhouse and orchard on FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge every Tuesday through October.

Whether you wish to volunteer for half an hour or all six hours, we welcome everyone to join in the fun! Click here to learn more about this weekly event.
Homicide Vigil and Coffee with Sister Julia
Saturday, Sept. 24 | Chicago, IL

Join Sister Julia Walsh in Chicago to pray for those affected by violence. Email [email protected] for more details.
Mass and Lunch with Sister Julia
Friday, Sept. 30 | St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

Join Sister Julia Walsh for mass and lunch at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse. Email [email protected] for more details.
Canticle of St. Francis Retreat
Friday, Sept. 30, 5 p.m. CT - Sunday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. CT
Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center, Arbor Vitae, WI

This retreat is a time to pray with our "brothers and sisters" and learn more about their ways and the wisdom they offer us. Visit marywoodsc.org (and scroll down) to learn more and register by Sept. 22!
Transitus of St. Francis Celebration with Sister Julia
Monday, Oct. 3 | St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, WI

Join Sister Julia Walsh in celebrating St. Francis of Assisi the day before his feast day. Email [email protected] for more details.
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration | Formation | 888-683-3772 | discerning@fspa.org