Perspectives Update

With our whole being, in Relationship, Gospel Living and Unity in Diversity, may we give witness to the goodness that is all around us.

FSPA welcomes Pope Leo XIV

FSPA has joined the global Catholic Church in welcoming Pope Leo XIV as our new leader. Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Julia Walsh shared "gratitude and awe" for his election with Wisconsin Public Radio (beginning at 5:54). Global Sisters Report interviewed Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Sue Ernster from Rome, where she experienced Pope Leo XIV's walk onto the balcony of St. Peter's Square in person: "He understands religious life, and he is going to keep us faithful to the Gospel." Also in Rome, she sat down with David Muir of ABC News and was interviewed for a special edition of the network's news program 20/20: " ... the Holy Spirit knows what is needed at this time to be most effective in the world." Stream the episode on ABC, Hulu and Disney+.

Shining along her journey to sainthood

As the consideration of canonization for Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Thea Bowman continues, National Black Catholic Congress is inviting all to experience her story in the video "Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman's Journey to Sainthood." The mission of the organization is "based on our baptismal commitment to witness and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ," including Sister Thea and her legacy to Black Catholicism around the world. To watch "Going Home Like a Shooting Star," visit nbccongress.org.

Sister Mary Ann: 'Thank you for your support'

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Mary Ann Gschwind is sharing her gratitude to our donors for support of our ministries — including initiatives to assist those experiencing homelessness — in this video. "Know that we appreciate everything that you do with and for us." Click on the image above to watch.

Wells of Wisdom: Sister Jolynn Brehm

"Listen deeply and appreciate all God's creation," says Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Jolynn Brehm in our newest Wells of Wisdom offering. She is sharing her favorite memory (one that surfaces from her childhood), experience of discernment, ministry of teaching (finding her students' imaginations "fascinating") and serving in spiritual direction (sharing that people need "someone to listen to them and appreciate their stories"). Experience Sister Jolynn's story at fspa.org, where you'll discover wisdom from the wells of other FSPA.

What inspires your pilgrimage of hope?

As we continue the Jubilee Year of Hope celebration, we're sharing this reflection by Tonya Marie at Matthew 25, an FSPA ministry grant partner in Iowa missioned to "improve lives in Cedar Rapids through quality housing, healthy food, education and community." Your donations support Matthew 25, and hope inspires Tonya Marie, who works to put your investments into action for the people unhoused in Cedar Rapids. Get more reflections of hope at fspa.org.

With your generous support

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Nina Shephard sponsors a ministry grant for La Crosse Jail Ministry, offering current and former residents spiritual direction, rehabilitation support and connection to faith communities. Learn more about the ministry, funded in part by your gifts, and watch the video "Second Chances" (featuring Joannie) at lacrossejailministry.org.