FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Julie S. Kresge
Chief Mission Advancement Officer
Felician Sisters of North America
871 Mercer Road
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
jkresge@feliciansisters.org
724-480-5756 (Cell)
Celebrating the 200th Birthday of Blessed Mary Angela: Foundress of the Felician Sisters and a Champion of Mercy, Education, and Service
Beaver Falls, PA — May 16, 2025 marks the 200th birthday of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, foundress of the Felician Sisters. As we honor this milestone, we invite all to learn more about the remarkable woman whose life of faith, compassion and perseverance continues to inspire ministries across North America and around the world.
Born into Polish nobility in 1825, young Angela Truszkowska had access to wealth and privilege—but chose instead a life of selfless service. Her story is one of courage in the face of rejection, compassion during times of crisis, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting the poor, the sick, and the forgotten.
Here are 7 inspiring facts about the legacy of Blessed Mary Angela:
- From Castle to Convent – Though she was born into nobility, Blessed Angela gave up a life of luxury to follow Christ in radical solidarity with the marginalized.
- Perseverance in Vocation – Turned away from religious life—twice—Angela remained faithful to her calling. In 1855, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice, known today as the Felician Sisters.
- A Heart for the Sick – During a cholera outbreak in Warsaw, Angela personally cared for victims in the streets—choosing compassion over comfort.
- Ahead of Her Time – A pioneer in women’s education, she established schools and orphanages to give girls opportunities to learn, grow and lead.
- A Vision That Crossed Oceans – In 1874, Felician Sisters came to the U.S. to serve Polish immigrants. Today, her mission thrives in education, healthcare, social services and spiritual outreach around the globe.
- A Joyful Spirit – Her favorite prayer, “All for Jesus, through Mary, with a smile,” expressed the joyful humility with which she lived and served.
- On the Path to Sainthood – Blessed Mary Angela was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1993. As we await her canonization, her legacy lives on in every act of mercy inspired by her example.
To learn more about her life and enduring mission, watch the inspiring short video,
“A Movement in Harmony: The Blessed Mary Angela Directive,” now available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnPgBtW_8rQ
For more information about the dedication ceremony or to learn more about the Felician Sisters of North America, please contact:
Julie S. Kresge, Chief Mission Advancement Officer
Phone: 724-480-5756
Email: jkresge@feliciansisters.org
About the Felician Sisters of North America
The Felician Sisters of North America are a contemplative-active order of Franciscan Catholic sisters, dedicated to serving others in the spirit of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska. Founded in Poland in 1855, they responded to a call in 1874 to minister to immigrant and indigenous families in rural Wisconsin. Today, they remain committed to their foundress’ directive to “serve where needed,” continually evolving to meet the needs of the time.
