Pioneers. Leaders. Trailblazers.
Since our arrival in North America in 1874, Felician Sisters have led the way in building the social service landscape.
We serve those in need, support refugees, provide education, fight injustice, care for the sick, share spiritual wisdom, empower women, defend the planet, advocate for peace, foster community and offer hope — by following Blessed Mary Angela’s direction to “serve where you are needed.”
Watch What is Community Life Like as a Felician Sister?
In the mid 1800s, many congregations of women religious were cloistered. They lived a life of prayer – but not service. When Blessed Mary Angela founded our congregation, she followed God’s call to go out and serve people in need. She strengthened and nurtured her life of service through her contemplative prayer life.
Today, the Felician Sisters continue this way of life as a contemplative-active community of women religious. Our contemplative prayer life nurtures and sustains our active life in ministry to others. Wherever Felician Sisters live – in large or small convents – they live in community.
An Enduring Mission
Since our founding in 1855, Felician Sisters worldwide have embraced the mission set forth by our Foundress Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska:
As Felician Sisters, called by God, we cooperate with Christ in the spiritual renewal of the world.
Blessed Mary Angela
Our foundress, Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska — Sophia — was a young woman born into privilege in 19th century Poland. She witnessed the impact of political unrest in Warsaw — where society’s most vulnerable had been abandoned and forgotten. Sophia followed God’s will, offering shelter and education to women and orphans.
Our Franciscan Spirituality
Blessed Mary Angela called on her sisters to live like Saint Francis — turning away from worldly comforts to a life of simplicity, compassion for those living in poverty, and care for God’s creation.
North American Province
A joyful international community of vowed women religious, the Felician Sisters arrived in North America in 1874. In 2009, they formed Our Lady of Hope Province by uniting Felician provinces from across the U.S. and Canada to sustain and expand the mission.
Serving Where Needed
“As Gospel women, we strive for a prophetic witness to God’s unconditional love that comes from a contemplative stance and responds to the needs of our fractured world.”
Vision Statement of the Felician Sisters of North America