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.”

“I wish I could multiply myself a thousand times and travel to all parts of the world bringing God’s love and mercy to all.”

Blessed Mary Angela
Sr. Mary Angela Parkins, President and CEO of St. Felix Pantry in Rio Rancho, NM.

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. 

Learn about her inspirational life
1966 photo of students in Madonna University's nursing program.

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.

Learn about our spiritual heritage
The Mother Angela Mobile Clinic in Haiti serves those in need of medical care.

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.

Learn about our beginnings

Recent Stories & Updates

See all recent updates.

Are you in need of prayer? Let us pray for you.

It is our privilege to pray for you or those on your heart. Whatever your need or concern, we welcome the opportunity to lift you up in prayer.

Send us a prayer request

Serving where needed since 1874

Founded in Poland in 1855, the Felician Sisters are a congregation of women religious inspired by the spiritual ideals of their foundress, Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, and Saints Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi and Felix of Cantalice. Arriving in North America in 1874 following Blessed Mary Angela’s directive “to serve where needed,” they helped to weave the social service system. Today, the Felician Sisters founded, sponsor or support through the presence of our sisters, more than 40 ministries – all continuing to evolve to meet the needs of the people they serve.

Sign up for our e-newsletter

Provincial Offices

Provincial Information

  • Felician Sisters of North America is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
  • EIN 27-1282473
Felician Sisters of North America