Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

Let the brothers and sisters keep the example of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, ever before their eyes.  Let them do this according to the exhortation of Blessed Francis who held Holy Mary, Lady and Queen in highest veneration, since she is “the virgin made church.”  Let them also remember that the Immaculate Virgin Mary whose example they are to follow, called herself “the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1:38).

Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Article 17
Art by Sr. Geraldine Rutkowski, FSSJ

Mary, the servant of the Most High, was the closest of all human beings to the Savior – the greatest Servant of all.  Like Mary, we are bearers of the Word of God; we live among God’s people in order to witness to a gospel way of life and to serve the needs of the Church and the world.

Constitution of the Franciscan Sisters of
St. Joseph, Article 5
Art by Sr. Marvina Kupiszewski, FSSJ

Hail, holy Lady, most holy Queen,
Mary, Mother of God, ever Virgin.
You were chosen by the Most High Father in heaven, consecrated by Him, with His most Holy Beloved Son and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.

 St. Francis of Assisi, Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Art by Sr. Geraldine Rutkowski, FSSJ