Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

We, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph,

witness the Gospel in joy and peace, committed to prayer, service, and

care for all creation.
FSSJ Mission Statement

THE VIII CENTENARY OF THE STIGMATA OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
 “From the wounds to new life.”

St. Francis was drawn to visit the mountainside of La Verna frequently. For him, the biting cold, harshness, and austere beauty provided the perfect site for penance, prayer and contemplation.

On September17, 1224, as St. Francis of Assisi was on retreat at that sacred place, fasting and praying a forty day lent in honor of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14) and St. Michael the Archangel (September 29), he received the stigmata; that is, the wounds of Christ were revealed on his hands, feet, and side.

St. Francis when he received the stigmata.
Artwork by Sister Geraldine Rutkowski, FSSJ

For more information on the Stigmata go to Current News above.

Our Mission & Vision

Helping to connect people to faith

We, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph,
witness the Gospel in joy and peace,
committed to prayer, service, and care for all creation.

Click ‘Read More’ to read a reflection by Sister Judith Elaine Salzman, FSSJ, that reminds us “God wants to lead us in a dance we’ve never danced before”.

Original FSSJ

 

The first 5 Franciscans of St. Joseph were:  Sister M. Colette Hilbert, Sister M. Stanislaus Wisniewski, Sister M. Aloysia Jaskolski, Sister M. Philomena Ojdowska, and Sister M. Charles Chmielewski.  These Sisters, under the leadership of Sister M. Colette Hilbert, found joy in each other’s faith, prayer life, and laughter as they faced challenging and difficult times beginning this new congregation. 

                              In All Things Charity

Corpus Christi Church

Fr. Hyacinth Fudzinski requested Mother Colette to bring her Sisters from Trenton, NJ to Buffalo, NY on July 29, 1898.  The arrival of Sister Colette and her Sisters brought joy to the parishioners.  Construction of the school building had not yet begun, but Fr. Fudzinski was determined to open Corpus Christi School in the Fall with the staff of Sisters.  The warm welcome into the diocese, together with the blessing extended by Bishop Quigley, was an auspicious beginning of the apostolic endeavor.         In All Things Charity

Corpus Christi School

As principal of Corpus Christi, Mother Colette labored zealously in organizing the first school under the direction of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph.  As a classroom instructor, she gave unstintingly of her talents.  Both Sister Jerome Biernacki and Sister Xavier Kaczmarek have fond memories of classes at Corpus Christi in those early days.  Sr. Jerome had such esteem for the Foundress that she took the name of “Colette” at Confirmation.  Sr. Jerome said, “Mother Colette was a great teacher!”  Sr. Xavier recalls Mother Colette as “patient, but firm. Mother Colette kept her word.”               In All Things Charity

Hamburg Motherhouse

Mother Clara, the Second General Minister of FSSJ, obtained permission of Rome and approval of Bishop Turner of Buffalo to initiate the erection of the sorely-needed convent at Hamburg, NY.   Provincial of the OFM  Conventuals,  Rev. Justin Figas, delivered an address to a gathering of a thousand witnesses.  Their presence in such numbers testified amply to the fruitful labors of the spiritual daughters of Mother Colette Hilbert who had founded the Congregation and offered tangible proof of the gratitude, loyalty, and devotion of the Polish clergy and people.                                              In All Things Charity

 

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Prayer ~ Reflection

Remembrance Garden

A place that offers opportunities for prayer

and quiet reflection.

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5229 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075
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