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Editor’s note: This article was originally published by our sister congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, in their OSF Bulletin Board newsletter.
Sister Theodosia Baki, the major superior of the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis, was in Milwaukee from Rome in early May to visit her Sisters who are ministering at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. Many of our Sisters had the delightful experience of meeting Sister Theodosia when she spent time with us two years ago.
In addition to enjoying a meal and visiting with our Leadership Team on May 8, Sister Theodosia was hosted by Sisters Diana De Bruin, Edna Lonergan, Joanne Meyer, Ann Kelley, and Associate Teresa Mrnik, all members of Companions in Franciscan Solidarity. Sister Edna escorted Sister Theodosia as she spent time at St. Ann’s Stein Center and assured her that her Sisters were a very vibrant and significant presence among those they serve.
One evening, Sister Theodosia was invited to the home of Sisters Joanne Meyer and Ann Kelley for a relaxing dinner, visiting, and prayer. On Cinco de Mayo, Sister Diana De Bruin treated our guest to a meal, appropriately at a Mexican restaurant! One of the sheer delights for Sister Theodosia was to spend time at the Mitchell Park Domes with Sister Ann, especially the Show Dome with beautiful displays of myriads of spring flowers. It was quite evident that nature’s beauty nurtures her spirit!
Sister Theodosia was most grateful for all the experiences, and she continued to express her gratitude for how we as a community assisted her Sisters when they had just moved here to begin their ministry.
Editor’s note: Here, the Tertiary Sisters, Sr. Perpetua Ntein “(TSSF)”. picks up to give us some color about Sr. Theodosia’s visit.
For Sr. Theodosia, the visit to Wisconsin was an opportunity to reconnect with the Tertiary Sisters serving in Milwaukee and with many longtime friends and partners of the congregation. Beyond the meetings and activities, it was a time to reflect on the many ways Franciscan communities continue to support one another across continents.
A meaningful stop was La Crosse, home of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA), whose friendship with the Tertiary Sisters spans nearly three decades. The visit offered an opportunity to celebrate a relationship that has touched countless lives through shared ministry and a common commitment to Franciscan values.
One of the most memorable moments was hearing Sr. Marla Lang recall how the Franciscan Common Venture began nearly 30 years ago with a simple conversation over coffee with Sr. Anna Nyuydini, TSSF. That story served as a reminder that enduring partnerships often begin with small acts of trust and a willingness to dream together.
Sr. Theodosia also spent time with Rochelle Nicks and Jane Comeau, whose support has helped advance the congregation’s mission initiatives and website, as well as Mike Schnitzius and members of Friends of Cameroon in La Crosse. Throughout the visit, she expressed gratitude for the many friendships, partnerships, and acts of generosity that have strengthened the mission of the Tertiary Sisters over the years.