MERIDEN, CT (12-01-2023) – Fifty years ago on December 2, 1973, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist were established as a pontifical religious order of women by a decree of the Vatican’s Sacred Congregation for Religious. The Sisters were formerly members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
The erection of the new Congregation on December 2, followed upon a meeting with the Sacred Congregation in Rome of the President and Vice President of the Franciscan Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration and three representatives of the group that was to become the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.
Standing on the steps of St. Peter Basilica, Rome, on November 5, 1973, are, from left, Mother Ann Marie Kerper, former Mother General of FSPA; Mother Rita Brunner, former Provincial of FSPA Southern Province; and Mother Rosemae Pender, of FSPA Provisional Province, former Council Member, formation director, and leader of the experiment in Religious Life that resulted in the formation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.
Mother Rosemae Pender, was appointed Superior General of the new Congregation by the Vatican. Her assistants were Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Mother Rita Brunner and Mother Mary Ann Schmitz. The new Community numbered 55 Sisters.
Mother Rosemae Pender, FSE, (right), Superior General and Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE
Mother Rita Brunner, FSE and Mother Mary Ann Schmitz, FSE
Our Mothers General and Vicars General
1973-1981
Mother Rosemae and her three assistants, known as the Transformation Team, guided the Community during the founding years until the Constitutions were written and approved by the Vatican in 1981, after which elections were held.
1981-2005
Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother General (left), and Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Vicar General, from 1981-2005.
2005-2017
Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Mother General (right), and Mother Miriam Seiferman, Vicar General, 2005-2017.
2017-present
Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General (left), and Mother Barbara Johnson, Vicar General, 2017-present.
More to Come Throughout the Year
The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist plan to celebrate this 50-year milestone throughout the coming year with various events in their centers. The Sisters are located in Meriden, Connecticut, the motherhouse and formation center; Bridal Veil, Oregon; Pocatello, Idaho; Lowell, Michigan; Falls Church, Virginia; Boynton Beach, Florida; Burlington, Vermont; Lewiston, Maine; Vancouver, British Columbia; Jerusalem; Rome and Assisi, Italy.
The Lowell, Michigan center was featured on a local TV station before their Mass of celebration on December 2.