One Heart
United with the World
We, Hospital Sisters of St.Francis, live as a community of prayer and service within the worldwide network of Franciscans.
The generalate is located in Münster, Germany. Sisters rooted in Germany, Poland, the U.S., India, and other places live the Gospel in the fields of medical care, welfare, education, etc. and share the Lord's love.
Even though we speak different languages and cultures, we are connected in prayer and walk together with sharing one mission.
Internationality
Generalate
Generalate
In 1853, the first General Superior, Josephine Elkmann, came to the new Motherhouse mo in Münster to fulfill a number of duties. Here was laid the modest foundation of the chancellorship, the cornerstone of a reign that has now spread worldwide.
Motherhouse Convent
The General Superior, together with the General Vicaress, holds meetings for the entire Congregation and also organizes General Chapter and International meetings. Currently, the General Superior, together with members of the General Leadership, resides in a separate Convent adjacent to the Motherhouse Convent on the grounds of the General Motherhouse.
The General Superior visits sisters in all countries, spends time with them, gives them advice, and participates in the provincial Chapter. The Generalate also includes a Secretarial office, which is open to all sisters in all Province for communication and other work
The sign of the bond of our religious family
As an international congregation, we wear the common badge, the sign of membership, whenever and wherever we are.
The sign of the bond of our religious family is the knotted cord that surrounds the Τ (Tau). This knot signifies the desire of our sisters to voluntarily commit ourselves to our congregation and to follow Jesus Christ by a life of poverty, obedience, and celibate chastity. The circular shape of the cord symbolizes the earth and thereby the international community. At the same time, it represents we are gathered around Christ in the healing ministry.
From this center grows the power of service in faith and the unity of the religious family as a Franciscan community.
On the reverse side of this Τ (Tau) is inscribed the statue of Pieta in Our Lady of Grac Chapel in Telgte, where the founder took care of pilgrims.
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membership
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Tau
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Our Lady of Sorrows
German Province
The German Province is the birthplace of our Congregation and has inherited the spirit of its founder, Father Christoph.
Even today, the sisters continue to serve in the fields of medical care and social welfare.
Polish Province
The Polish Province is committed to deepening religious life and community involvement. Through welfare activities, we work to convey the love of Christ in a tangible way.
Canonical House
Canonical House in United State is one of the bases of activity of the Congregation. Here, the sisters engage in medical and welfare activities and contribute to the local community.
Indian Province
The Indian Province has a large number of younger generation Sisters who serve in the areas of education and nursing.
They develop activities that meet the needs of the community and provide support that is close to the local population.
Related Facilities
Himeji St. Mary's Hospital
The historic Himeji St. Mary's Hospital was established on February 2, 1950.In a spirit rooted in the love of Christ, we will support the “life, health, and livelihood” of everyone in the community by being close to people at every stage of their lives, from the beginning to the end, and by providing complete community-based medical care, nursing care, and welfare.
St. Francis Hospital
St. Francis Hospital was established in October 1949 and operates under the philosophy of "aiming to provide high-quality medical care that is trusted by the community based on the spirit of Christ's love. The hospital provides not only acute care, but also a wide range of medical services, including health promotion, rehabilitation, and support for returning home as well as home medical care and nursing care. Through “medical care that heals and supports” promoted by the government, the hospital aims to become a center where local residents can live with peace of mind.
On September 30, 2019, St. Francis Hospital was transferred to the Archdiocese of Nagasaki.
Long-Term Care Health Facility Maria Villa
Opened on February 29, 1992, Maria Villa, a long-term care health facility for the elderly, accompanies those in need of medical care with generous kindness and sincere love in the spirit of Christ. Through medical care centering on lifestyle rehabilitation and nursing care, we will support them together with their families so that they can lead comfortable lives at home and in the community as soon as possible.
Lourdes Comprehensive Support Center
The Lourdes Comprehensive Support Center for the persons with Severely Disabled officially started operations in April 2017 and is established and operated by Himeji St. Mary's Hospital. The center provides comprehensive support for children and people with severe physical and mental disabilities from the fields of medical care, welfare, and education.
