Diocese: Essen
Pioneers: Sisters Juliet Molly Serrao and Tresa Martis
Franziska Christine Convent is located at the heart of Essen Steele; it lies six kilometres to the east of Essen Central railway station. At the request of Fürstine-Franziska-Christine-Stiftung (FFC Trust) at Essen Steele, to render service to its sick-aged, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters arrived at FFCS on December 1, 2011.
Two meetings were held between the officials of the FFCS and the European Region on July 25, 2009 and September 20, 2010 respectively. Mr Meinold Roth, President of Theresia-Albers- Stiftung and Mr Heidrich Hans Wilhelm, Director of Fürstine- Franziska-Christine-Stiftung, Mgr Tillmann, retired spiritual director of the FFCS, represented the FFCS while Sr Doreen D’Souza, Superior General, Sr Leena Rodrigues, Regional Superior, and Sr Severine Sequeira, Regional Councillor, represented the European Region. It was decided at the meetings that the Sisters would begin serving at the Institute by the end of December 2011.
On December 1, 2011, Sisters Juliet Molly Serrao and Tresa Martis arrived at the FFCS and began their mission. However, as their residence was not ready, they resided in the neighbouring community, Marienheim Essen Überruhr from where they commuted to Essen Steele daily. When the duo began residing at their house on December 28, 2011, the occasion was marked by celebration of the Eucharist. Fr Paul OCD highlighted the significance of this unique mission and prayed God’s blessings on the Sisters. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters from other four establishments in Germany and officials of the FFCS were present at the event. Pioneers to the FFCS were welcomed with flowers by its director; he also briefed those present on the history of the Trust. A delicious Indian meal drew curtains on the programme of the day.
Sisters Precilla D‘Cunha and Geeta Rani joined the community on October 19, 2012 and April 4, 2013 respectively. Work is demanding and challenging; however, commitment of the Sisters keeps them going joyfully in the service of those most in need. They distribute Communion to the sick. They are blessed with good working colleagues and officials. The Sisters hope and pray that the good work begun at the FFCS may arrive at a joyful fulfilment in the service of the aged at FFCS.
