The birth of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters at St Marien Quartier Schwelm in the Diocese of Essen, Germany is an experience of the steadfast love of God overwhelming us with sentiments of gratitude to the Almighty
The birth of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters at St Marien Quartier Schwelm in the Diocese of Essen, Germany is an experience of the steadfast love of God overwhelming us with sentiments of gratitude to the Almighty.
Schwelm is situated in the southeast of the Ruhrgebiet, the Ruhr district of Germany, between Westphalia and the Bergisches Land. Schwelm is commonly known as the “Pforte Westfalena.
“A gift from God for our times, to this place I have called you” such an encouragement that it seemed to us nothing would be too difficult, and in an inner act, we agreed to carry out God’s will. We the Ursuline Franciscan Family of European Region rejoice over the new shoot. The new shoot—the Ursuline Franciscan Convent, St Marien Quartier Schwelm, is situated in the high mountains, colourful gardens, well-fortified houses and churches and is well connected by road and by train.
At the invitation of the Rev Ludger Schepers Auxiliary Bishop of Essen and Mrs Bettina Spitz the director of the Institute and with the due consent of the Superior General and Council, decided to open the 7th Community of the European Region. The culmination of this colourful event was the celebration of the Eucharist on 29th June 2024 at 5.00 p.m officiated by Most Rev Ledger Schepers Auxiliary Bishop of Essen Diocese, concelebrated by Emeritus Msgr. Januosek and participated by Sisters of neighbouring 6 communities, Senior citizens, staff of the Institute and the parishioners of the place. The Mass of the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul was chosen for the Eucharist. Sr Roshni Monis UFS in her introduction welcomed the gathering and explained the significance of the day. After the Mass the Auxiliary Bishop Ludger Schepers blessed the renovated and well-furnished UFS Convent constructed by the Contilia Stiftung and officially erected. The Pousaunenchor Schwelm added solemnity to the jubilation.
It was indeed a blessed day for us Sisters of the European Region and in particular to the pioneers, Sr Josephine Savera Rodrigues and Luviza D Souza, who were well set to bring good news to the Senior citizens and to the people of the place through pastoral and healing ministry. The Director of the house honoured and addressed the pioneers Sr Josephine and Sr Luviza with a short welcome note and with flowers.
Sr Leena Rodrigues the Regional Superior of the European Region thanked the Bishop and acknowledged with gratitude for the opportunity offered for the collaborative mission in his Diocese and all the collaborators who had been instrumental to begin the mission in this place. She also acknowledged the presence of the priests, parishioners, Senior citizens of the Institute and the colleagues and thanked them for their warm greetings, blessings and assurance of prayers. On this occasion Sr Leena Rodrigues honoured the Director of the Institute Mrs Bettina Spitz with a shawl and with flower bouquet for her strenuous efforts in realizing the plan, for making all the elaborate arrangements to give us a comfortable residence. She also extended the greetings of the Superior General to all the participants of the celebration and thanked them for the opportunity given to establish one more community in the Diocese of Essen so to extend our mission. Sr Leena thanked all those who witnessed this event and towards the end a delicious meal added joy for this celebration.