Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

With sadness, we announce the departure of the Felician Sisters from the campus of Felician Village. This month the Felician Sisters currently residing at Felician Village will be leaving the campus. This marks a significant moment in our community’s history, as there will not be Sisters taking their place. While we deeply feel the weight of this transition, we remain grounded in gratitude for their presence, ministry, and legacy of compassion and care. We also want to reassure all who are part of our Felician Village family — residents, staff, families, and the broader community — that Felician Village remains a sponsored ministry of the Felician Sisters of North America. The values of Blessed Mary Angela continue to shape our mission, and our commitment to serve with joy, mercy, and reverence for all life is unwavering. Our ministry will continue to carry out the work of the Sisters with the support of Felician Services Incorporated.

For 138 years, the Felician Sisters have served in Manitowoc at Felician Village, originally called St. Mary’s Home. They have labored and prayed to bestow upon their cherished charges peace, happiness, and comfort. Their work has been blessed. In these years, they have provided a beautiful witness of dedication to the gospel message of caring for the least. Their service to the community, including orphans, diocesan priests, Franciscan friars, and the aging members of Manitowoc and the surrounding area has provided warmth, love, and generous hospitality.

The Sisters have brought the charism of Blessed Mary Angela Truskowska from Poland to North America in a complete and tangible manner. The Sisters continued to carry on the traditions begun by their pioneer Sisters who arrived here 150 years ago.  They have given life, nourishment, shelter, and care to generations of residents. They have welcomed lay people to share in their mission of continuing the healing ministry of Jesus by providing compassionate care that respects the dignity of each person they serve.

We are so very thankful for the ministry of all the Sisters who have served here over the last 138 years. We celebrate the service of Sr. Rosalie, Sr. Bernadette, and Sr. Bernetta as they move on from this space. We ask God to bless them for all that they have done to care for God’s people.

Blessed Angela: “May St. Felix be the guardian of your vows, may he obtain for you the virtues of humility and simplicity, and may your Guardian Angel keep you in his care.”