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

One of the reasons I love St. Francis is because of his humility. Br. Masseo, one of Francis’s first brothers, was unable to understand why so many people were running after Francis. His followers came from every walk of life: young and old, men and women, educated and unlettered, married and single, nobility and peasantry. All wanted to walk the way of Francis. What could it be? What was it that attracted all these people? Brother Masseo, said, "Why after you?" Saint Francis responded, "What do you mean?” Brother Masseo said, "Why does the whole world come after you, and everyone seems to desire to see you and hear you? You aren't a handsome man in body, you aren't someone of great learning, you're not noble; so why does the whole world come after you?"

Saint Francis turned to Brother Masseo and said, "You want to know why the whole world comes after me? Since eyes of the Most High God have not seen among sinners anyone more vile, nor more incompetent, nor a greater sinner than me; to perform that marvelous work, which he intends to do, He has chosen me to confound the nobility and the greatness and the strength and beauty and wisdom of the world, so that it may be known that every virtue and every good is from Him, and not from the creature, and no person may boast in His sight. But whoever boasts must boast in the Lord, to whom is every honor and glory forever." Brother Masseo was shocked at such a humble response, said with such fervor, and knew certainly that Saint Francis was truly grounded in humility.

Francis’s commitment to living a Gospel life of penance and service attracted thousands to his Order. Blessed Angela Truskowska was strongly influenced by this Franciscan Spirituality, and her congregation was named for St. Felix, the first Capuchin Franciscan saint. She too wanted to live the Gospel life of penance and service.

The charism of the Felician Sisters is what makes us different at Felician Village. We respond to the difficulties of our time with the charismatic creativity of the Sisters. A charism is given to a Founder by God, and is sustained by others, including us. It continues to call us. In response to the boundless love of God, the Felician Sisters surrender to God’s will in compassionate service, total availability, and concern for the salvation of all.

We continue to live out their charism in our own service. We continue to live out their charism by making sure the values permeate all we do. The charism of the Felician Sisters is our guide in our mission and our values at Felician Village.

Blessed Angela: “Do not give yourself credit even in the smallest things, but attribute it all to God.”