50th First Profession
Sister Anita Louise Franz
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1971
First profession: 1976
Final profession: 1979
Education: Bachelor’s in secondary education history, University of Missouri, St. Louis
Master’s in Christian spirituality, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
Master’s in social work, University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of the Pillar School, St. Louis, 1976-78
Teacher, St. Casimir School, St. Louis, 1979-82
Teacher, St. Francis of Assisi School, St. Louis, 1982-83, 1984-85
Teacher, Transfiguration School, St. Louis, 1985-86
Pastoral associate and director of religious education, St. Joseph Parish, St. Louis, 1997-98
Formation minister, Sts. John and James Parish, St. Louis, 2004-06
Therapist, Foundations for Change, St. Louis, 2022-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, West Frankfort, Illinois, 1983-84; Omaha, Nebraska, 1986-88
Director of religious education in Olathe, Kansas, 1990-94; Chicago, 1994-96; Austin, Texas, 2011-13
Pastoral associate in Fairmont, West Virginia, 1998-2004; Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2007-11
Therapist, Pediatric Psychotherapy Associates, Austin, Texas, 2013-22
About Sister Anita Louise Franz: Sister Anita is a native St. Louisan and an avid Cardinals fan for whom the highlight of each summer is attending the ballgame hosted by the Serra Club. Her vocation was nurtured by the Franciscan Sisters who taught her at Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Cool Valley. She is particularly grateful to Sisters Julienne, Patricia Ann (Harriet Marie) and Lucia for their inspiration in 7th and 8th grades. Among Sister Anita’s hobbies are crocheting, reading, walking outdoors and traveling. She has been blessed to travel to Rome, Assisi, Germany (to visit her father’s family) and Hawaii to visit her lifelong friend. In understanding the many times she has packed and moved, she turns to Luke 4:43, “But He said to them, ‘To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.’”
Sister Mary Joann Kremer
Birthplace: Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska
Entrance: 1972
First profession: 1975
Final profession: 1979
Education: Bachelor’s in education, Fontbonne College, St. Louis
Bachelor’s in biology, Belleville University, Belleville, Illinois
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Casimir School, St. Louis, 1975-76; St. Pius X School, St. Louis, 1976-77
Principal, St. Bartholomew School, St. Louis, 1988-92
Teacher, St. Boniface School, St. Louis, 1992-95; St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Louis, 1995-99; Our Lady of the Pillar School, St. Louis, 1999-2001; and Sts. John and James School, St. Louis, 2001-02
Adult education, Our Lady’s Inn, St. Louis, 2002-04
Volunteer coordinator, Room at the Inn, St. Louis, 2004-07
Activities coordinator, Mary, Queen and Mother, St. Louis, 2007-08
Art teacher, Christ Light of the Nations School, St. Louis, 2007-08
Early childcare, St. Louis, 2008
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Chicago, 1979-80; Oak Creek, Wisconsin, 1980-82; Fairview Heights, Illinois, 1982-88
So Others May Eat (S.O.M.E.), Washington, D.C.
Annunciation House. El Paso, Texas
Lazarus House, New Orleans
School Sisters of Notre Dame, Immokalee, Florida
Missionaries of the Poor, Cap Haitian, Haiti
About Sister Mary Joann Kremer: Sister Mary Joann was born at Offutt Air Force Base in Sarpy County, Nebraska. Her family’s Air Force ties led to her attendance at international and national schools which helped shape her heart and desire to serve God’s “little ones.” Sister Mary Jo’s ministries and volunteerism have called her to be educator, nurse, baker, tutor, coordinator, artist. As a volunteer she has worked with migrants, refugees, the homeless, drug abuse victims and HIV/AIDS patients. Sister Mary Joann is happiest when she can serve the needs of God’s people. She says, “I have been blessed abundantly. I am grateful for these 50 years with my community and ministering to the people of God. To my sisters in community, my siblings and many close friends, I am indebted to you for your faithful and prayerful companionship. I am also grateful to those whose generous financial support enabled me to minister in Haiti.”
60th First Profession
Sister Gabriel Marie Arellano
Birth name: Maria Trinidad Arellano
Birthplace: Florencia, Zacatecas, Mexico
Entrance: 1962
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1970
Education: Instituto Zacatecano De Educacion Para Adultos
Nurse aide certification, Green Springs, Ohio
Service in the archdiocese: Nurse aide, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nursing Home, St. Louis, 1974-79
Sacristan, Transfiguration Parish, St. Louis, 1981-82
Nurse aide and sacristan, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Motherhouse, Ferguson, 1982-84
Nurse assistant, Delmar Gardens North, St. Louis, 2002-04
Nurse assistant, Delmar Gardens South, St. Louis, 2004-05
Receptionist and aide, Regina Cleri, St. Louis, 2005-21
Service outside the archdiocese: Catechist, Mission, Mexico, 1970-74
Nurse aide, St. Francis Rehabilitation Hospital, Green Springs, Ohio, 1984-2001
About Sister Gabriel Marie Arellano: Sister Gabriel Marie was born in Florencia, Zacatecas, Mexico. She entered the Community of Our Lady of Fatima of Tlalnepantla, Edo de Mexico in 1965 and professed final vows in 1970. After ministering with the Franciscan Sisters in St. Louis, Sister Gabriel says, “Something in my heart stirred. The Lord guided me, the doors opened, and I loved the spirit of the community,” and she transferred to the Franciscans of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1980. She continued her ministry in health care for the sick and elderly, serving in Ohio and Missouri. Upon leaving health care service, Sister Gabriel assumed the responsibilities of receptionist and aide at Regina Cleri in St. Louis. Her work and dedication were acknowledged when she was awarded the Cardinal Rigali Service Award in 2013. As Sister Gabriel ponders her life, she says she enjoys having time for prayer, for daily Mass, for enjoying some activities and being with her sisters at Mother of Perpetual Help Residence. She wants others to know she is proud to be a Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and that has great love for the sick and for Mother Earth. Her motto for living is, “Lord, without You, I can do nothing.”
Sister Olivia Marie Bellegante
Birth name: Mary Bellegante
Birthplace: Sopris, Colorado
Entrance: 1962
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Marillac College, St. Louis
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Bartholomew School, St. Louis, 1966-70
Teacher, St. Pius X School, St. Louis, 1973-75
Teacher, Holy Ghost School, Berkeley, 1980-82
Teacher, Our Lady of the Pillar School, St. Louis, 1985-91
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Stockton, California, 1965-66; Trinidad, Colorado, 1970-73, 1977-80, 1994-2004; Fairview Heights, Illinois, 1975-77; Olathe, Kansas, 1982-85; Monroe, Louisiana, 1991-93; Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1993-94
About Sister Olivia Marie Bellegante: Sister Olivia Marie delights in her memories of teaching numerous students throughout her teaching ministry. She loved sharing her gifts and talents, her sense of humor, her athletic abilities (she was a cheerleader in high school), and her Franciscan joy with her students, staff and parents. In 2001, she retired from full-time teaching in Colorado but continued to share her many gifts with the elderly and homebound as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. Aware of her deep love of education, Sister Olivia was asked to share her experience, knowledge, and influence at Holy Trinity School and at the public schools in Trinidad, Colorado as a substitute teacher. She is proud of being a friend, mentor, support, and an example of true Franciscan joy to the many people God has placed in her life. Now fully retired, Sister Olivia continues to enjoy visiting with others, participating in activities at Mother of Perpetual Help Residence and providing a word of comfort or joy as a true Franciscan. She thanks the Lord for numerous blessings throughout her life and the gift of family, friends and community.
Sister Monica Marie Laws
Birth name: Carolyn Damonte Laws
Birthplace: Madisonville, Louisiana
Entrance: 1962
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Marillac College, St. Louis
Master’s in English, Saint Louis University, St. Louis
Doctorate in British literature, Saint Louis University, St. Louis
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Casimir School, St. Louis, 1970-73
Teacher, St. Pius X High School, Festus, 1983-84
Teacher, Our Lady of the Pillar, St. Louis, 1985-89
Leadership team, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1990-95
Minister general, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1995-05
Director of mission integration, St. Anthony Medical Center, St. Louis, 2007-09
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, 1969-70; Omaha, Nebraska, 1973-83
Professor, English Department, Arkansas State University, 1989-90
Vice president of mission integration, Hospital Sisters Health System, Springfield, Illinois, 2009-19
About Sister Monica Marie Laws: Sister Monica’s teaching ministry spans from second grade through university level. She served her religious community first as a member of the Leadership Team and then was elected as Minister General of her community. Sister Monica enjoys reading mystery novels and claims that, as a good literature teacher, she carries a book with her at all times. Dedicated to keeping her mind sharp, Sister Monica enjoys completing Word Jumbles. Truly a Franciscan, she loves to work outdoors, tending to flowers. An avid walker, she clocks several miles a day, weather permitting. She continues to stay active and involved by volunteering at her community’s administrative site and volunteering at St. Anthony’s Food Pantry. Sister Monica is most grateful to her gracious God, her family, her friends and her Franciscan Sisters who have journeyed on this great adventure of life.
Sister Gayle Moore
Birth name: Norma Gayle Moore
Birthplace: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1964
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis
Service in the archdiocese: Community infirmarian, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1975-76
Nurse, Lutheran Convalescent Home, St. Louis,1996-97
Nurse, Mary, Queen and Mother, St. Louis, 1997-99
Service outside the archdiocese: Nurse, Villa Maria Hospital, Green Springs, Ohio, 1965-66; St. Mary Hospital, Humboldt, Tennessee, 1966-72; Villa Maria Hospital, Green Springs, Ohio, 1972-75; Marian Home, Fort Dodge, Iowa, 1976-86; St. Joseph Nursing Home, Monroe, Louisiana, 1986-90; Colonial Manor, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1990-94; Franciscan Villa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1994-96; St. Joseph’s Home, Monroe, Louisiana, 1999-2003
Medical records, West Monroe Guest House, Monroe, Louisiana, 2003-18
About Sister Gayle Moore: Sister Mary Gayle cherished her ministry as a nurse. Her calm manner, her gentle touch and her dry sense of humor endeared and continues to endear her to all she meets, especially her sisters in community. While she is a woman of few words, when she speaks, others listen to her words of practical wisdom. Sister Gayle is a talented seamstress and shares this gift by working magic on clothes, especially on sisters’ jubilee outfits. When she isn’t doing an act of charity through her sewing, she loves to crochet items that can be donated to the poor or to support the Franciscan Sisters for Earth efforts. Sister Gayle currently enjoys retirement, especially her ministry of praying for the needs of the world. Her special devotion is praying for the dying, which, in her opinion, is the most important moment of a person’s life. Sister Gayle wants others to know, “I am very thankful for being given a Catholic faith and a religious vocation.” Her favorite prayer is, “O, good Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy.”
Sister Mary Jane (Sister Virgene) Nowakowski
Birthplace: Chicago
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1964
Final profession: 1967
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Marillac College, St. Louis
Master’s in mathematics, Webster College, St. Louis
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Adalbert School, St. Louis, 1965-70
Principal, St. Pius X, St. Louis, 1986-89
Business manager, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1998-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Clyde, Ohio, 1964-65; Oak Creek, Wisconsin, 1970-74; Weirton, West Virginia, 1974-78; Omaha, Nebraska,1978-83; Bucyrus, Ohio, 1983-86
Principal, St. Albert the Great, Fairview Heights, Illinois, 1989-98
About Sister Mary Jane Nowakowski: Sister Mary Jane was born in Chicago but grew up on a small farm in southern Illinois. As the oldest of 9 children, Sister Mary Jane delights in attending numerous family gatherings throughout the year. While she enjoys reading historical and fictional books, one of her passions is traveling, especially to National Parks. Her travels are enhanced by her love of swimming and water skiing. Sister Mary Jane also loves to bake and crochet hats and afghans. Having been a teacher for many years, she loved being a Catholic school educator and principal, especially working with students and meeting their wonderful parents. Sister Mary Jane currently ministers to her community as its business manager. She feels her life has been and continues to be blessed and advocates St. Francis’ words, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”
Sister Colleen Olsen
Birth name: Judith Marie Olsen
Birthplace: Chicago
Entrance: 1963
First profession: 1966
Final profession: 1969
Education: Bachelor’s in education, Marillac College, St. Louis
Bachelor’s in nursing, Maryville College, St. Louis
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Casimir School, St. Louis, 1968-70, 1972-73
Nurse, St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Louis, 1999-2008
Nurse, DePaul Hospital, St. Louis, 2006
Health and wellness coordinator, Franciscan Sisters, St. Louis, 2008-18
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, West Monroe, Louisiana, 1966-68; Humboldt, Tennessee, 1970-72
Teacher, St. Joseph School, Bastrop, Louisiana, 1973-76; Merrillville, Indiana, 1976-79
Licensed practical nurse, St. Francis Rehabilitation Hospital, Green Springs, Ohio, 1981-83
Health care staff, St. Mary’s Hospital, South Milwaukee, 1991-99
About Sister Colleen Olsen: Born in Chicago and raised in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, Sister Colleen is true to her roots by being an avid Chicago Cubs fan. She feels blessed to be a Franciscan and to have served her Franciscan community and God’s people as a teacher and a nurse. She experienced 11 trips to El Salvador to share her nursing skills to bring healing to others. Sister Colleen was also the Health and Wellness Coordinator for her community. She feels those times were grace-filled and changed her heart forever. Called to see all as sister or brother, Sister Colleen continues to serve those in need at St. Anthony Food Pantry and is a Eucharistic minister for those unable to attend Mass. Also, for the past 20 years she has faithfully journeyed with an inmate at Bonne Terre Penitentiary and has befriended his family as well. Ever so proud to be a Franciscan, Sister Colleen, “can’t believe it’s been 60 years.” She is grateful to her loving Lord for calling her to be a Franciscan and for placing so many wonderful people in her life.
Sister Pauline (Sister Mary Nanette) Schwandt
Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska
Entrance: 1961
First profession: 1964
Final profession: 1967
Education: Bachelor’s in theology, Marillac College, St. Louis
Master’s in religious studies, Saint Louis University, St. Louis
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of the Pillar, St. Louis, 1965-68
Teacher, Holy Ghost School, St. Louis, 1968-70
Director of associate membership, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1991-92
Leadership team member, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 2005-10
Minister general, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 2010-15
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher in Illinois, Michgan, Indiana and Nebraska, 1964-65 and 1970-76
Director of religious education at parishes in Nebraska for the Archdiocese of Omaha and for the Diocese of Baker, Oregon, 1976-90
Franciscan communications consultant for DeSales Program, Maryhurst, Oregon, 1990-91
Pastoral associate in New Mexico, 1992-94
Director of lay ministry, Diocese of Billings/Great Falls, Montana, 1995-98
Director of evangelization, St. Mary’s Parish, Corvallis, Oregon, 1998-2005
Human trafficking volunteer and director of adult education and outreach to homebound, Omaha, Nebraska, 2016-24
About Sister Pauline Schwandt: Sister Pauline relishes her Polish and German roots. She enjoys baking using her mother’s pecan pie and strawberry pie recipes. She cheers for all Nebraska Husker sports and Creighton’s men’s basketball team. Sister Pauline thoroughly enjoys contemporary theology books by her favorite spiritual authors. She believes her Franciscan vocation was nurtured by her family and by observing her cousin, Sister Madonna, when she came for home visits. She served as a member of her community’s Leadership Team from 2005-10 and then was elected Minister General of the community from 2010-15. Some of Sister Pauline’s favorite memories come from many years spent in rural catechetical ministries. It was in those circumstances that she, and those with whom she ministered, realized their work as disciples of Christ. Currently, Sister Pauline works against the human trafficking of young people in Omaha. She views her ministry as “loving the world.” She is grateful to God for the call to serve as a Franciscan Sister and for all who have journeyed with her throughout the years and the places.
Sister Jacqueline Svellinger
Birth name: Joyce Ann Svellinger
Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio
Entrance: 1962
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in elementary education, Northeast Louisiana State University, Monroe, Louisiana
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis of Assisi School, St. Louis, 1982-85
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, West Frankfort, Illinois, 1965-68; Weirton, West Virginia, 1968-70; Monroe, Louisiana, 1970-77; Omaha, Nebraska, 1977-79; El Paso, Texas, 1979-82; Bastrop, Louisiana, 1985-89; Clyde, Ohio, 1989-92; Wichita, Kansas, 1992-2000; Olathe, Kansas, 2000-03; Logansport, Indiana, 2003-10
Teacher aide, Pine Hills Learning Center, Logansport, Indiana, 2010-15
Volunteer, Parkview Hospital and Veterans Medical Center, Logansport, Indiana, 2015-23
About Sister Jacqueline Svellinger: Sister Jacqueline is known for her numerous years as a Catholic school primary educator. Ever an avid sports enthusiast and fan, she had a passion for playing baseball. She continues her love of sports by following her favorite teams: the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cardinals. Her competitive spirit carries over into her love for Bingo and playing cards. She also enjoys completing word searches and reading, as well as dabbling in latch hook projects. Sister Jacqueline has great devotion to praying the Rosary, and she enjoys walking and bird watching. Her volunteerism at the Veterans Medical Center was acknowledged when she was awarded Volunteer of the Month. As Sister Jacqueline reflects on life as a religious, she recalls her favorite Scripture passage, “I will never forget you. See, upon the palm of my hand, I have engraved your name.” (Isaiah 49:16)
75th First Profession
Sister Marcia Suter
Birth name: Rose Marie Suter
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1947
First profession: 1950
Final profession: 1953
Education: Bachelor’s in education, Webster College, St. Louis
Library science, Fontbonne College, St. Louis
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Holy Family School, Port Hudson, 1957-60
Teacher, St. Pius X School, St. Louis, 1964-66, 1974-79
Teacher, St. Francis of Assisi School, St. Louis, 1980-93
Administrative assistant, Villa Maria/ Good Shepherd Maternity Residence, St. Louis, 1994-2008
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Johnston City, Illinois, 1950-57; West Frankfort, Illinois, 1960-61; West Monroe, Louisiana, 1961-63; Humboldt, Tennessee, 1963-64; Clyde, Ohio, 1972-73; Chicago Ridge, Illinois, 1973-74; and Weirton, West Virginia, 1979-80
About Sister Marcia Suter: Sister Marcia Suter, born and raised in St. Louis, proudly claims her Swiss roots and the fact that her parents immigrated from Switzerland to be with family members residing in St. Louis. Sister Marcia says she was drawn to the Franciscan Sisters in elementary school because the sisters, “were around, supervising recess, playing with students, training us in choir.” Her many years as a Catholic school educator and administrator enhanced her secretarial skills when she retired from education. Sister Marcia thoroughly enjoyed ministering as administrative assistant at Villa Maria for 15 years. In retirement, she enjoys quiet time, reading and completing word searches. She also enjoys our large Community gatherings, as well as the smaller group spiritual and recreational activities. She is dedicated to praying the Memorare and loves the song, “Edelweiss.” She says, “I’m a happy Franciscan Sister living my retirement years at Mother of Perpetual Help Residence with my community of sisters and the other residents.”
