Blessings Expressions of Faith
School Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
Item No.: SP094
History
In 1842, the Most Reverend Roman Sebastian Zaengerle, Prince Bishop of Seckau, founded the Congregation of the School Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, in Gratz, Austria. Some years later, with the aid of Countess Louise Stadion, six Sisters left the Austrian Motherhouse for the purpose of furthering Christian education in Czecho-Slovakia. There, with the generous support of the countess, they erected a Motherhouse in 1888. From this new branch an American foundation was established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1913.
Purpose
The general aim of the community is the promotion of God’s glory and the sanctification of its members; the special aim is the Christian education of youth.
Training
The six-month postulancy is followed by a one-year novitiate. Temporary vows are pronounced upon the completion of the novitiate. After five years in temporary vows the sister is admitted to the profession of perpetual vows. During this time, the sisters continue their spiritual formation while taking undergraduate courses toward the fulfillment of their professional degrees.
Qualifications
• The desire to spend her life with God in the service of others.
• Age: the maximum age is 30.
Habit
The sisters wear a black habit, and veil. At the right, three knots symbolic of the three vows are tied on the cincture.
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