Sisters Marie Theis and Mary Fabian Schneider celebrate 75 and 80 years, respectively, as members of the Order. Their collective years represent decades of dedicated service to the people of God in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. Both have seen many changes in the Church and their Franciscan congregation throughout their years in religious life.
Sister Marie Theis entered the novitiate at St. Francis Convent on October 29, 1938, and made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1944.
Originally from the St. Nicholas area, Sister Marie ministered in elementary education in Waite Park, St. Cloud and Elk River. Currently, Sister Marie lives in St. Cloud and serves as a member of the Holy Spirit choir, a Eucharistic minister and lector. As she looks back over the past 75 years, she says, “I am very grateful for having been called to religious life. I realize that no matter what lifestyle one follows, it must be worked at in order to succeed.”
Sister Mary Fabian entered the novitiate at St. Francis Convent on August 10, 1934, and made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1939.
Originally from Flensburg, Sister Mary Fabian ministered throughout the years in housekeeping at the various health-care facilities of the Franciscan Sisters and as a switchboard operator at the Motherhouse. As she looks back over her 80 years in religious life, she says, “I thank my BELOVED for the privilege of serving HIM through my various ministries.” She sums up these years as she exclaims with the Blessed Virgin Mary, “For He Who is mighty has done great things for me.”
A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on August 24 for Sisters Marie and Mary Fabian at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, followed by dinner and a reception for invited guests.
