New Light for Poland
November 12, 1842 - A new light glistened for Poland when Frances Josephine Anne Siedliska was born in Roszkowa Wola, near Warsaw, at the palatial estate of her wealthy parents, Adolph and Cecilia Siedliski.
She was the offspring of a generation of Poles who lived through the most tragic period of the history of their fatherland, the ill-fated November Insurrection of 1830.
Although her parents Adolph and Cecilia Siedliski were victims of the anti-religious trend of their time, Frances was not a child of that generation. Instead, she became an apostle of religion in her home, her country and the Church.
Vocation and Beginnings
God came into her life through a zealous Capuchin, Father Leander Lendzian, who prepared her for First Holy Communion which kindled in her a burning desire to give herself completely to God. To realize this call, she struggled against the wishes of her family.
October 1, 1873
After the death of her father, Frances consecrated herself to the service of God and recognized her mission to establish a new religious congregation in the Church. In the petition presented to Pope Pius IX, she described the proposed congregation as one whose members aimed to model their lives on the hidden life and virtues of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
The chief purpose was total self-immolation through prayer, work and suffering offered for the intentions of the Vicar of Christ and the Church. Praying daily for the Church and the Holy Father became a time-honored tradition in the congregation she established.
Religious Life - Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd
The foundress took the name Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd in religious life. The early years of her congregation were very difficult, but her heroic faith, confidence and love eventually triumphed.
Roman Foundation
The congregation was established in Rome with a small pioneer group of candidates. The Sisters performed various apostolic services while Mother Mary directed her efforts to the formation of the spiritual life of the members.
First House in Poland
Mother Mary opened the first convent in Cracow, Poland.
Mission to the United States
Her apostolic zeal led to the United States where the congregation expanded magnificently.
Paris, France
After numerous efforts and many difficulties, Mother Mary opened a home in Paris.
London, England
Establishment of a house in London, further expanding the international mission of the Congregation.
Passage to Eternity
Gradually her labors drained her physical strength. Scarcely had she recovered from a serious illness when she began to work again. Under these superhuman efforts, she finally succumbed.
November 21, 1902
Her longing for heaven was shown in the words of the psalmist: "We shall go into the house of the Lord" and she gave her soul to God on the feast of the Presentation of Mary in Rome.
She bequeathed to her congregation the example of her life, the Rule, her instructions, her letters, and her last conference to the Sisters during which she spoke of her favorite subject - reciprocal charity.
Her death was lamented not only by her 291 Sisters in twenty-nine houses on both sides of the Atlantic but also by all who knew her.
Beatification
April 23, 1989
In proclaiming Mother Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd blessed, the Church gives to the world an example of one who completely surrendered herself to the disposition of the Father following the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Mission Today
Mother Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd showed by her personal example how to extend the Kingdom of God's love. Sisters imbued with her spirit continue to fulfill her mission through various apostolic services that respond to the contemporary needs of the Church and world.
Special Gift to the Church
The Sisters consider ministry to the family as their special gift to the Church, responding to the need for religious and moral renewal of family life.
Education
Running schools, kindergartens and educational centers
Healthcare
Ministry in hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers
Pastoral Care
Parish work, retreats, spiritual direction
Learn more about the Sisters of Nazareth
Visit the Pilgrim House in Loreto and discover the heritage of Blessed Frances Siedliska