With our whole being, in Relationship, Gospel Living and Unity in Diversity, may we give witness to the goodness that is all around us.

A "bishops chair," crafted by Egid Hackner, was recently moved from St. Rose Convent to the La Crosse Area Heritage Center, where it will be on display through Oct. 25.

The La Crosse County Historical Society is sharing the goodness of FSPA's 175th anniversary of prayer, witness and service in the exhibition, "The Hackner Touch: A Legacy of Sacred Craftsmanship," and the La Crosse Tribune is telling the story.

Master woodcarver and sculptor Egid Hackner, who came to the United States from Munich, Germany, founded the E. Hackner Company of La Crosse in 1881, designed statues, built altars and carved wood for Mary of the Angels Chapel as it was constructed from 1902 to 1906. Some of his work, including a "bishop's chair," as well as items crafted by his daughter, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Marietta Hackner, will be on display through Oct. 25 at the La Crosse Heritage Center.

There's much more to the Hackner story, as told in the La Crosse Tribune article "New exhibit showcases Hackner family's legacy of fine craftmanship created for nation's churches." Read it here.

FSPA Integral Ecology Director Beth Piggush recently joined five panelists from around the world to discuss integral ecology practices that address environmental and social challenges in the Laudato Si Action Platform webinar "Voices of Hope and Faith: Global Catholic Religious in the Heart of Climate Action."

"Men and women religious around the world are often in locations and in contact with communities affected by the environmental and social challenges of today’s ecological crises. Inspired by their faith and their charisms, they are discovering integral ecology as an essential part of their mission and are taking action to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor."

Watch Beth's contribution to the discussion in the short video above (7:30 minutes) and visit fspa.org to learn more about FSPA's commitment to care for all creation.

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Thea Bowman and Meg Paulino, FSPA Archivist and affiliate.

Mississippi Catholic is sharing "Progress and prayers: Sister Thea Bowman's cause update." Her cause for sainthood is in the diocesan phase that includes a historical commission "delving into the writing of Sister Thea and compiling a highly structured document that will profile her piety and include a biography." Meg Paulino, FSPA archivist and affiliate, is recognized for coordinating the transcription process — "quite an undertaking" — as well as witness testimonies. To read the article in full, visit mississippicatholic.com.

In celebration of 175 years of prayer, witness and service, FSPA is sharing our legacy of art, beauty and joy in a visual art experience. Twelve FSPA artists are telling personal stories about their work and sharing inspiration behind the pieces showcased in their virtual galleries.

Our current featured artist is Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Karen Kappell, who shares how the interconnectedness of art and nature inspires her to create. Watch her video interview (above) and visit fspa.org, where you can read about her ministry of art, view her gallery and experience art by other FSPA artists. We will introduce you to a new artist every month throughout 2024.

"When I say yes to becoming soup," writes Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Julia Walsh in the latest Messy Jesus Business blog, "Becoming Soup: on surrender to transformation," "I accept that I don't need to understand in order to give my heart fully to God. And this is good." Read more of Sister Julia's reflection at messyjesusbusiness.com, and click here to subscribe.

Taken in the early 1900s during construction of Mary of the Angels Chapel at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin, this photo features craftsmen from the Hackner Altar Company at work.

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Luanne Durst, whose education and ministries in religious life have included music and liturgy, recently sat down to play the organ in Mary of the Angel's Chapel at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

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