THE PROSPERING OF THE WORK
‘God’s designs’ become ministries
1883 – 1884
Roma, Borgo Nuovo, 151
1883 – 1884
Roma, Borgo Nuovo 151
On February 16, 1883 Mother Frances Streitel arrived alone in Rome and met Fr. Jordan. The latter shows her the apartment at Borgo Nuovo 151, near the Transpontina Church, which she will call “the house of Holy Poverty.” A few days later the house is furnished with three beds, three chairs and a simple table. She will live here, along with nine new vocations, until March 1, 1884.
1884 – 1885
Roma, Vicolo del Falco 18
1885
Roma, Borgo Santo Spirito 41
1885
Roma, Borgo Santo Spirito 41
As of December 1, 1885, thirty-six nuns, candidates and children cared for by the sisters moved from Vicolo del Falco to Borgo S. Spirito 41. The house, located near St. Peter’s Basilica, while enjoying an excellent location, was not a suitable building for a convent. However, it was decided to buy it and renovate it as needed. A few years later the house across the street was bought for the novitiate and it too was remodeled and restored. In Borgo Santo Spirito, the sisters devoted themselves to caring for the sick at home, scattered in different parts of the city, took care of poor children, orphans, and did a variety of household chores to provide for the needs of the community and the poor for whom, Mother Frances said, “no one pays a single penny,” that is, no one takes care of them. Although they received only small compensation for their service, they were always ‘satisfied,’ being full of love for the Lord and their neighbor. United in love, prayer and fidelity, they implored the help of St. Joseph to see to it that he would also identify missionary activities for them that could provide, at the same time, a minimum livelihood. So it happened. In fact, the first Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows left from here to gather aid, in Europe and America, and prudently screen further activities to be carried out. Borgo Santo Spirito was also a hotbed of good vocations. Indeed, in this house, guided by Mother Frances, living an austere life dedicated to prayer and service, many Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows were formed for mission in the Church. The Foundress resided here even after her deposition, until July 1905. The house in Borgo S. Spirito was the Mother House of the Congregation until 1925. The community still continues to serve the poor of Rome and the many pilgrims from various parts of the world.
1905
Italia, Castel Sant’Elia
Educational-assistance activities
1905
Castel Sant’Elia
As early as 1901 Bishop Doebbing, ordinary of the Diocese of Nepi and Sutri, was planning a kindergarten for Castel Sant’Elia, a village in his diocese, about 50 kilometers from Rome. Castel Sant’Elia was at the time a very poor village. The people of the village derived little from the land, which was not very fertile, and mothers were forced to work for a meager harvest needed to support their families. The bishop was well acquainted with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, having previously been their confessor, and therefore requested their presence in Castel Sant’Elia several times. In 1904 Mother Johanna, Superior General who succeeded Mother Frances after her deposition, finally gave in to his requests. For the opening of the kindergarten, Bishop Doebbing offered the sisters a spacious house with adjacent land. The house was renovated, and on May 25, 1905, the first three sisters arrived and set up a kindergarten and sewing school, while caring for the sick in their homes. On July 2, 1905, Mother Frances was also transferred to Castel Sant’Elia and here, alternating contemplation and charitable service, she cared for the younger sick children.
1923
Roma, Via Paolo III
Mother House
1923
Roma, Via Paolo III
Mother House
As early as April 2, 1923, plans for the construction of the convent and chapel on Via Paolo III had been submitted to the Vicar General of Rome, following the purchase in 1920 of a plot of land near the Vatican. Monsignor Vogel organized the construction company and, upon completion, on February 11, 1925, many of the sisters who lived in Borgo S. Spirito 41 moved into the new Motherhouse. The convent and chapel were solemnly inaugurated by Cardinal Frahwirt. Statues and Stations of the Cross were commissioned from Ortisei, Tyrol, and sculpted by the artist Ferdinand Stufleser. A larger chapel was instead inaugurated and solemnly consecrated March 18, 1933.
1955
Mondavio
Civil Hospital
1955
Mondavio, Italia
Civil Hospital
As of December 1, 1885, thirty-six nuns, candidates and children cared for by the sisters moved from Vicolo del Falco to Borgo S. Spirito 41. The house, located near St. Peter’s Basilica, while enjoying an excellent location, was not a suitable building for a convent. However, it was decided to buy it and renovate it as needed. A few years later the house across the street was bought for the novitiate and it too was remodeled and restored. In Borgo Santo Spirito, the sisters devoted themselves to caring for the sick at home, scattered in different parts of the city, took care of poor children, orphans, and did a variety of household chores to provide for the needs of the community and the poor for whom, Mother Frances said, “no one pays a single penny,” that is, no one takes care of them. Although they received only small compensation for their service, they were always ‘satisfied,’ being full of love for the Lord and their neighbor. United in love, prayer and fidelity, they implored the help of St. Joseph to see to it that he would also identify missionary activities for them that could provide, at the same time, a minimum livelihood. So it came to pass. In fact, the first Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows left from here to collect aid, in Europe and America, and prudently screen further activities to be carried out. Borgo Santo Spirito was also a hotbed of good vocations. Indeed, in this house, guided by Mother Frances, living an austere life dedicated to prayer and service, many Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows were formed for mission in the Church. The Foundress resided here even after her deposition, until July 1905. The house in Borgo S. Spirito was the Mother House of the Congregation until 1925. The community still continues to serve the poor of Rome and the many pilgrims from various parts of the world.
1955
Roma, Capannelle
Nursery School and parish activities
1955
Roma, Capannelle
On November 15, 1955 in Capannelle, on the outskirts of Rome, the foundation stone is laid for the construction of a branch house and kindergarten. The school was inaugurated on October 4, 1956. On Nov. 4 of the same year, the sisters begin teaching and give private lessons in music and foreign languages. In addition to their service in the school, they become involved in the leadership and formation of young people in St. Barbara Parish. Then, in 1965, a new section of the Kindergarten was opened.
1957-2006
Fossà – Italia
Nursery School
1957 – 2006
Fossà, Italia
On Sept. 17, two sisters from Rome traveled to Fossà, a hamlet of San Donà di Piave, Venice, to see the place where they had been invited to direct a Kindergarten, the “Mamma Margherita” School, near St. John Bosco Parish. Their residence and the nursery school premises were very welcoming, as were the parish priest and the local people. About three months later, on Nov. 13, two sisters and a postulant began their apostolate, also taking care of catechesis and parish animation. Later the Work would also become a center for vocation ministry in northern Italy. The activity ended in 2006.
1961
Mondavio – Italia
St. Joseph Institute
1961
Mondavio, Italia
Already on April 3, 1957, Bishop Paupini had donated a piece of land to the congregation with the intention of building an orphanage, which would be inaugurated on October 1, 1961. By May 1962, the St. Joseph Institute was already welcoming 65 girls. The aims of the work were to provide a modern and joyful home, affection,
education, cultural, professional and religious preparation. In the same tructure, on the ground floor, also opened the Nursery School separate from the Institute, which housed about 40 children. In the years 1975-1978, having closed the orphanage, the house will continue to host in the summer period teenagers from Rome, children of the employees of the State Polygraph.
1965
Capannelle, Italia
St. Joseph’s Retirement Home
1965
Capannelle, Italia
On May 30, 1963, the foundation stone was laid for the construction of the St. Joseph Rest Home. The facility was solemnly inaugurated by Cardinal Traglia, who consecrated the altar of the chapel on Nov. 6, The home, located at 19 Longobucco St., is bordered by the Nursery School at 12 Chalice St., and
accommodates more than 60 elderly people. The facility offers nursing care, medical clinic, religious care, motor and recreational activities and other services. On Feb. 26, 1989, Pope John Paul II visited the nursing home and greeted the guests and sisters of the community. From April 12, 1985 until today, a small part of the facility has been reserved as the Region’s headquarters. Due to increasingly demanding and complicated bureaucratic reasons, in 2020 the facility and operations were given to another entity, which guarantees the presence and service of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.
1972-1979
Roma
Francesca House for pilgrims
1972 – 1979
Rome, Casa Francesca, Borgo
On Dec. 27, 1972, after various negotiations with the Curia of the Salvatorians, part of the Cesi Palace Structure was rented as a branch to expand the hospitality business at Borgo S. Spirito, 41, known as Casa Francesca at 13 Pancrazio Pfeiffer Street. On Dec. 31, 1979, due to bureaucratic reasons and lack of members, the business was closed and the lease with the Salvatorians was not renewed.
1975
Capannelle, Roma
Sacred Family Elementary School
1975
Capannelle, Roma
Sacred Family Elementary School
On January 1, 1975, a new facility for an elementary school was added to the existing building in Capannelle and was to be called “Holy Family.” The school is committed to offering a human formation inspired by the Gospel, respecting different cultures, carrying out an educational action based on Franciscan pedagogical principles. Also included in the reorganization of programs is a pre-school, 5-class elementary school, canteen, Bus service, extra sports and art activities and summer camps.
1975-1980
Sorbo Serpico, Italia
Nursery School
1975-1980
Sorbo Serpico, Italia
Nursery School
On 31 May, an agreement was signed with the parish priest, Father Sergio Bruno, and the mayor of Sorbo Serpico, a small village in the province of Avellino. The sisters, invited with the aim of running the parish kindergarten and engaging in catechetical and pastoral services in the parish, arrived on 21 July 1975, warmly welcomed by the people of the village and the ecclesiastical and civil authorities. On 27 May 1980, due to the earthquake that destroyed almost the entire village, the sisters suspended this service.
1979
Mondavio, Italia
St. Joseph’s Retirement Home
1979
Mondavio, Italia
St. Joseph’s Retirement Home
When the work with the girls in the St. Joseph Institute came to an end, the house was renovated to accommodate the elderly of the Region. In 1979, the facility was converted and equipped as a Rest Home for the Elderly and opened on 30 September. The house and activities are managed by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows until 2020, assisted by an external administrator. A new management, still with the presence and service of the Sisters, will take care of the work.
1980
Assisi, Italia
Chiara House
1980
Assisi, Italia
Chiara House
On 24 September 1979, ‘Casa Chiara’ in Assisi was purchased and on 24 August of the following year, after the renovations were completed, it was inaugurated and immediately the Italian-speaking sisters stayed for spiritual exercises. Work begins with young people visiting Assisi and they are offered hospitality and guidance to the various sanctuaries.
Meanwhile, a collaboration develops with the Franciscan fathers of St Mary of the Angels and inter-congregational meetings, marches, missions to the people in the Franciscan style and other activities are organised. As soon as the first new vocations arrived, the house became the Novitiate for the Region of Italy and for other novices of the Congregation. The House was renovated several times due to the earthquakes it suffered, one on 17 October 1982 and the other with serious damage on 26 September 1997, to the point that the novitiate had to be moved to Santa Maria degli Angeli until 2002.
1990
Santa Maria degli Angeli, Italia
Francesca House
1990
S. Maria degli Angeli, Italia
Casa Francesca
Il 30 dicembre del 1987 viene acquistata una casa, chiamata “Casa Francesca”, con due appartamenti a Santa Maria degli Angeli in via della Repubblica. Solamente il 26 dicembre del 1990 alcune suore della comunità di Casa Chiara vi vengono trasferite per fare l’accoglienza ai giovani che aumentavano sempre più
e per svolgere più adeguatamente la pastorale giovanile e vocazionale. Per alcuni anni è stata anche casa di formazione per le postulanti. Le suore hanno svolto questo ministero nella Casa Francesca fino al 2016 quando è stata ultimata la nuova costruzione della nuova Casa Francesca in via Pio X, sempre a Santa Maria
degli Angeli. Casa Francesca è stata data dalla Congregazione in comodato d’uso alla Caritas Diocesana per 10 anni.
1998
Roma
Casa Tabor
1998
Roma
Casa Tabor
In March 1998, in the Generalate, after the renovations had been completed, the reception centre for pilgrims and tourists, Casa Tabor, was officially opened. It is run by the sisters of the community belonging to the Region of Italy and then St Francis of Assisi.
1998-2003
Prato, Italia
Nursery School
1998-2003
Prata, Italia
Nursery School
On 3 January 1998, in the parish of St. James the Apostle in Prata, in the province of Avellino, at the request of the parish priest Don Mario Alvino, a community was opened to run the parish kindergarten. The sisters are involved in catechising children, the oratory, parish animation, liturgical service, youth formation and prayer with families. To the great disappointment of the people and the church and civil authorities, due to a lack of members, the sisters were forced to discontinue their mission in 2003.
2015
Santa Maria degli Angeli, Italia
Madre Francesca New House
2015
S. Maria degli Angeli, Italia
Madre Francesca New House
The youth and vocations pastoral work, which began in St. Mary of the Angels in Via della Repubblica in 1990, expanded so much that the space became insufficient. So, on a piece of land previously purchased with congregational contributions, the new Casa Francesca was built in Via Pio X and solemnly inaugurated on 31 May 2015. The new, very functional facility, with about 60 beds, can accommodate large groups of young people and families visiting Assisi. There are sufficient spaces for meetings and gatherings. The sisters’ community assists young people in search, on a journey of faith and vocational itineraries and collaborates with other religious institutes and the Franciscans of St Mary of the Angels.
2016
Castel Sant’Elia, Italia
Madre Francesca Oasis
2016
Castel Sant’Elia, Italia
Madre Francesca Oasis
The Mother Frances Oasis is a response to Pope Francis’ appeal to open the houses of religious communities to offer accommodation to refugees and those with other serious needs. The Superior General, in dialogue with the Superior of the St Francis Region, decided to make available a part of the first floor of the sisters’ house in Castel Sant’Elia, with the symbolic name of “Oasis Mother Frances”, the foundress of the Institute. Thus, on 3 October 2016, in cooperation with other organisations, the activity was opened, supported in large part by the congregation and supplemented with subsidies from the organisations with which it is associated. The sisters offer hospitality using the resources of the house, look after the girls and provide for their needs.