On November 21, 2017, Monsignor Edmund J. Whalen, Principal of Msgr. Farrell High School, celebrated the opening Mass of Thanksgiving for the 150th Anniversary of the Founding of the Daughters of Divine Charity. This event will begin the year long theme of gratitude for our Foundress, the Congregation and the members of the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity, especially Holy Family Province. The Eucharistic Celebration took place at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel at the Provincial House located at 850 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island known by the local community as St. Joseph Hill Convent.
Servant of God Mother Franziska Lechner, lovingly known as “Franzi” in her early years in Austria had a dream that would transform the lives of many especially young women throughout the world. From her youth, God was preparing her to fulfill her desire of “making God’s Love visible” and effect the lives of all who would experience her care and loving example of meeting the needs of body and soul which in turn inspired her journey of faith and trust in Divine Providence.
On October 25th a special Eucharistic celebration and candle lighting ceremony was held in Breitenfurt, Austria, in the Chapel of our St. Joseph home where the infirm and elderly Sisters reside. After Mass the Provincial Superiors, Vice Provincials and Representatives from each of the seven Provinces and three Vice-Provinces continued in procession to the crypt of our Foundress, while reciting the rosary. Once inside the crypt, we prayed and reflected on our rich history and global unity. We were given the candles to take back to our respective Provinces as a symbol of unity in community while ensuring the legacy and mission of our Foundress.
The Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity with a membership of approximately 1005 sisters have convents throughout Europe, Africa, Brazil and the United States of America.
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