by Therese Horvat
Special to The Leaven
With prayer, service and community life interwoven throughout each day, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George strive to “make the merciful love of Christ visible to the poor and needy of every condition.”
This charism, or “spirit,” has characterized the congregation’s ministry since its founding in 1869 in Germany.
The two saints in its name reflect the community’s adoption of the Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis and acknowledgement of the priest who collaborated in the congregation’s founding. At the time, he served as pastor of the Martyr St. George Parish.
The Sisters came to the United States in 1923 and to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas in 2005, initially to serve at the new St. James Academy in Lenexa.
Sister M. Hedwig Kortte, FSGM, Sister-in-charge of the local convent, explained that of the four Sisters currently serving in northeast Kansas, three are on the faculty and staff of St. James and one volunteers at Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Shawnee.
In the past, Sisters assigned to the archdiocese have taught at the elementary, secondary and college levels, served in religious education and held clerical and accounting roles in Catholic institutions.
Wherever they serve, the Sisters are committed to a simple, poor and joyful life. They profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and their ministry is consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Their charism and Franciscan spirituality permeate their lives.
Sister Hedwig described the Sisters’ typical weekday as starting with morning prayer at 5:05 a.m., followed by a half-hour of meditation and breakfast — all shared as a community.
“We attend Mass every day and, when possible, we do this together,” she said.
The Sisters spend weekdays at their respective apostolates interacting with students, faculty and staff. After returning to the convent, they gather for Scripture, prayer and supper for which they rotate cooking responsibilities. Night prayer closes the day, with everyone in their rooms by 9:30 p.m. Weekends include shared midday prayer.
Interspersed throughout their schedules are times for recreation and Bible discussion. Sister Hedwig said the Sisters are talented at different crafts, and sometimes they take up new ones like she did, learning to crochet via YouTube.
A member of the congregation for 30 years, Sister Hedwig has found living in community with other women religious a source of tremendous support. She recalls challenging times in her life when she knew that “my Sisters were praying for me and taking care of me.”
In turn, she has been able to lend caring concern to Sisters in the infirmary at the order’s provincial house in Alton, Illinois.
Since the Second Vatican Council, the Sisters have worn simple, modified habits and veils. Across the world, the fabric and style can be adapted to the climate and environment where they serve. However, these Franciscans have one identifying symbol in common: the crucifix pendant worn by each Sister.
For women considering a religious vocation, Sister Hedwig speaks from personal experience. Before entering the convent, she had her life planned out in anticipation of marriage and a large family. Things changed when she attended a retreat.
“God speaks to us in different ways,” she said of that time and her subsequent discernment.
She suggested, “Have someone, such as a spiritual director, help you with vocational discernment, and surround yourself with people who will be honest with you and pray with and for you.”
For more information about the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, click here or email: vocations@altonfranciscans.org.
