Felician Sisters
of North America

Maryville Retreat Center is sponsored by
The Felician Sisters of North America

The contemplative-active order of Franciscan Catholic Sisters is inspired by their Foundress Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska and in the spirit of Saint Francis and Clare of Assisi and Saint Felix of Cantalice. The Felician Sisters were founded in Poland in 1855 and came to America in 1874 to minister to immigrant and indigenous families in Polonia, WI.

Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska

Serve Where Needed
The Sisters That Shape Us

Following Blessed Mary Angela’s directive to “serve where needed,” the sisters constantly evolve their ministries to meet contemporary needs. They helped shape the social service landscape through their work and currently support more than 40 ministries, schools, parishes, prisons, hospitals, dioceses and social service organizations across Canada, America and Haiti.

As a Franciscan Community…..

Centered in the Eucharist, their spirituality is guided by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. While their devotion to the Blessed Mother is part of their journey, their primary focus is on a prayer life that nurtures their commitment to serve all people. This spirituality reflects Saint Francis of Assisi’s call to live in simplicity, humility, service and reverence for all creation.

We uphold the five core values that are hallmarks of our Felician culture and identity:

Respect for Human Dignity:

Commitment to promoting and protecting the dignity of all.

Compassion:

Empathetic consciousness expressed through caring service.

Transformation:

Continuous improvement through an open heart and mind.

Solidarity with Those in Need:

Advocacy and action to meet the needs of the vulnerable.

Justice and Peace:

Creating right relationships, sustaining the environment and promoting the common good for peace.

Saint Francis called his followers to live the Gospel message, compassionately care for and serve the poor and marginalized and remain open to continual conversion.