Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Mary Teresa Bettag shares on a recent visit by Yuma Catholic High School students to Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
This past April, three Yuma Catholic students and I had the opportunity to join the Diocese of Tucson’s pilgrimage to Rome for the jubilee of youth. As part of the preparation, the girls came over for dinner at the Yuma convent, but because they enjoyed traveling so much they suggested that we travel to our motherhouse. So, we began planning. In the end, two out of those three girls were able to make the trip (one graduated last year and so couldn’t come), and we opened the trip to other interested young women at YC. The Sisters and I were surprised at the interest in the trip – over 15 young women applied, in the end, the Sisters I live with narrowed down the applications to a top six that they agreed on unanimously, and those girls attended the trip.
Although the Motherhouse was affected by COVID, the girls had a very powerful experience at the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. Plus, the meals with only 2-3 Sisters made for a more one-on-one experience that the girls appreciated. Of course, winter in Wisconsin was also a highlight, as most had never experienced winter or snow before. We are grateful to the Knights of Columbus who sponsored our trip, and to all the Sisters who took time with the girls OR who prayed for our travels. Thank you! – Sister Mary Teresa Bettag
Responses from the girls:
Chloe: The trip was an amazing experience; the sisters were so welcoming and kind. They truly showed qualities and values that God calls everyone to exhibit. I’m eternally grateful for this opportunity and the sisters that brought us into their home.
Mariana: I think the community is wonderful, everyone was so welcoming and kind! I loved the architecture and artworks at the Motherhouse, especially the St. Francis Chapel; my new favorite place to pray.
Destiny: Visiting the Motherhouse was overall a wonderful experience, it was nice getting to see what life is like inside the Motherhouse.
Angela: My visit to the Motherhouse was peaceful and a wonderful experience. The Sisters’ kindness and deep devotion to their faith made it an experience I will always remember.
Rebecca: My time spent at the Motherhouse was beautiful and immensely fun. I was surrounded by women where I felt supported and at home in the community.
Andrea: Being given the opportunity to visit the Motherhouse was certainly an unexpected but fulfilling experience. I am beyond grateful that I was able to learn more about the vocation of religious life and was able to grow closer to God.
[See image gallery at fscc-calledtobe.org]
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