This year Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Martinella Janz celebrates 60 years of Consecrated Life. Sister reflects on her commitment to God.
I am the oldest of eleven children, six girls, and five boys. I was baptized Louise Irene. My father’s name was Martin Joseph Janz and my mother’s name was Marcella Lola Roels Janz. We were raised on a dairy farm near Oneida, Wisconsin. In addition to our parents, our paternal grandmother lived with us.
We attended Immaculate Conception Parish and School where our Sisters taught. There were only two classrooms with four grades in each room and one teacher. Sister Arilda Hamrock taught grades 1-4. Sister Mary Andrew Flatley taught grades 5-8. When I was in the 7th or 8th grade Sister Mary Andrew asked me if I ever thought about going to the convent. Of course, I didn’t! I wanted to see the “world” outside of the farming area where I lived. After 8th grade, from a class of eleven graduates, I went to Freedom high School.
Around this time in my life I did sense a call to become a missionary but my mother wanted me to be missioned nearby so she suggested Manitowoc because I had two aunts in the order, Sister Dion Janz and Sister Verona Roel. I entered the Community on August 8, 1963. I was received as a Novice in 1964 and received the name Sister Martinella. It was a combination of Dad’s name Martin and Mom’s name, Marcella. It means “seeker of truth.” I was professed in 1965 and became a homemaker in 1966 at our College while taking courses toward a degree in Education.
My first mission experiences, other than the Holy Family College, were as the homemaker for the Sisters. I was missioned at places where there were fewer Sisters which allowed me to help out in school when needed with playground duty, lunchroom duty, and subbing in classrooms, etc. Upon returning to the College I found I had enough credits to be in my senior year. I obtained a BA Degree in Education and entered the classroom as a teacher. Finally, my chance to become a missionary was fulfilled in 1974 at St. John Komatke, Arizona with the beautiful children of the Gila River Indian Tribe. I taught sewing classes to the girls and I worked in the dorms. This was a highlight of my apostolic work.
When I came back to the Motherhouse in 2004, I began to do more crafts: crochet, cross stitch, and knit many items. Also, in the craft room I created many finger puppets and continued to create cards for all occasions using rubber stamps. Throughout my years I journaled some personal prayers that I still carry with me. Also, I enjoyed writing poetry. One year I was asked to create a coloring booklet for our Vocation Office. It was a great success and hundreds of copies have been printed since I produced the booklet. They are distributed among younger children when our Sisters go out to give vocation talks in elementary schools or parishes.
Since 2022, I have lived in St. Rita Health Center, offering my sufferings for those Sisters in special apostolates. I have become more understanding, patient and compassionate with others. God is with each of us and gives us strength and new purpose in our sufferings. I am grateful for the excellent care I receive and I enjoy participating in the many activities presented to us. I am most appreciative to our Community of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity for the many opportunities to develop myself spiritually and to give Glory to God. My prayer life has deepened as I’ve come to rely more on God’s strength and blessings.
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