Maria Angelorum Chapel

In the early 19Th. century, a small group of travelers came from the German republic of Bavaria. There were two priest and twelve lay people. This group which would later form the Perpetual Adoration chapel. This chapel still exist since 1870 and known as the order of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

This chapel is built within the St.Rose Convent in La Crosse Wisconsin. It is of Romanesque architecture with many pillars of Corinthian style formed with acanthus leaves within the leaves are figures of praying angels. So much history both secular and religious behind the magnitude of such a magnificent building. This building now is also the novitiate for the Franciscan Sisters.

This is a must see site if you are interested in architech Paintings that speak to you, the Bavarian stained glass windows speak of the life of Jesus, Mary, the angels, bible and of our theological virtues of faith, hope and charity.

You will see ten bronzed statues which are original, no duplicates exist. You can re-live this special time in our church history by visiting this quaint and exquisite convent in La Crosse Wisconsin. This order now consist of more than 350 sisters, who miniters throughout the United States and other countries.

Look and marvel at what a few people who had great faith and a dream can accomplish. What a wonderful testimony of faith.

Sister Marie, Servant of the Holy Heart of Mary

I've met Sister Marie, when she was twelve and I was fourteen. We both were at the Aspirancy at Holy Family Academy, in Beaverville Ill. Where we were aspiring to become Sisters of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary.

Marie became my little sister when I became a senior. Never expecting to see her again after both going our way, we saw each other this past spring. What a blessed blessing to re-kindle our friendship and our memories of the past. How inspiring and meaningful those memories are?

Life was so simple and fun. As we shared, the memories became more vibrant bringing the joys of the past to the life of the present thus adding a reflection of child-like expectancy. The gift to remember is a great gift, when the memories are joyful and when the memories are not so joyful, we realize where we are now and how much life have changed us and yet our FAITH remained.

Sisters simplicities of life and her great faith, made me feel alive. Her devotion to God and great beliefs and understanding of her faith has widened my vision of life.