80th anniversary will be observed on August 2
"All the Sisters, too, like to consider the Adoration Chapel at St. Francis Convent as the powerhouse of the Community where prayers are continuously - day and night - ascending to God for the work of the Community in its care for the sick and dying in the hospitals conducted by the Congregation and in the world at large." (His Love Heals, pg. 52)
On August 2, 1930, His Excellency Bishop Henry Althoff of Belleville formally exposed the Blessed Sacrament in the St. Francis Convent Chapel. He was accompanied by Monsignor Joseph Straub, Father Jesse Gatton, Father M.J. Gruenewald, Belleville, and many Hospital Sisters.
It was two days later on August 4, that the Motherhouse and the Novitiate were blessed. His Excellency James Griffin, bishop of Springfield, celebrated the first Mass in the new Chapel. At this time, the Motherhouse of the American Province was moved officially from St. John's Hospital to this location.
Since 1930, our Sisters have prayed before the Blessed Sacrament (the real presence of Jesus in the form of consecrated bread) in Adoration for the needs of the Church, our Franciscan Community, and special intentions that were shared with us by telephone, mail, or face-to-face. Adoration was 24 hours a day and recently modified to eight hours per day. A video camera relays the Chapel altar through the Motherhouse televisions for those unable to attend Mass or visit the Chapel.
On December 8, 2006, we expanded our Prayer Ministry to include requests from this website in addition to the requests received through traditional means. We are grateful to God for gifting us as His instruments and invite you to share requests with us through our online Prayer Request ministry. Please be assured we are united with you in prayer as you entrust us with your intentions.
