Mother Veronica Grzedowska,
American foundress of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, arrived in the United States from Poland with a small group of sisters on October 16, 1894.
Their mission was to teach the children of Polish immigrants who were flocking to Northeastern Pa. On her immediate arrival Mother purchased a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a crucifix, symbols of her intense devotion to Jesus. These symbols afforded her the courage, strength and consolation needed to weather the many difficulties in establishing their new mission.
Eventually, Mother and her Sisters settled in Reading, Pa. where they continued teaching and where Mother accepted a little orphaned girl, beginning a second ministry in caring for orphans.
During her darkest days Mother prayed Psalm 91 before her Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. She placed her Sisters and those they ministered to in the depths of His Sacred Heart.
Mother Veronica’s profound faith and trust in Divine Providence proved fruitful as young women began joining the community, and numerous parishes welcomed the Sisters to educate their children.
Mother’s charism of Trust in Divine Providence is her legacy; living in the hearts and mission of her Sisters. Her words continue till this day: “Have faith and trust and everything will be well.”
Heritage Center
Step Into Our Story
The Bernardine Sisters Heritage Center is more than a collection of artifacts—it is a living reflection of faith, service, and legacy. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition of Saints Francis and Clare, the space invites visitors to experience the spirit that has guided generations of Bernardine Sisters.
As you move through the center, you encounter spaces designed for reflection and connection—from the quiet Eucharistic Meditation Chapel to the preserved living quarters of Mother Veronica. Each room tells a story of simplicity, devotion, and mission.
Historic photographs, personal artifacts, and carefully preserved furnishings bring to life the journey of the congregation—from its early foundations to its continued growth and impact. What was once tucked away has been thoughtfully restored to honor the past while inspiring the future.
The Heritage Center stands as a testament to the enduring mission of the Bernardine Sisters: to radiate the love of Jesus through service, community, and faith. It is not simply a place to look back—it is a place that calls us forward.
Called to Something Greater
Our Bernardine Franciscan story begins with a Call, one we all recognize as addressed to us individually and collectively by God. The Call is as ancient yet ever new as the Gospel invitation to "come and see." It is as imbued with love as the example of St. Francis of Assisi, and as humble as knowing Jesus himself in each person we encounter.
Over time, as the tide of those seeking a holy lifestyle within the Third Order of St. Francis grew largely in Europe, a specific Call was given to a Sister Veronica Grzedowska, inviting her to wholeheartedly uproot herself and accept a mission in America. Despite her misgivings about this major undertaking, she ultimately placed all her trust in Divine Providence and sailed into a new world of challenges and blessings.
Her trust did not go unrewarded and soon new vocations began to seek out her fledgling community in southeast Pennsylvania. The Call soon took on a new identity as the young Sisters adapted their contemplative lifestyle to one more missionary in spirit and purpose, as they responded to the manifold needs of new immigrants hoping to improve their lives.
Across the passage of time since our Foundress Mother Veronica stepped into her unknown future, her spiritual daughters have lived her charism of trusting in God's loving providence. They too have spread across continents and continue to reach out in the Name of Jesus with compassionate love. Wherever they have been in the past or remain today, the Bernardine Franciscans are women committed to life as sisters and servants.
They nurture contemplative hearts while caring for the earth and the poor, living in solidarity and deepening intercultural relationships. Ever mindful of lifelong conversion of mind and heart, the Sisters strive to work for systemic change even as they empty themselves of pride, power, and personal preference.
God of Life and Love, you call us to tend the fire of your Love for the world, to be women of passion and action for the Gospel. Lead us in your ways and sustain us with your grace that we may faithfully live our religious commitment.
A Symbol of Faith and Identity
The coat of arms of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters beautifully reflects our history, spirituality, and devotion. Each element reveals who we are and to whom we belong.
The blue shield with silver crescents honors Mary, the Immaculate Conception. At its center shines the IHS emblem—the monogram of Jesus, taken from St. Bernardine of Siena, our patron.
The red letters symbolize His humanity and suffering, while the gold rays express His divinity and glory.
The crossed arms of Jesus and St. Francis proclaim our Franciscan identity, and the wounded heart crowned with thorns and encircled with gold signifies our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Kingship of Christ.
The blue and silver surrounding the shield are the colors of Mary, reminding us of our consecration to her. At the bottom appears the motto of St. Francis of Assisi: “Deus Meus et Omnia” – “My God and My All,” the heart of every Bernardine Sister’s life and mission.
A Symbol with History
In the early years of our Congregation in the United States, there was no formal coat of arms. In 1934, the General Council commissioned one to express our identity. Over time, new elements—the IHS, the heart, and the Franciscan motto—were added until the design reached its final form in 1958, which we still cherish today.
More than a symbol, our coat of arms is a profession of faith, a living memory of our roots, and an invitation to continue our Franciscan mission with joy, simplicity, and love for God above all things.
Continuing the Mission
The logo of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters includes the TAU cross with the Franciscan cord, the sandals, superimposed on a map of the world with the words Continuing the Mission of Jesus framing the symbols.
They symbolize -
-the Sisters' commitment to follow Christ in the vowed life in the Franciscan Tradition,
-the faith journey to serve all their brothers and sisters,
-the call to continue the mission of Jesus wherever there is a need.
Congregational Leadership
