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. 

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.

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.

Who doesn’t know and love St. Francis of Assisi! So charismatic,  he attracted men and women of his lifetime and continues to attract men and women of ours.  Francis’ simplicity, joy, and  profound love of God and all his creatures was magnetic.  So Christlike was Francis that he even resembled Christ physically with the Stigmata. Wedded to Lady Poverty and unfettered  by things, Francis was carefree and praised God in all creation.  Knowing heartbreak and suffering physically, emotionally, and socially.  Francis could relate to and empathize with others’ suffering.  We Bernardine Franciscan Sisters are daily reminded of Francis’ life and teachings in our Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise.  We never tire of the stories of Francis and his early Companions. In music, poetry, art and song we continue to be lifted up and encouraged on our Franciscan journey.   

Even though Clare was cloistered her example of loving service inspires us to reach out to our sisters and brothers in need.  Embracing poverty and securing the Privilege of Poverty, Clare used her many gifts and talents to glorify God.  Sister Servant to her sisters, she set an example for living the great commandment of Love of God and Neighbor.  Devoted to the Eucharist and trusting in God’s providence, Clare was responsible for miracles large and small. Filled with faith in God and for the love of God  she continues to inspire us to use our gifts in loving service.  Oh that we could live her simplicity of life! 

St. Bernardine is best known for his use of the Monogram IHS in promoting devotion to the most Holy Name of Jesus throughout Italy.  A renowned preacher overcoming numerous obstacles and hardships, Bernardine reminds us to never give up in our efforts to share the good news of the Gospel in word and deed.  What media would he use today?  A far cry from his placard – the visual aid available to him then – would he use social media, sound effects, film, podcasts, and the like?  We need to embrace all the means available to us to preach the Gospel in season and out of season.  We use the Holy Name of Jesus in blessings, prayers, and with great reverence.