by Gail Finke

Mother Frances: Sainthood to come?

1868 Mother Frances visits Cincinnati + Covington

1934 Mother Frances declared Venerable

1972 Healing of Covington,KY, resident William Anness ruled not miraculous

1974 Venerable Frances is beatified

1989 Inexplicable healing of Cincinnati resident Thomas Siemers

2008 The cause for Ven. Frances’s canonization is introduced in Rome

2009 The diocesan Inquiry Process into the healing held

2010 The official documents from the inquiry are sent to Rome

St. Clare Convent in Hartwell 35-acre grounds include historic St. Clare Chapel, a cemetery and Stations of the Cross Walk, a labyrinth, archives, and a museum (open by appointment).

1895
St. Clare chapel and convent built, designed in the neo-Gothic style by German architect Adolphus Druiding, who designed numerous churches in the region.

Franciscan Ministries operates:
• Franciscan Haircuts for the Poor
• Tau House volunteer programs
• Tamar’s Center for Women
• Centennial Barn events center
• Community garden
• Thrift store

In 1868, Franciscan Sisters of the Poor foundress Mother Frances Schervier traveled from Germany to visit her community’s ministries in both Cincinnati and Covington, KY. In 2008, Cincinnati Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk petitioned for the Cause for her Canonization to be opened.

Beatification mural The painting of Mother Frances displayed outside St. Peter’s Basilica for her beatification hangs in the convent, along with paintings and art from other properties once owned by the sisters.

Garden
Some 100 gardeners, many recent immigrants, work plots on the grounds and grow produce for themselves and local food pantries.

St. Aurelinia
The bones of this early Christian martyr, brought to Cincinnati by philanthropist Sarah Peter in 1870, are housed in a life-sized wax statue of her reclining body (currently covered by a screen).

“It’s a good group of people who love what they’re doing and are very glad to be able to do it here – we’re grateful to the sisters for allowing us to use their land.” Marci Peebles, director, Community Garden program and Franciscans for the Poor

“The sisters care very much about their history and sharing it with other people.” Jennifer Gerth, Archivist