On September 17, 1830 Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, one of the great women of the 19th century, was born in Olpe, Westphalia, Germany.

At an early age she wanted to follow Christ. Formed by a very intensive prayer life and a great devotion to the Holy Eucharist, she was aware of the needs of the people of that time. Due to the changes in the social structure and because of the health policy in Germany during the mid 19th century, poverty and the number of unprovided children increased. She wanted to serve the poor and soon found a group of companions with a similar interest. She was asked by Bishop Konrad Martin to found a Congregation. After a restless period of orientation and an intense search for God's will for her, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Olpe was approved by the Church on July 20, 1863.

The Sisters ministered in the education of children and in the health care field. They also performed various works of charity in response to the needs of the time.

On November 25, 1875 the first Sisters were sent to North America because of the Kulturkampf that limited their ability to serve in Germany. In the new foundations they undertook similar apostolates.

On February 6, 1905 Mother Maria Theresia died. At the time of her death about 1500 Sisters were active in their ministries and were enthusiastic about her ideals.

Today the Sisters are ministering in Germany, the United States, the Phillippines and Brazil.

The motto of her life was: All as God wishes. HE LEADS, I FOLLOW.

Prayer

Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, you lived an exemplary Eucharistic life of deep faith, persistent hope, and intense love. You experienced and reverenced Christ in the Eucharist and in all God's creatures, seeking to live a life of "all-embracing adoration." With special concern for the poor and those in need, you reached out with open hands and a loving heart to assist all who asked your help. With sincere trust and confidence, I now come to you in my need. Through your intercession, I pray that God will grant my petition - (Name your petition) - and transform my heart that I, too, might recognize God's presence in every creature and live a life of reverence. Mother Maria Theresia, hear my prayer and grant my petition which I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.