A Milestone for Our Founding Sisters
A Milestone for Our Founding Sisters — and a New Chapter for All of Us
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth officially concluded our jubilee year, celebrating 150 years since their founding by Blessed Frances Siedliska. Just as the celebration began last year, it culminated in Rome, in the heart of the Church, on November 30.
The timing is profoundly meaningful. The First Sunday of Advent — a season of hope, anticipation, and new beginnings — holds special significance for the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. It reflects the founding spirit of the Congregation and the ongoing call to renewal that guides its mission, including Holy Family Institute’s mission.
Nearly four hundred participants from around the world attended the closing celebration, including Nazareth Sisters, clergy, leaders of the Association of the Holy Family, and mission partners — a clear sign of the legacy and reach of the Nazareth charism. Among those present was Michael Sexauer,
of the Nazareth family. His participation symbolizes the shift to lay leadership within our sponsored ministries and our dedication to advancing the mission with fidelity and creativity.
our new CEO, who was honored to represent our ministries and experience firsthand the international unity, prayer, and direction shaping the future
The centerpiece of the day was the Eucharist ceremony at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. In her
opening remarks, Sr. Angela Marie Mazzeo referenced Psalm 145, stating that “the Lord has indeed done great things” during the 150 years of the Congregation’s history. Her message also looked ahead: “This is the beginning of a new stage — undertaken with the banner and the cross, in a spirit of trust and readiness to continue serving the Church.”
The tone of the homily reflected the Nazareth spirit — not a farewell, but a commissioning. The Sisters are not looking back with nostalgia; they are moving
forward with determination. Their sentiment was echoed repeatedly in conversation: “We are beginning the next 150 years.”
The charism entrusted to us — simplicity, family, a Gospel-centered life, quiet fidelity — remains as vital today as
ever. It motivates and guides our mission at
Holy Family Institute, shaping how we serve children, families, and
communities. “The Spirit leads us forward,” Sr. Angela Marie reminded the gathering, “even if the path is revealed only step by step.”
As Holy Family Institute stands with the Sisters during this historic moment, we share the same conviction: God is not finished. The story continues.
We move forward confidently into the future together, prepared for the next 150 years of mission, service, and
hope.
