About Us

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175 Years as the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi 1849-2024

We continue to share Franciscan Beauty through art and crafts

Founded in 1849, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi were the first Franciscan Order of Women Religious founded in the United States.  We believe that we have made a difference in the lives of many of people we have served throughout the many years since our founding.

Even in our earlier years, artists have emerged from among us, sharing beauty through photography (Sr. Crescentia) and painting (Sr. Maximilla).  Exceptional forms of creativity emerged as our seamstresses created the vestments for many of the priests of St. Francis de Sales Seminary.  Culinary skills provided sustenance, not only for our sisters, but for orphanages, residential schools, Saint Mary’s Academy and Cardinal Stritch University, to name a few. Educators were quite creative in their teaching skills; artistic talent displayed itself in the way classrooms were decorated and students were motivated to learn.

Many sisters could be called ‘hobbyists’ as they dabbled in the arts only as time allowed in the midst of full time ministry.  For many of these sisters, this was a personal expression of their spiritual journey and we, as a community never heard of their endeavors until much later.

And then there are, what society recognizes as the ‘true artist’.  The painter, sculptor, potter, and poet.  To try and mention all our sister artists would be difficult;  impossible not to leave out someone of importance.  Let us say, that in our most recent history Sr. Thomasita Fessler is known world wide as an artist. She directed the Cardinal Stritch University Art Department for many years.  Sisters Arlene Bauer, Vernard Ackerman, Catherine Sienna, and Jeanne Carrigan communicated their vision through various media, oftentimes while carrying on another full or part-time ministry.  Sr.  Margaret Halaska  shared her vision through poetry.  Sr. Louis Zirbes and Sr. Stella deVenuta, created images for our Poverello Prints greeting cards while working in other media such as clay, paint, and mixed media as their primary means of artistic expression.

 

Why Shop with Us

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Hundreds of Greeting Cards and More

Our greeting cards are designed and produced by our sisters.   We have many categories to choose from; most are spiritual in nature.  The other items we offer are also created by our Sisters.

Our artists and crafters have many more one of a kind and seasonal items that are available in our Corner Stone Gift Shop.  Please plan to stop in if you are in the area; call ahead  at 414-744-1160 to make sure we are open.

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Simple & Secure Shopping

Poverello Creations is a secure website.  We do not store your credit card information which adds another level of security for you.  You do then, have to enter that information each time you order from us.  You can create an account, which stores your name and address in order to login more conveniently.

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Easy Returns & Refunds

Refund Policy:

If you are in any way dissatisfied with our product, we would be happy to offer you a full refund of the purchase price of the item (minus the shipping & handling fees) within 30 days of the invoice date.)  Please contact us at 414-294-7310 for approval and  further details.