Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis
Take my hands and guide me
my God in thy ways to the future.
Baptized in your name, chosen, loved,
towards the paschal light, conquering death.
On the Feast of the Rosary, October 7, 2022, our Lord took our dear Sister M. Erwina, the former Hildegard Laumann, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, to Himself and completed her earthly life.
Sister M. Erwina was born on May 1, 1933 in Leer in the district of Steinfurt. She learned "traditional cooking" in our Hospital kitchen at St. Pius Hospital in Ochtrup. On August 14, 1954, she entered our Congregation in Münster and completed her nursing studies at St. Francis Hospital in Münster. Sister M. Erwina professed her first vows on May 3, 1957. From 1974 to 1988, Sister M. Erwina served in St. Rochus Hospital in Telgte for the mentally challenged patients. Then she moved to Neuenkirchen and in 1995, due to her age, she transferred to St. Francis House in Nordwalde. Here, she lovingly fulfilled the sacristy work until 2014. The flower arrangements were especially close to her heart. After that, she continued to work for the Sisters in 'Damiano House' until her strength no longer permitted her to do so. Submitting to God's will, she let herself be lovingly cared for by the staff in the nursing home.
Having lived with her long, we remember Sister M. Erwina as a joyful Sister. She related to everyone with great humor and could tell wonderful jokes to the delight of all. This attitude arose from her deep faith in her personal relationship with the Lord.
While our Sisters were singing the song "Take my hands and guide me" at her bedside, God took her by the hand and led her to heaven.
Gratefully we bid farewell to Sister M. Erwina. We remember her in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist and remain united with her.