Celebrating 50 Years as a Sister of Notre Dame by Leading the Next Generation
For Sister Frances Marie Penwell, faith is not just something to be taught—it is something to be lived. Celebrating her 50th Jubilee as a Sister of Notre Dame, she remains as passionately committed to guiding young disciples today as she was when she first answered God’s call.
Sister Frances has served as a teacher for 40 years, with the last 13 in the role of middle school teacher and seven years as the 8th grade homeroom teacher at Queen of Apostles School in Toledo, Ohio.
The past two years, Sister Frances has led her 8th graders on a rather unique journey of faith in action. What began as a typical lesson on saints evolved into an unforgettable life experience for her students.
As the 8th grade class of 2024 explored the saints Sister Frances introduced, none captivated her students quite like Blessed Carlo Acutis, a modern teen who will be canonized on April 27, 2025, for utilizing technology to document Eucharistic miracles around the globe.
In Carlo, they found someone they could relate to, recognizing themselves in his story. Their fascination quickly blossomed into action. The students wanted to purchase a large statue of Carlo for their school so future students could find inspiration from his story as well. When they researched what it would take to purchase, they learned that such a statue was not available. Not to be discouraged, the class had the ambitious idea of having one custom made. Under Sister Frances’s nurturing leadership, she and her students undertook all aspects of the initiative. Inspired by Carlo’s relatable faith and youthful spirit, the students enthusiastically took charge of every detail of the project.
An artist in Lima, Peru was commissioned to make the sculpture. The class contributed to the design decisions and had input on artistic choices from Carlos’ attire, to how he would be positioned to what symbolic items from his life would be included.
Inspired and encouraged by Sister Frances’s example, the students poured their hearts into fundraising to pay for the statue. They sold student-designed sweatshirts and reached out to potential donors. Donations flowed in. Friends, family, organizations, even the artist, moved by the students’ passion for this project, felt compelled to give. The students’ energy mirrored Sister Frances’s unwavering belief that when young people connect deeply with saints, their faith flourishes in tangible ways.
As the project was underway, the school year ended, but the 8th grade class of 2025 started the new school year with Sister Frances eager to pick up where the class of 2024 left off. The new 8th graders worked with Sister Frances to plan a special dedication ceremony. While the original intent was to place the statue at Queen of Apostles School, the students later determined it should be in Immaculate Conception Church where students regularly attend school Mass. At the church, not only the students, but also parishioners and families would have the opportunity to reflect on Carlo’s inspiring story for generations to come.
In preparation for the January 14 dedication, everyone in the class wrote prayers to Blessed Carlo Acutis and submitted them for a class vote. The winning prayer was printed on prayer cards that were distributed at the dedication Mass and the author was given the privilege of leading the prayer during Mass. The church overflowed with excitement as parishioners, educators, Sisters of Notre Dame and 8th graders from across the diocese joined the celebration—testifying to the powerful community Sister Frances’ leadership had inspired.
The students’ enthusiasm and devotion did not end with the statue’s dedication. Carlo’s witness to the Eucharist resonated so deeply that Sister Frances guided them to form a youth group centered on Eucharistic devotion. The youth group created their own Eucharistic Miracles display, directly inspired by Carlo’s Eucharistic digital exhibit. Under Sister Frances’s guidance, the youth group became a powerful way to strengthen relationships with Jesus and offer active support in their faith journeys.
As we count down to Carlo Acutis’s canonization at the end of the month, Sister Frances and her students are getting ready to celebrate in the best way they know how: together! They are planning a joyful “Wait Party” to unite their community and share in this special moment.
But the true highlight of their year is still to come: a pilgrimage to Assisi. Thanks to months of student-led fundraising, Sister Frances and 10 students will embark on this transformative journey from July 28 to August 5—walking in Carlo’s footsteps and joining Catholics from around the world. Just one day after celebrating her 50th Jubilee, Sister Frances will join her students for another once-in-a-lifetime experience, clearly shaped by God’s hand, all thanks to the inspiration of Carlo.
In a powerful addition to their journey, they will also witness the canonization of Blessed Giorgio Frassati during the Jubilee of Young People on August 3. To study the lives of saints—and then be present for a canonization—makes this pilgrimage not only extraordinary, but unforgettable.
“When we pray, we really pray!” Sister Frances says. She frequently expresses deep gratitude seeing her students become caring individuals whose actions reflect their faith. Their journey has exemplified Carlo’s belief that young people can be saints. With Sister Frances’s encouragement, the students have not only participated in a project honing important life skills, they have also actively embraced their faith, following her guiding motto: “If you believe, it will happen.”
Thanks to Sister Frances’ guidance, their prayers and deep faith, it has. Every step of this journey proves that belief and commitment make miracles happen.
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