In 1962 the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province opened it first foreign mission at Baybay on the island of Leyte in the Philippines. We seek to bring healing with compassion and forgiveness. Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration (OSF)Immaculate Conception Province Baybay City, PhilippinesWe are accepting single young ladies from 18-32 ye. In 1875, a group of Catholic Sisters from Olpe, Germany answered a call to bring St. Francis' ministries of health and education to the Midwest United States. She has been residing at Our Lady of Angels Convent since 2003. The files of her beatification attest to the love and strength she found therein: "She . The people have a special relationship with Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel and her beneficent work. Mishawaka, IN 46546. G. Georgia . During the war years of 1870-71, eight hundred wounded soldiers were cared for by the Sisters from Olpe. It is an opportunity for these young women, who will produce a documentary, to experience the daily lives and activities of the sisters of our province. The size of the congregation and the large number of houses in the United States and Germany necessitated the division into two provinces; the German Province with the Motherhouse in Olpe, Germany, and the American Province with its Provincialate in Lafayette, Indiana. This priest was also instrumental in bringing to Olpe Mother Frances Schervier, foundress of the Poor Sisters of St. Francis at Aachen, to help direct the path of the new Congregation by her wholesome advice. One of the great religious women who founded a Congregation was Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, foundress of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Olpe, Westphalia, Germany. Led by a vision of faith, Francis, Clare and Maria Theresia stood in solidarity with the poor, the powerless, the outcastas did Jesusand embraced the Gospel as their rule of life. In unserem Vergleich haben wir die unterschiedlichsten 70413 lego am Markt unter die Lupe genommen und die wichtigsten Eigenschaften, die Kostenstruktur und die Bewertungen der Kunden abgewogen. Bishop Michael Sheridan and other invited bishops and priests, will be the celebrants for the Liturgy of the Eucharist at 3:00pm at Saint Francis of Assisi Church at Mount Saint Francis. 2023 Franciscan Alliance, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Franciscan Health Facilities and Franciscan Alliance d/b/a Franciscan Physician Network comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ssfpavocations Sisters of St Francis of Perpetual Adoration Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the source of our JOY 155+ years of adoration He leads, I Follow Mother Maria Theresia always showed great zeal for souls and was deeply troubled when she saw others in danger of going astray. July 16-25, 2013 I was so excited to participate in perpetual adoration, the charism As I made my way to the adoration chapel to take my first official hour, different things crossed my mind. Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, the foundress of our Congregation, was born on September 17, 1830, in Olpe, Germany. 150 years ago our foundress, Maria Theresia Bonzel, of Olpe, Germany, trustingly prayed: "He leads; I follow." Although Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel died on February 6, 1905, still, her work continues. Sister M. Ignatia currently serves as the Vocation Director for our community. Her supernatural motives were the secret of her strength and success, and she considered herself merely an instrument in the hands of God. The congregation of Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration was founded in 1863 in Olpe, Germany, by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, who was beatified Nov. 10, 2013. The Eucharistic Lord must be discovered by us anew and must be proclaimed as an enabler of selfless love. Since the source of the charitable actions of Blessed Maria Theresia was Eucharistic adoration, it is only a reasonable and distinctive place to find the new Blessed of the Archdiocese of Paderborn in the new Blessed Sacrament Chapel of St. Martins Church. Contact the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration-Columbarium, Nursing Center Admissions, Retreat Center Reservations, Vocations, Women Partnering . As the fire truck with the remains of the newly blessed reached St. Martins Church in Olpe, many parishioners came to receive their Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration celebrate 150 years as an International Congregation founded in Olpe, Germany, in 1863. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration is a papal congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, founded on July 20, 1863, by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel in Olpe, Germany (sometimes known from the place of their foundation as the Olpe Sisters). The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration was originally founded in Olpe, Germany in 1863 by Maria Theresia Bonzel as the "Poor Sisters of St. Francis Seraph of the Perpetual Adoration". Our Vision. To Adore and to Work, Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Olpe by Sister Magdalena Krol OSF and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. At that time she met a teacher, Clara Pfaender, a Sister of Christian Charity, who had received permission to leave her Congregation in order to start a life of service for poor orphans. While studying with the Ursulines in Cologne, Alines attraction to the life of the Sisters grew from day to day. The primary purposes and/or ministries of the Congregation at that time, which continue today, are: Living the Gospel; Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; Caring for the sick, elderly, poor and powerless; Education; Responding to unmet needs of others. Founded by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, the congregation later became known as the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. For more photos visit the photo gallery. Franziskanerinnen-Kloster-Bett der Maria Theresia.JPG 3 888 2 592; 3,04 MB. February 6, 1905, is the anniversary date of the death of our foundress, Venerable Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. Sister M. Regina serves as Assistant Vocation Director. But after I received the Lord in my heart and returned to my place, an indescribable feeling came over me. There is a mission in Brazil and the Generalate is in Olpe, Germany. Faithful to the mind and heart of the Church, we strive to combine contemplative life with the active through Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration and the works of mercy. Buy flafyl 500 mg Canadian pharmacy world Buy Accutane Online She died on February 6, 1905. Wherever we are, let us confidently make our needs known. Saint Joseph Province initially sponsored ministries in healthcare and education in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. All our invited and welcome to attend. She often prayed, Teach me, O my Jesus, to think and judge mildly and charitably, to speak little and wisely, and to act justly and prudently in order that my life be always pleasing to you and that I may reach perfection in holiness. Throughout her life she cherished an unshakable confidence in Gods providence, and she tried to inspire the same confidence in her Sisters. Education of youth by religious communities was entirely forbidden. On March 25, 1865, she submitted to the bishop the first Constitution she had written. We, the Colorado Springs Franciscans, are the Saint Joseph Province of an international congregation, the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration. Cardinal Amato receiving reliquary from Sister Magdalena KrolIn procession, the relic was carried to a place of enthronement next to a large candle bearing the motto of Maria Theresias life: He Leads, I Follow.. She has been residing at Our Lady of Angels Convent since 2003. Again and again she went to the hidden God to findlight, courage and strength. Cardinal Amato then received a reliquary containing the relic of Blessed Maria Theresia from Sister Magdalena Krol, general superior of the Congregation. During the same year, therefore, Mother Maria Theresia, together with her assistant, Sister Paula, accompanied the first six missionary Sisters to the ship which would take them to America. Find a Sister. Along with its Provinces in Germany and the United States, the Congregation also has a Province in the Philippines and a Mission in Brazil. on this day Two American delegates, Sister Alphonsa and Sister Rosa, took part in these deliberations. Ministries. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration is a papal congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, founded on July 20, 1863, by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel in Olpe, Germany. The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) is a Roman Catholic religious congregation for women whose motherhouse, St. Rose of Viterbo Convent, is in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in the Diocese of La Crosse.The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration founded Viterbo University and staffed Aquinas High School in La Crosse. St. Martins Church was packed with sitting and standing crowds of worshipers for the Solemn Mass that followed the burial. They arrived in Lafayette, Indiana on December 14, 1875, penniless and illiterate of the English language and the American way of life. On the day of her first Holy Communion she experienced the call of grace to give herself unreservedly to Christ. Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, a Roman Catholic Congregation of consecrated women founded in 1869 in Thuine, Germany; Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, a papal congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, founded in 1863 in Olpe, Germany; Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester, Minnesota, a Roman Catholic religious . She was unselfish, gentle, and understanding, and she radiated joy and contentment. All the authors who have contributed to this book feel a deep connection with Mother Maria Theresia Bonzei, the foundress of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. From the very day the community was founded, Mother established perpetual adoration in the local convent chapel. Francis and Clares passionate love for God and all of Gods creatures has had a profound impact on our world and continues to motivate contemporary women and men to embrace the Franciscan dream. In each edition we will share with you a little about our life as we follow Christ after the example of our Holy Father St. Francis and Blessed Maria Theresia. From the very day the community was founded, Mother established perpetual adoration in the local convent chapel. Upon the urgent request of Klara Pfnder, both young ladies declared themselves willing to join her to give financial assistance to the new foundation. If it had not been for the persecution in Germany, our Sisters may never have come to the United States. January 1, 2013. The message today is that prayer is powerful. This is the testimony today of the Olpe Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The Cardinal referred to Blessed Maria Theresias service of charity: the charity to the elderly and the sick, the needy and refugeesTo many sick she gave consolation and relief, together with her Sisters; how many children she and her religious Community took from the streets; how many homeless and hungry people they gave food and drink. In doing so, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus who spent His public life praying, teaching, healing and ministering to others. Contents1 History2 Structure3 See also4 References5 External linksHistoryMain article: Maria Theresia BonzelRegina Christine Wilhelmine For 150 years our international congregation has placed the whole of our lives, our community living and our ministry into the open hands of our loving God. . The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration is a papal congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, founded on July 20, 1863 by Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel in Olpe, Germany. There are two provinces in the United States: the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province in Mishawaka, Indiana, and the St. Joseph Province in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Five of the Sisters died from sickness and overwork while caring for the soldiers. With great devotion she received the last Sacraments and then blessed all the Sisters, adding these significant words: Dear Sisters, I have loved all of you, all without exception, and this love will endure. Contrary to all expectations, and to the great joy of all, she slowly recovered. She always strove to inspire respect for the priesthood. School Sisters of Saint Francis - Legacy. We are grateful to Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel, as now she returns to the place where she received Baptism and all the sacraments, Archbishop Hans Josef Becker said as he led the funeral procession. Sisters of our Congregation also live and minister in various rural areas of Brazil. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration still strive in their various apostolates to combine the contemplative life with the active, in Perpetual . Of that momentous event she would later say, On the day of my First Holy Communion I was unspeakably happy. Thus the persecution in Germany resulted in great blessings for the Church in America. The Congregations ministries flourished throughout several States and membership increased in great numbers. Transcription. . July 20, 2013 All walks of Christian life take the shape of the cross, and when fruitfully and lovingly lived out, like St. Francis and Mother Maria Theresia did, lead to the glory of the resurrection. We, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, participate in the mission of the Roman Catholic Church by living the Gospel after the example of Saint Francis and our foundress, Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. Colorado Springs, Colorado is one of four Provinces of . Jubilee Sister Ethel Widhalm, 75th Anniversary. A video on the vocation and call to become aSister of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. During the same year, Mother Maria Theresia acquired the old castle of the former Teutonic Knights at Mulheim on the Mohne where, before the time of the Kulturkampf, the Salesian Sisters had conducted a school for girls. In later years, the sisters additionally ministered in Arizona, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and overseas in Barbados and Brazil. It was evident that God, in His providence, wanted not one Congregation but two, both destined to do much for God and the Church. Conditions slowly changed in Germany and the Kulturkampf regime ended. We seek to bring the love of Christ to each other and to all we encounter through our ministries. For many years she prayed the Stations of the Cross barefoot outdoors, some distance from the convent. This arrangement was contrary to the previous agreement with Aline Bonzel and Regina Lser. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration at Mount Saint Francis were delighted to learn that Pope Francis declared that henceforth the foundress of their Congregation, Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, will be invoked as Blessed. In 2012, our health system was selected to participate in a Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Throughout the day and night across the globe, our Sisters are praying before the Blessed Sacrament, giving glory to God and petitioning for the needs of all peoples. Blessed Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel founded our congregation in Olpe, Germany, in 1863. At Mount St. Francis, the Sisters will have a simple and meaningful celebration to mark our Foundation Day as a Congregation. The Empress presented Mother Maria Theresia with a service medal for the work of the Congregation in caring for the sick and wounded. Franciscan Sisters furthering the work of the Catholic Church & Gospel, working in the US & internationally in varied ministries, healing, teaching & praying. They continue to serve the Church through the apostolates of education, health care, and other works of mercy. Sister Maria Theresia was appointed Superior of the nine Sisters who remained with her. Sister Christine was born in Cudahy, Wisconsin, and entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration on Aug. 12, 1944. She used to say: We are children of St. Francis; we must follow his example. In all things, even in the greatest successes of her life, she gave credit to God and never lost sight of her own unworthiness. The St. Elizabeth Province is in Germany. Through the intervention of her parish priest, Father Hengsteback, Aline unexpectedly received her mothers consent to become a religious, but at that point a sudden illness prevented her from traveling to the convent she had chosen to enter. This was the convent that the young Aline Bonzel had first intended to enter. Francis has decried rigidity and . This date is observed as the founding day of the Congregation. The 150th Congregational Anniversary will be highlighted during Mount St. Francis Annual Employee Recognition Day which acknowledges the long-term years of service of OSF employees who partner with us in our ministries. The first investiture took place in the church of Olpe, December 20, 1860, when nine candidates received the religious habit. Mother Maria Theresia was full of joy and gratitude. In our personal, communal and public lives, the Sisters of St. Francis commit to ongoing conversion as we: deepen our relationship with Mother Earth and Sister Water; stand with persons who are poor; and make peace and practice non-violence. Contact us if you are interested in Religious Life, are considering a vocation to our community, would like more information, or would like to schedule a visit. Mother Maria Theresia was unanimously elected Superior General and remained in that office until her death. Year after year Mother Maria Theresia sent Sisters across the Atlantic along with candidates who could not be admitted to the community in Germany. The General Intercessions at the Mass were presented in different languages and represented the diverse ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration addressing the global needs of society. In 1884, forty two postulants were admitted, and the government permitted the Congregation to assume the care of epileptic children in the orphanage. The ministry of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation flows from the Mission and Vision Statements of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Saint Joseph Province. Submit a story, ask a question, or get in touch with our staff. On February 22, 1999, Luke was suddenly healed; he had no diarrhea for the first time since September 4, 1998 and he just got up from the couch and began playing like a normal happy kid, his mother said. MISHAWAKA The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration honored four sisters celebrating jubilees of 80, 75, 60 and 40 years of religious life at a Mass Saturday, Oct. 26, said by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades at St. Francis Convent. Cardinal Cordes invited the faithful to frequently visit the Chapel for prayer: Where we pray, Gods Spirit creates our hearts anew. We offer a prayer of thanksgiving for all those who have blazed the path of our journey to this day. We strive to become Christ to each other and all of humanity as we seek to become ever more contemplative and compassionate women. This day marks our Saint Joseph Province Special 150th Anniversary Celebration. Under penalty of law, theadmission of new members to the community was prohibited. May the Father bless you and bless Sister Clarice and Sister Christine for loving and serving His Son as Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration., Environmental Advocates Encouraged by Changing Cli, The Light Of Christ Our King: Praying with our Stained-Glass Windows. May 27, 2013 She grew up as Aline Bonzel in an affluent but deeply religious family. Her first apostolate was care of the orphans and the home nursing care of those who could not afford to be hospitalized. To Adore and to Work, Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Olpe by Sister Magdalena Krol OSF and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. Telephone: +1 574 259 5427. Archbishop BeckerHe spoke of Maria Theresias extraordinary love of the Blessed Sacrament and her care of the sick and the needy. Like all great souls, she saw in these events the hand of God, and more and more the image of St. Francis impressed itself upon her consciousness. In 1875, six German Sisters traveled from Olpe, Germany, to the United States and settled in Indiana. The Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis was accepted by the Sisters. Watch sisters discuss their vocation stories, Download the app and learn more about our communities, Read the latest CMSWR press releases and news, Watch vocation stories and other videos from CMSWR, P.O. In rented rooms they began their work of mercy with four young children. A Memorial Service honoring all the deceased Sisters of Saint Joseph Province will begin in Canticle Chapel followed by prayers at the grave sites in the Mount Saint Francis Cemetery. The deep roots of a Sauerland girl now receives a special place in the mission of the Church. The practice of health care was possible only under the control of the state. Derby PhotographySister M. Angela Mellady, provincial superior of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, lights the candle of Sister M. Ruth Luthman during a jubilee Mass. . Throughout her life, the Lord sent Mother Maria Theresia many difficulties, sorrows, trials, and disappointments. Formation 1974 ; 49 years ago (1974) Type Nonprofit Headquarters 1515 West Dragoon Trail Mishawaka, Indiana, U.S. Services Health care Affiliations Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration Staff 18,000 Website www.franciscanhealth.org Formerly called Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, Inc. (1974-2010) Franciscan Health is the name under . May 2, 2013 The life of the cloistered nuns is centered on the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Born in Olpe, Germany, in 1830, Aline Bonzel had a comfortable upbringing rooted in her parish and eucharistic devotion. Upon arrival in the sanctuary of St. Martins, Blessed Maria Theresias coffin was placed on the steps of the altar, before being transferred to the newly designed Blessed Sacrament Chapel near the entrance of the Church. In his prayer he asked that the faithful who pray here may feel the closeness of God and of Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel. Sister Nadine Heimann, osf Copy Vehicle Key; New Key Fob; Car Key Programming; Lock Install Repair Rekey Learn about precautions - including visitor guidelines. Women Partnering Jenn Taylor, 719-577-9404, womenpart@gmail.com. A celebration with St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Colorado Springs, at Mount Saint Francis, will mark the 25th Anniversary of the Parish, the 50th Anniversary of the Parish Church building, and the 150th Congregational Anniversary of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. Mother Maria Theresia was born of deeply religious parents on September 17, 1830, the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis. They also sponsor Women Partnering, located downtown. At her time, 150 years ago, state and society hardly did anything for the public ministry of the people in need.. This moment of unveiling was a deeply moving experience for us all. said Sister Clarice Gentrup of the Colorado Springs Province, currently serving on the General Council of the Congregation. With boundless trust in Divine Providence, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration joyfully remember and honor the past, enthusiastically celebrate the present, and confidently embrace the future. The Franciscan motto, My God and my All, was her favorite prayer. St. Francis Convent. 1 / 1. She has been residing at Our Lady of Angels Convent since 2015. Mother Maria Theresia founded the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Olpe, Germany in 1863. Email: malta truck driver visa An American branch was established in 1875 at Lafayette, Indiana. The Sisters expanded the health system with more hospitals, schools, orphanages and homes for the elderly. Klara Pfnder with her two companions began religious life in Olpe. Roman Catholic congregation for women, founded in 1863 in Olpe, Germany. The Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Praise and Glory to God As she neared the time for a decision about her future, it became clear to Aline that she was chosen by God for religious life. Rejoice with us! In 1895, the novitiate was moved back to Olpe. (en) Le Povere Suore Francescane dell'Adorazione Perpetua (in tedesco Arme Franziskanerinnen der Ewigen Anbetung) . In addition to being their home, Mount St. Francis is also the location of their following ministries: Mount Saint Francis Nursing Center; Franciscan Community Counseling; Franciscan Retreat Center; Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation; and leased property to Saint Francis of Assisi Parish. The Congregations motherhouse is in Olpe, Germany, with provincial houses in Olpe, Germany; Mishawaka, Indiana; Colorado Springs, CO; Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines and a mission house in Brazil. A miracle attributed to her intercession was accepted by a decree of His Holiness Pope Francis, which paved the way for her beatification on November 10, 2013. File nella categoria "Franziskanerinnen von der ewigen Anbetung zu Olpe" Questa categoria contiene 13 file, indicati di seguito, su un totale di 13. And nearly a century after the first hospital opened its doors, the system was officially founded as the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services in 1974. St. Francis in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Bishop Rhoades told worshippers the vocation of every person, as disciples of Jesus, involves dying with Jesus in order to produce fruit. Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration (Q1450258) From Wikidata. Looks like fspa.org is safe and legit. Gods blessing was visibly with Mother Maria Theresia. Franziskanerinnen-Kloster-Der gute Hirte.JPG 2 592 3 888; 2,01 MB. We thank God for the example of her faith life, the Archbishop said. We strive to combine the contemplative life with the active through perpetual adoration and the works of mercy in education, healthcare, and other ecclesial ministries. Like St. Francis, she was a great lover of poverty, humility, repentance, and charity. Gods blessing was on their work, however, and they received many vocations. Through perpetual eucharistic adoration, we offer God continuous praise and thanksgiving before the Blessed Sacrament. A saintly Franciscan, Father Bonaventure, was called to Olpe to lead the Sisters more deeply into the spirit of St. Francis. Jesus For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. POPE FRANCIS One hundred fifty years have passed since the Community's foundation - a good reason to recall Mother Maria Theresia's life and work. The act of beatification took place after the Introductory Rite of the Mass. General Intercessions are offeredThe celebration was profound in every way, and it was truly an honor to be present for this very special event in the life of our Congregation. said Sister Nadine Heimann, Provincial of the Colorado Springs Province. For all the blessings, opportunities and yes, the challenges too, that facilitated our growth and increased our strength of resolve, we give thanks! Franciscan Health Franciscan Alliance, Inc. Such were the humble origins of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration which was . The congregation traces its roots to 1849. The Sisters expanded the health system with more . Partnering with the laity and with other religious communities, the Sisters ministries embody the Franciscan Core Values of sacredness of persons, care of the poor, joyful service, partnership, stewardship and holism. An essential part of the Beatification process was the tribunal hearing of the possible miracle held in the Diocesan office in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on February 2, 2001, and concluding the afternoon of February 27, 2001 with the final documents sealed with wax by Bishop Richard Hanifen. Little known as yet in America, Mother Maria Theresia was one of Gods special instruments, chosen to promote the ideals of Christian charity and piety. They chose to live the Gospel in the spirit of Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and now Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel. Home; Our Services. Besides wondering if I would be able to stay awake As I reflect on Michael Gaitleys 33 Days to Merciful Love and my recent consecration to Divine Mercy, I am awed and overwhelmed by the incredible mercy of God.