Saint Francis to host Feast of St. Francis Mass, present annual awards
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Saint Francis Healthcare System will host the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and Patron Mass on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Saint Francis Medical Center.
The Mass will begin at 11 a.m. in the Franciscan Conference Room, located near Entrance 1. The event is open to the public.
The celebration honors St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic friar born in Assisi, Italy, in 1182. He gave up a life of wealth and comfort, took a vow of poverty and devoted his life to his faith. He later founded the religious movement that became the Franciscan Order.
As part of the celebration, Bishop Edward M. Rice of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau will present the 2026 Missouri Catholic Conference Citizen Award. The award recognizes Catholics for faithful citizenship, service and commitment to Catholic values.
The 2026 Sister Jane Mission Award will also be presented by Rice, the Very Rev. Thomas P. Kiefer and Saint Francis Healthcare System President and CEO Justin Davison.
The award is named for Franciscan Sister Jane Kiefer, who served as a sister for 70 years. It is presented annually to a Saint Francis employee who exemplifies the health system’s mission.
Saint Francis Healthcare System was founded by Franciscan sisters in 1875. The system is anchored by the 306-bed Saint Francis Medical Center and includes nearly 3,000 employees and more than 250 providers serving 10 communities.
