It is with deep sadness, yet profound hope in the resurrection, that we share the news of the passing of one of Pro-Life Wisconsin’s founding members, Sister Rosalia Bauer, FSPA, this past Friday, October 11, 2024.

Sister Rosalia was a member of a Catholic order of religious sisters in La Crosse for over 70 years, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and a tireless defender of the unborn. She was active with Pro-Life Wisconsin (PLW) from our earliest years beginning in 1993, serving as volunteer coordinator soon after PLW was formed. With her knowledge and experience in nursing (Sister was an RN), she was able to provide expert medical testimony at the State Capitol and pro-life medical education at various events.

Sister’s contributions forever shaped the pro-life movement in Wisconsin, both by her prayer and actions. Matt Sande, PLW Legislative Director, noted on her passing that: “Sister was an uncompromising, principled pro-life warrior.” Marie Allen, leader of the La Crosse Life League, remarked: “… we’ve lost one of our best warriors.” Dan Miller, PLW State Director, shared: “Sister Rosalia was a great friend to me and to our preborn brothers and sisters in Christ. I am sure Jesus will remember the countless hours she labored in His vineyard to save those being led to the slaughter. She cared for the little ones because of her great love for Jesus Christ—it was her calling—her second vocation.”  

And Sister was a warrior for life because she knew the Lord had called her to witness to the truth of the inherent dignity of every human being, born and preborn. She had her moments when she struggled, like all of us, to actively live out the Gospel of life, but she remained faithful. When asked what was hardest about being involved in this work, she told the interviewer: “I don’t always like it [being active in the pro-life movement] and I wish someone else would do it, but I don’t think I could live with myself if I did something else. So far, I’ve never been told to put that sign down and quit.”*

At PLW’s Love for Life Gala on October 14, 2017, Sister Rosalia was honored as one of our founding members. Several members of the La Crosse Life League traveled to Milwaukee to celebrate this special recognition. 

View the obituary here.

Thank you, Sister Rosalia, for your pro-life witness! May your memory be eternal, and may you rest in the peace of Christ for all eternity. Amen.

*https://badgercatholic.blogspot.com/2015/11/fspa-sister-looks-back-on-22-years-of.html