Franciscan Sister Mary Joel Bieniek will celebrate her 100th birthday with a private reception with her Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls community and family members Aug. 10.
Bernice Clare Bieniek, daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes Bieniek, was born on Aug. 10, 1917, on a farm southeast of Holdingford. She entered the religious community Sept. 6, 1936, was received as a Franciscan sister Aug. 12, 1937, and received her religious name, Sister Mary Joel.
She was a registered dietitian, instructor and consultant serving numerous hospitals and nursing homes in central Minnesota. Sister Mary Joel also served with the St. Cloud Secular Franciscans for 20 years. She celebrated 80 years as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls this year.
Birthday greetings may be sent to: Sister Mary Joel Bieniek, 116 8th Ave. SE, Little Falls, MN, 56345.