TESTIMONIALS

“This truly beautiful Franciscan woman, Frances Acosta has gifted me with a Franciscan Spirit that has been phenomenal.   My life has been blessed because of my ministry and friendship with Frances.

Frances is the embodiment of everything that is Franciscan. Her deep love of Francis and Clare shows forth in her presentation. Always filled with deeds, passion, concern, compassion and love for all of creation. Frances’s life and heart is pure Franciscan. She has enriched my Franciscan Life a hundredfold. Her deep Franciscan Spirit is deeply missed here with our Associate Community here in the East Coast.”

Sr. Helen Hofmann,SOSF

“If the Stella Mundi group is looking for someone truly steeped in the Spirit of Francis and Clare, they need not look further. They have the person already in you Frances Acosta.She is Franciscan to the core.”

Sr. Rose Jerome Kenlon, SOSF

“I first met Frances about five years ago, when I was invited to my first meeting of the Franciscan Associates of the East Coast Cluster, and she was the director.   I was warmly welcomed by Fran and the other members.   

During this time it became quite apparent that the spirit and spirituality of St. Francis was of the highest priority at our meetings.  I looked forward to Fran’s presentations, as they were always spiritually moving and thought provoking.  Her retreats during Advent and Lent continued in that same form.    Dialogue always followed afterward;  she made it so easy to share with one another.   The pandemic didn’t stop us from meeting.   We continued on Zoom and Fran did everything she could to help us set up our own presentations.    

We miss her greatly, but because of Fran, our Franciscan charism has grown deeper in our hearts.   

Our journey continues...we meet daily, in prayer, on our group text, in which Fran is still a major part.

Blessings and peace. “

Kathleen Blake Co-Director Franciscan Associates, East Coast Cluster  

“Frances gave us meaningful and updated ongoing formation. She correlated it to the Franciscan way of life. It was tremendously positive.”

Benedicta Fonacier

“Frances Acosta has a gift for spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in imitation of St, Francis. Her presentations on the Franciscan way of Life at our Fraternity meetings were always  well planned and insightful. Frances used her talent as a teacher to keep her listeners engaged with an inspiring and artistically beautiful multi media approach. But in essence, it was Frances' deep love for Jesus and His church that shone through in all her work.”

Dorothy Costello OFS, Yonkers, New York

“There is so much to say about Frances in addition to being a very dear and precious friend. I have known her for a long time and worked with her in the executive council of our Secular Franciscan Fraternity in Yonkers, NY. She is an exemplary leader, knowledgeable formation director and gifted in more ways than I can write down. She gives her heart and soul to whatever endeavor she does. I am blessed to have known her.”

Corazon Madrazo, OFS

“Frances Acosta is both a natural and a professional teacher.  Her presentations as a formation director for Secular Franciscans were always clear, well organized, engaging and informative.  Better still, she actually lives the Franciscan spirit she seeks to convey through her creative presentations.  She complies with Francis’ exhortation to teach in a way that is subordinate to the spirit of prayer and devotion.”

Fr. John McHugh, O.F.M. Cap., M.Th.,Ph.D.

Renewed

Spirituality uplifting

More connected with God.

Noemi Ramirez

I have the wonderful experience of participating with the foundress of Stella Mundi Ministry, Frances Acosta, OFS. Fran served as co-director, with me, for the Sisters of St Francis of the Neumann communities. I witnessed the joy Fran exhibited as she prepared innovative presentations to the Associates and Sisters. 

Fran served as my creative Formation Minister with the Secular Franciscans for two years bringing the love of St Francis for Jesus Christ and Mama Mary to life. Retreats, webinars, spiritual direction and Catholic doctrine are the foundation of Stella Mundi Ministry and looking forward to enjoying the  wonderfully exciting journey her faith filled life will produce. 

Jenny Echevarria, OFS

East Coast Associate CoDirector, Sisters of St Francis, Franciscan Secular Minister 

Ms. Acosta has given many talks as a member of Sacred Heart Fraternity.  They are always well prepared and the energy that she brings to her presentations keeps you engaged and full of joy! I have always looked forward to her presentations on the Franciscan way of life. She puts a lot of hard work into her preparation. She gives thought provoking questions which help us to think about how to live our lives as Franciscans. She is always available to help in any way she can. 

Cheryl Jenkins

Frances is amazing with her presentations and retreats.  Her love of Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi shows through everything she does.  I learned so much from her and she has helped me continue forward on my faith journey.  Frances has been an inspiration for me to know and love GOD and I am so grateful to have these experiences with her.

Christina A., Bronx, NY