Sister Sharon Bongiorno (Rowena) was born in Spokane, Washington, and grew up in Priest River, Idaho. She received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in mathematics from Viterbo College (now known as Viterbo University) in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a master’s in natural science from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, and a master’s in theology from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, California. Sister Sharon served as a sixth grade teacher in Edgar, Wisconsin, from 1962 to 1965, seventh grade teacher in Spokane, Washington, from 1966 to 1969, and chemistry teacher in Provo, Utah, from 1969 to1971. She then returned to Spokane, teaching math and chemistry at Marycliff High School for eight years, also serving at that time as the FSPA Western Province Treasurer. From 1979 to 1981, Sister Sharon taught math and religion at St. Mary High School in West Point, Iowa. After studying theology for two years, she served from 1983 to 1990 as a pastoral associate at St. Edward Parish in Keizer, Oregon, and from 1990 to 2006 as the parish administrator at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Walla Walla, Washington. After a three-month sabbatical at the American College in Louvain, Belgium, Sister Sharon returned to Spokane to minister as parish minister to the homebound at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral. She continues to serve there today. She also serves as a spiritual assistant to the Secular Franciscan Fraternity in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and one of the regional spiritual assistants for the Troubadours of Peace Region of the Northwest.

The FSPA community celebrated Sister Sharon’s jubilee at St. Rose Convent on Aug. 14 with her classmates and family.

Based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are women religious engaged in furthering the work of the Catholic Church and the Gospel. Their partners in ministry, including affiliates and prayer partners, join them in service of God's mission. The sisters work in the United States and internationally in varied ministries, collaborating to minister in areas of greatest need, living the Gospel through contemplation and action. Visit FSPA online at fspa.org.