Desert House: An Oasis of Faith and Pilgrimage During the Jubilee Year of St. Francis

Desert House, home of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, was photographed several years ago. The house overlooks a lake on the sisters’ property and is known by this name because of its location in an arid region. (Photo courtesy of the ICR archives.)

By Vero Gutiérrez

 Assistant Editor

Pocatello — If you love nature, be sure to visit the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist Convent during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi in the Diocese of Boise in 2026.

Founding of the Community

The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist were founded in 1973 by a decree of the Vatican’s Sacred Congregation for Religious. Their founding was in response to the call of Vatican II for religious communities to renew religious life. The fifty-five (55) original founding Sisters were members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and had participated in a program of renewal within that congregation.

It was discerned by the Sacred Congregation for Religious in Rome that the new expression of religious life emerging from this program of renewal would grow more fully if it were established as a separate congregation.

As a result, on December 2, 1973, the First Sunday of Advent, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist came into being as a Pontifical Community.

The founding years drew upon the energy, drive, and commitment of the young Community to form centers of community life that expressed the vision which impelled the Sisters to move into this new venture, and to initiate various forms of apostolate to meet the needs of the people. 

It was through the vision and Spirit-directed leadership of their original foundress, Mother Rosemae Pender, and co-foundress, Mother Shaun Vergauwen, that the Community continues to flourish. 

Pocatello Community

A more recent image of the residence of the Franciscan Sisters. ( Photo ICR/ Vero Gutiérrez)

One of the centers for the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist is currently located at 2098 Truckerville Road in Pocatello. It is home to six active sisters.

The center was founded in June 1975 by the founder, Mother Mona Brunner, and co-foundress, Mother Janice Otis.  The community had served in Blackfoot before that date. 

Mother Mona held a degree in Family Counseling, and Mother Janice Otis was instrumental in working for the Diocese of Boise as a religious education teacher for the children of migrant workers.

In 1975, Bishop Sylvester Treinen officially named their center the Family Life Center within the diocese, emphasizing their work with all families and their needs in today’s world.

The site retains its beauty, just as it did more than fifty years ago when the sisters first arrived in the area. Visitors can enjoy abundant species of wild birds and wildlife, as well as a pond that offers beautiful sunsets.

There is a small lake at the back of the sisters' house. (Photo ICR/ Vero Gutiérrez)

Named the Desert House, due to the arid nature of the area, particularly during the summer, this beautiful property on the outskirts of Pocatello is a peaceful haven ready to welcome pilgrims seeking a plenary indulgence this year.

This year, 2026, marks the 800^th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.  The Catholic Church, and the Franciscan Community in particular, have launched special Jubilee celebrations in honor of this beloved saint.

In 2015, Pope Francis wrote a letter announcing that this year would be the culmination of the celebration. He stated that we are all called to sanctify ourselves in the modern world by following St. Francis’s example.

In his message, Pope Francis affirmed that today’s world needs to rediscover the spirit of St. Francis, writing:

“May this Year of St. Francis inspire us all to imitate the Little Poor Man of Assisi, form ourselves after the model of Christ, and become constant witnesses of peace, each according to our own abilities.”

Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi

When the appointed time came, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a special Jubilee Year dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027.

Pope Leo XIV wrote, “May every faithful Christian, following the example of St. Francis, become a model of holiness and a constant witness to peace.”

In a decree published on January 16 of this year, the Apostolic Penitentiary explained that a plenary indulgence would be granted “under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the Holy Father's intentions), and it may be applied as a suffrage for souls in purgatory.”

Plenary Indulgence

Among other points, the decree establishes that all the faithful, without distinction, who, with a soul detached from sin, participate in the Year of St. Francis by visiting any Franciscan convent, church, or place of worship dedicated to or connected to St. Francis in any way, and who devoutly follow the Jubilee rites there, spend time in pious meditation, and offer prayers to God so that feelings of Christian charity toward one’s neighbor and authentic wishes for harmony and peace among peoples may spring forth in their hearts following the example of St. Francis, concluding with the Our Father, the Creed, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, and all the saints of the Franciscan family, may obtain a plenary indulgence.

Diocese of Boise

A press release from our diocese announced that, effective July 1, 2026, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist community will be a designated place of pilgrimage for obtaining a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis.

According to Bishop Peter Christensen’s formal announcement, this invitation complements the Vatican’s invitation to the faithful worldwide to make this year a special time of prayer and spiritual renewal inspired by St. Francis’s life and witness.

A first-class relic of St. Francis of Assisi, housed in the convent chapel.

The statement notes that this year Catholics throughout Idaho are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the Pocatello chapel and community of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist to pray and participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

It was crafted from a valve used in an irrigation system. The sisters intentionally incorporate elements characteristic of the local region into their chapels. Because this piece once carried water—a symbol of life—it now serves as a tabernacle, holding Life Himself in the Eucharist. (Photo ICR/ Vero Gutiérrez)

“The Franciscan Sisters’ example inspires us to love Christ more deeply in the Holy Eucharist and to recommit living the Gospel with simplicity, joy, and charity,” said Bishop Christensen. “As we celebrate the Year of St. Francis, I encourage the faithful of our diocese to take advantage of this opportunity to make a pilgrimage and experience spiritual renewal.”

Mother Anthony Marie Greving, superior of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, prays in the monastery chapel.

Mother Anthony Marie Greving, the local community’s superior, welcomed the announcement that her community had been designated a pilgrimage site for the Year of St. Francis in the diocese.

“We are deeply grateful to Bishop Christensen for this designation and for his support of our community,” she said. “St. Francis dedicated his life to bringing others closer to Jesus Christ through humility, simplicity, and love for the Eucharist.

We hope that all who come here during this Year of St. Francis will encounter the Lord more deeply, experience his mercy and peace, and return home with renewed faith.” 

One important recommendation from Mother Anthony is to contact the convent before planning your visit. During the first fortnight of July, the community will be on retreat, so they will only be able to welcome pilgrims from 15 July onwards.