Franciscan Sisters host 20th “Mother Daughter Days” in Hankinson

This summer, the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen in Hankinson (Hankinson Franciscans) joyfully celebrated 20 years of “Mother Daughter Days,” welcoming about sixty mothers, grandmothers, and daughters total to St. Francis Convent during two sessions in June and July. This year’s theme was “Come, Follow Me.” 

This annual event offers young girls a fun and faith-filled opportunity to experience life at a convent, all while spending meaningful time with their mothers. For the moms, it is a refreshing retreat from daily responsibilities—filled with prayer, faith enrichment, and quality time with their daughters. 

Over the course of a day and a half, participants share meals, prayer, and Holy Mass with the Sisters. Activities also include a craft project, fun and games, and Q&A with the Sisters. This year, at one of the sessions, some of the girls provided musical entertainment. Other years, some have put on a skit based on Scripture or the lives of the saints.  

“Mother Daughter Days” grew out of the convent’s “Come & See” weekends after one mother suggested offering a version tailored to younger girls—with the comfort of their mothers by their side. Since then, the event has grown in popularity, now held twice each summer to accommodate more families and varying schedules. 

 “This was our family‘s eighth mother daughter retreat,” says Heather Hanson of Hankinson. “It’s a time of peace spent in the Lord‘s presence with my daughters and the Sisters. This year, Sister Jean Louise’s sharing on Our Lady of Perpetual Help spoke directly into my life in a place of need.”  Her daughter, Therese, age nine, shared: “I like the crafts, and I really liked the [theme] song, “O God, You are my God.” I like to come every year because it helps me get closer to God.”  

To learn more about “Mother Daughter Days” or other vocation opportunities with the Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen, visit ndfranciscans.org/vocation-events.