Franziska Reiner, the eldest of eight children, was born in Ertingen, Germany, on Dec. 28, 1900. Her only sister died at the age of five; three brothers died in infancy. As the family depended on their small farm for support, the children had to help with the work when still very young. Times were especially difficult at the time of World War I, when food was scarce and often far from nourishing. As a consequence, Franziska had a frail constitution, but was ever ready to help others.

As a young girl, she was enraptured by the singing of the Benedictine monks of Beuron, whose abbey she visited frequently. She especially loved the Divine Office. Little did she dream that one day her own melodious voice would be praising God in a similar chant. At the time, she felt no inclination toward the monastic life, though two girls from her hometown, (Sisters Melania and Celestine) were Sisters at Clyde, and two young men had entered Conception Abbey. However, in 1924, when she learned that Sister M. Bernard from Clyde was coming to Germany to recruit postulants, Franzisca found herself among the group returning with her to America in late September of that year.

With her companions, Franziska entered wholeheartedly into the monastic life and received the habit of a novice on March 14, 1925. At her profession of vows on Aug. 21, 1926, she was given the name Sister M. Pudentiana. Perpetual commitment was made on Aug. 22, 1931. For a time she was assigned work in the book-bindery, then transferred to the stitching room where her talent for fine sewing and artistic embroidery in the making of church vestments found ample expression. At the same time she also had charge of two presses at the laundry, where her zeal for helping priests in their ministry found another outlet in the meticulous pressing of many long-sleeved while shirts for the monks of Conception Abbey each week, also albs and surplices.

On November 30, 1949, Sister was transferred to Tucson. She had suffered much from hay-fever at Clyde and found relief in the change of climate. However, after a few years a serious heart condition prompted her transfer to San Diego, where her health improved and she was able again to take up her work on church vestments.

Her Golden Jubilee on August 14, 1976 was an occasion of great joy for Sister and the community. But the following year, her life was imperiled by a series of nosebleeds, so that as soon as she was able (during Holy Week, 1977) she was brought to St. Benedict's Health Care Center in St. Louis, Here she rallied remarkably and was quite active for several years, though with many limitations. It was her delight to assist at the community Mass daily; also at Vespers, and sometimes at Praises. She also participated regularly in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the day.

During Advent of 1979, Sister made an interior retreat to prepare for Jesus' Nativity. Then, realizing the richness of our Benedictine heritage, she wished to "do something special" during the Sesquimillenial year of 1980. Entering upon this course, she spent an hour on each of the last three evenings of her life in meditative dialogue with Sister M. Carmelita. On Saturday evening, Jan. 12, 1980 - destined to be her last on earth - she decided to enter upon an interior retreat for the remainder of the month, with special reference to the Holy Rule, mindful of St. Benedict's promise that his "Order would do great things for the world toward the end of time." She cherished a desire to contribute hiddenly, quietly, lovingly to the whole world through her life of prayer and her service to those around her.

At the beginning of the week she had asked a novice if she might take her adoration period at 11:00 a.m. When the novice expressed a desire to wait a few days, Sister answered: "I don't want to wait that long!" (Nor did our Lord, as He called her the very next day to adore His unveiled Presence in His eternal Kingdom.)

On Sunday, Jan. 13th, feast of the Baptism of Christ, Sister sang Morning Praises with the community. On leaving chapel she asked a Sister to accompany her to her room as she did not feel well. She was helped to bed, and seemed to be resting comfortably, hoping to be able to participate in the Eucharist at 11:00 o'clock. This desire was fulfilled, but in quite a different way, for when one of the nurses at the infirmary stepped in shortly before 11:00 o'clock, she found that Sister had quietly slipped into eternity. Father Anselm Ginter, O.S.B. from Pevely, who was preparing to celebrate the community Eucharist, gave her his blessing and final absolution.

The Eucharist at 11:00 o'clock was offered for Sister, and the Liturgy for the Feast proved to be singularly appropriate, especially the Communion song: "My whole being thirsts for God, the Living God. When shall I come and see the Face of God?"

Fr. Maur J. Burbach, O.S.B., offered the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, the 15th. He spoke of a long friendship with Sister and of her faithfulness through the years and across the miles. Only a few days previously he had administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation to her, and they had spoken of death. He felt it was her gift to him that he, by God's special Providence, was offering the funeral Mass, on the feast of his own patron saint, wearing a gold vestment which was largely the product of Sister's handiwork. Interment was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Clyde the following day. Many beautiful things could be said of Sister M. Pudentiana. She was a refined, loving and lovable person, of medium height, gentle in word and action, a perfectionist in all she did. Her sunny disposition shone through her bright smile and sparkling blue eyes. She was ever a zealous adorer of the Blessed Sacrament, and loved the Divine services in every form. For many years she was among the chanters, singing Gregorian Chant for the Eucharist and Divine Office. Though very frail, she still performed many thoughtful acts of kindness for the elderly Sisters in the infirmary, especially at mealtime. She was also closely united with her only surviving brother in Germany and several nieces and nephews. Some of the latter were stamp collectors, and Sister delighted when able to contribute to these collections. Among her cherished friends were Bishops and Abbots in Europe and missionary countries. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and they still look to her for help in their needs. One of God's "little ones" on earth, may she now enjoy the reward He has in store for those who love Him.