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Relay for December 2023
BERNARDINE FRANCISCAN SISTERS
Weekly Relay
December 2023
1. FRIDAY – First Friday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for our Sisters who will celebrate a birthday or feast day during the month of December. Many graces and blessings. You are precious to God and to us, your Sisters!
- for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the Power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Community Update
- Prayers for Sister Vincent de Paul Malecki who was admitted to the Reading Hospital Tower Health, West Reading, PA on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
2. SATURDAY – First Saturday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
3. SUNDAY – First Sunday of Advent
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
A Mother Veronica Moment
On December 3, 1843, frail, almost 1-month-old Emily Eleanor Grzedowska, our Mother Veronica, was baptized at 4:00 p.m. in St. Andrew’s Church. Today is the 180th anniversary of her Baptism. - [Source: Under the Shadow of the Almighty written by our Sister Cantalicia Snarska, pp. 2-3]
Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) – Rick Lee James
4. MONDAY – St. John Damascene
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (2)
Prayers for:
- Sister Vincent de Paul Malecki for complete healing with no complications.
- Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz for complete healing with no complications.
From the 130th Anniversary Committee
Mark Your Calendars
Sisters are invited to share in our Congregational Anniversary Celebration of 130 years on the Feast of Mother Veronica, Saturday, January 13, 2024. Mass at 4:00 p.m. Dinner and program follow. Please respond to Sister Patricia Farrell at 267.939.9095 or pfarrell3@comcast.net by January 2, 2024. Thank you!
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
- for Rose Salansky who died November 30, 2023.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for Julie McCandless who is seriously ill.
5. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safe travel for all Bernardine Franciscan Sisters during the month of December.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Francisca Lira Magalhães (Betty)
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
ALERT from Nadiia Vitkovska (Assistant Treasurer) regarding her office e-mail address:
If you received an email with a request to sign electronic documents from me on Monday, December 4, 2023, do not open and just delete it. My email account was hacked, but the problem was fixed already.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for a return to good health for Mary.
St. Nicholas Visit
If putting your shoe(s) outside your door is a custom you observe,
tonight is the night!
Jolly Old St. Nicholas [with lyrics]
6. WEDNESDAY – St. Nicholas
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Lenodia Melz
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – Friday, December 8, 2020
- Tomorrow, Thursday, December 7, 2021, according to our Proper Law, we honor our commitment to fast the day before the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Our Directives say in Article 26, p. 78: With the Church we fast on special days, as well as on the vigils of St. Francis and the Immaculate Conception; this discipline is a way of emptying ourselves to be filled with God and love for others. You are also invited to check Article 26 of our Constitutions, p.42 that is the reference for the Directive.
Gentle Visitors to Saint Joseph Villa – December 5, 2023
top, back to bottom, front: Sisters Clare Chabot, Maria James Riedel, and de Marie Sawicki
with visiting cuddle-loving snuggle bunnies.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Sarah.
19 Little-Remembered Facts about St. Nicholas
19 Little-Remembered Facts About St. Nicholas| National Catholic Register (ncregister.com)
7. THURSDAY – St. Ambrose
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Reminder: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – Tomorrow, Friday, December 8, 2023
- Renewal of Vows tomorrow, December 8, 2022. Article 6, p. 74, of our Directives says: We reaffirm our vowed commitment privately each day and communally on May 20, the feast of St. Bernardine of Siena; on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi; and on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Additional days may be chosen according to cultural and/or local significance. Our Vow Formula can be found in Article 7, pp. 33-34 of our Constitutions.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for Lucille who is seriously ill.
8. FRIDAY – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Patronal Feast day of the United States of America and Brazil
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sisters Immaculé Zdanowicz, Immaculene Gudz, Marie Gayda, and Sandra Lyons
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Updates (2)
- Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz is recuperating in St. Joseph Villa as of Friday, December 1, 2023.
- Stephen Sninsky, Sister Mary Sninsky’s brother, will undergo surgery on Monday, December 11, 2023, for its success and for his full recovery.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for Dwayne who has been diagnosed with a serious illness and is hospitalized.
Immaculate Mary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaquwkfPwJU
9. SATURDAY - St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
10. SUNDAY– Second Sunday of Advent
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
- Prayers for Sister Charlotte Marie Koterba who is critically ill.
From the 130th Anniversary Committee
Mark Your Calendars
Sisters are invited to share in our Congregational Anniversary Celebration of 130 years on the Feast of Mother Veronica, Saturday, January 13, 2024. Mass at 4:00 p.m. Dinner and program follow. Please respond to Sister Patricia Farrell at 267.939.9095 or pfarrell3@comcast.net by January 2, 2024. Thank you!
- for Rob that his medical issue may be rectified.
- for Diane Truscott Wiedner who continues to battle a serious health issue.
12. TUESDAY – Our Lady of Guadalupe
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Jane Frances Dutkiewicz
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for a successful operation for one of our longtime, major benefactors, Scott Bain, who was from Divine Child in Michigan. Scott will be undergoing serious surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, December 13, 2023, and requests all the Sisters to storm heaven for him.
- for healing for John Koviacks who is seriously ill, and for his family.
13. WEDNESDAY – St. Lucy
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Cara Lucille Garofalo
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Updates (3)
- Sister Josita Karnish was discharged from the hospital yesterday, Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
- Sister Vincent de Paul Malecki was transferred to the Mifflin Center for rehab yesterday, Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
- My brother, Steve, and all our family thank you for all your prayers for his successful surgery. We thank God that his surgery went well and he is at home resting comfortably. - Sister Mary and the Sninsky family
Invitation to Sisters to participate in the Fundraiser courtesy of Redner’s
for the Mother Veronica Resource Center
Sister Barbara Winnals, SSJ (General Treasurer) suggested I invite our Sisters to participate, and I checked with Sister Shaun Patrice (Motherhouse Finance Person) re: not turning in Redner's receipts as is their monthly accounting procedure. Thank you. – Sister Cara Lucille Garofalo
Sisters, I would like to invite you to participate in a fundraiser to benefit our Mission and Ministry fund on behalf of the Mother Veronica Resource Center. I have obtained Sister Shaun Patrice Malone's permission that you can save your Redner's receipts for me instead of handing them in. For the receipts to be valid for the fundraiser, you need to go to Customer Service and request a new Redner's card for their 1% Save -a-Tape program You use it the same way you've been using your present card . You'll still get points for gasoline or savings. The register tapes will then have a Save-a-Tape total on them. For every $10,000 dollars in tapes, we receive $100 back from Redner's. I will place a box on the counter by the mailboxes and another box in the administrative lounge to collect the tapes. We have already earned $100 through the program. Thank you. Sister Cara Lucille Garofalo
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for an improvement in Ann's family situation.
- for complete healing for
Magdalin after surgery.
14. THURSDAY – St. John of the Cross
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
- Prayers for Sister Acelia Maria Sterz for successful surgery tomorrow, Friday, December 15, 2023, and for a speedy and complete recovery.
2024 Directory Update
- Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt - Delete all information for Norristown, PA, p.18. Sister will not be returning to the apartment, effective December 13, 2023. Sister is currently residing at St. Joseph Villa. Her information can be found on p. 26 of the 2024 Directory. Delete the (3) *** before Sister’s name.
15. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Community Life
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers advice on ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays. The information is available in the December Newsletter which is posted on the intranet under Community Life. Have a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season! – Sister Shaun Patrice Malone
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
- for Juan Alvarez who died on December 13, 2023 and for his grieving family. Juan is the father of Miosotys, employee at St. Joseph Villa.
16. SATURDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
A Moment in Time
Celebrating 130th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
1894 ~ 2024
St. Francis Orphanage and Mount Alvernia High School ~ 1926
Francis Hall - Alvernia University
Today, Francis Hall in Alvernia University, formerly St. Francis Orphanage and Mount Alvernia High School, is unique in its ideals in its founding in the Franciscan Spirit as the purpose of its existence changed from serving orphans to fostering religious vocations, to educating men and women in a collegiate setting. During the passing years, it has been adapted to the needs of the mission of the congregation.
The decision to build St. Francis Orphanage, which was made during the term of Mother Hedwig Leszczynska, Superior General of the Congregation (1912 – 1930) grew from the acceptance of orphans during the early years of our community here in Reading when Mother Veronica welcomed a nine-year-old orphan girl, Mary, at St. Mary’s Convent in the city.
When Mother Veronica and the sisters moved from Ridgewood into the newly built Motherhouse, Sacred Heart Convent, the orphans accompanied them. The convent was built with specific accommodations for the orphans. As the number of orphans increased and the number of young women who began preparation for religious life also increased the congregation was faced with the necessity of building a structure to house them. In 1924 construction of the building began and in 1926 the children moved from the convent to the new building, which became known as St. Francis Orphanage. The young women, aspiring to be sisters, also moved from the convent to the new building under the name of Mount Alvernia High School. As administrator of this building project, Mother Hedwig provided services necessary for resident orphans, including their education as well as residential and educational facilities for the young women planning to enter the congregation. Mother Hedwig envisioned not only the functional aspects of the building but also a structure aesthetically pleasing and attractive to provide inspiration for all those being sheltered. Source: Designed to Serve by Sister M. Pacelli, OSF, pp. 7-9
17. SUNDAY – Third Sunday of Advent /Gaudete Sunday [Think PINK!]
“O” Antiphons
From December 17 to 23, the church observes the ancient custom of praying each day one of the seven O Antiphons, so called because each one addresses the God who comes in Christ with a different biblical title, beginning with the invocation “O.” In Latin, the first letters of the titles, read in reverse order, form the acrostic “Ero cras” which translates to “I will be with you tomorrow.” These texts trace back to 7th century Europe. Translations of the Antiphons are taken from The Magnificat Advent Companion – Advent 2023, pp. 54-67. There are several different translations for these antiphons depending upon the source. https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/what-are-the.html
O Sapientia (Wisdom)
O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and reached from end to end, and disposed of all things sweetly and mightily: come and teach us the way of prudence.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Adonai (Lord)
O Adonai, and leader of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and with an outstretched arm, redeem us.
Community Update – Deceased Family Member
- for eternal joy and rest for Dorothy Rich, Sister Marie Cacciatore’s Aunt.
Community Update – Living Family Member
- Please hold in prayer Dale Lipsett, Sister Ellen Lipsett’s oldest brother [not the twin] who will undergo serious neck surgery tomorrow, Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Because of aggressive Parkinson’s Disease, Dale is unable to talk, to swallow, and now, to eat. Dale is 83 years old.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Fr. Tom Kuller, S.J. [overseer at Wernersville, PA] who is in rehab fighting an aggressive multi-site infection following hip surgery.
- for Anne Marie.
- for the reuniting of separated family members.
An excerpt from the Saturday, December 16, 2023 e-mail from the Archdiocese of Detroit
4 Spiritual Lessons from the Greatest Christmas Classics | Unleash the Gospel
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse)
O Root of Jesse, who stood as a sign for the peoples, before you kings shall remain silent, and to you the Gentiles shall make supplication: come to deliver us, and delay not.
From the 130th Anniversary Committee
Mark Your Calendars
Sisters are invited to share in our Congregational Anniversary Celebration of 130 years on the Feast of Mother Veronica, Saturday, January 13, 2024. Mass at 4:00 p.m. Dinner and program follow. Please respond to Sister Patricia Farrell at 267.939.9095 or pfarrell3@comcast.net by January 2, 2024. Thank you!
Franciscan Federation of the Sisters and Brothers of the United States
Registration for the Maryland Listening & Learning Session will open today, Tuesday, December 19th at noon Eastern Standard Time.
Space is limited, registration will close on January 20th or when all slots have been filled—Whichever comes first.
To Register visit the Franciscan Federation website page for Listening & Learning Sessions. Click the register button. The button will not be visible until registration opens.
We look forward to the first of our 6 Listening & Learning Sessions! Peace and all good!
Registration Information for future Sessions
Registration will release 2 months out from each in person and Zoom session.
Future registration release dates:
- Virtual Session March 16th registration release date: January 8th
- California Sessions April 27th-28th registration release date: February 20th
- Virtual Session June 12th registration release date: April 15th
- Wisconsin Session September 21st-22nd registration release date: July 22nd
- Virtual Session October 12th registration release date: August 12th
Franciscan Federation of the Sisters & Brothers in the United States
1554 Paoli Pike #307, West Chester, PA 19380
Franfedoffice@franfed.org 484.757.2111 www.franfed.org
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for successful surgery on December 20, 2023 for Sheryl Baver, Stacy Wessner’s mother.
- for continued prayers for complete healing for Scott Bain who underwent a serious operation at the University of Michigan Hospital on December 13, 2023.
- for the Wolocko family.
20. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Clavis David (Key of David)
O Key of David, and scepter of the house of Israel; you open and no one shuts; you shut and no one opens: come and lead forth from his prison the captive sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Community Update - Brazil
- Sister Acélia Maria Sterz was discharged from the hospital Monday afternoon, December 18, 2023, and will remain at Sacred Heart in Viamão, RS Brazil for a few days to recover. We wish her a speedy and complete recovery.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
21. THURSDAY – St. Peter Canisius
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safe travel during this holiday season.
O Oriens (Dayspring/Radiant Dawn/Sunrise)
O Dayspring, brightness of eternal Light and sun of Justice: come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Winter begins in the Northern Hemisphere and
Summer begins in the Southern Hemisphere today.
Community Update – Death of our Bernardine Franciscan Sister
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister Charlotte Marie Koterba and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- Sister Charlotte Marie Koterba entered eternal life yesterday evening Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 10:20 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 95 and in the 73rd year of her religious life. Viewing Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Villa Chapel followed by burial in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA. (Please refer to the Funeral Notices section of our web site for additional information. If you will be attending the Liturgy and reception that follows, please call the Reception Desk at the Motherhouse 484.334.7000 to leave word of the number attending.)
From the Relay – Holiday Schedule
The last regular Relay before Christmas will be posted tomorrow, Friday morning, December 22, 2023, and will include any messages in queue for December 22, 2023 through January 1, 2024. The regular Relay will resume in full on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Same day messages for the Relay are due by 9:00 a.m. on the morning of posting. Those received after that time will be posted on the next scheduled Relay. Emergency Congregational messages only will be posted on the non-Relay days during this time. BLESSED CHRISTMAS! Be well! Be safe! If traveling, safe going and returning. If you have Internet access during the holidays, please check back to see if there are any emergency community updates.
Dear Women Religious of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, a wonderful movie, Cabrini, is scheduled to come out in the theatres on March 8 – International Day of Women. This incredible movie highlights the determination of Mother Cabrini to do the work of the Lord as a woman in a man’s world. You will be talking about the movie for years to come. The producers are offering a special complimentary preview to the women religious in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11:30 AM at the Regal UA King of Prussia, 300 Goddard Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406. 400 tickets are available for the showing so sign up today. You are able to sign up for two people. You will need their name and email address. What a great opportunity for all women religious to gather on the Epiphany to see the movie together.
Below please find the link to the invitation, which includes the event and RSVP details as well as a trailer of CABRINI. themoviescreener.com/c...
Blessings,
Sister Margaret Rose Adams, IHM
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools
Office of Catholic Education
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Office Phone: 215.587.3858
sr.mradams@archphila.o... | AOPCatholicSchools.org
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
- for Junie Boisrond, mother of Julie Boisrond, R.N. at St. Joseph Villa.
22. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Rex Gentium (King of the Nations)
O King of nations, and their Desired, the Cornerstone who make all one: come and save our race, whom you formed out of clay.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sisters Antônia da Silva Pimenta and Rejane Conceição Carvalho
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
- for Christina Necikowski.
- for Richard Cain.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Kira that her health issues may be resolved.
- for healing for Gladys Bledson.
23. SATURDAY – St. John of Kanty
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safe travel during the Christmas weekend.
O Emmanuel (God-with-us)
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Desire of nations and their Savior: come and save us, O Lord our God!
Amy Grant – Emmanuel, God With Us (Lyric Video)
Amy Grant - Emmanuel, God With Us (Lyric Video) - YouTube
24. SUNDAY – Fourth Sunday of Advent /Vigil of Christmas / Christmas Eve
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Helena Marinho de Melo
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the creation by St. Francis of Assisi of the first live Nativity scene in a cave near Greccio, Italy on December 24, 1223.
https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/story-francis-assisi-first-navity-scene-5955
Night of Silence / Silent Night - Gonzaga University Choirs (with Lyrics) (4:31 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcXfM-wc30c
“An Account of a Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore / “’Twas the Night before Christmas” (3:50 minutes) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hilcNtDjr8c
25. MONDAY – The Nativity of the Lord / Christmas Day - the First Day of Christmas – a partridge in a pear tree
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
The Best Christmas Song I've Ever Heard. It Will Give You Chills. - YouTube
Relaxing Christmas Music | 3 Hours | Calm, Relax | Instrumental Music - YouTube
(3 hours)
26. TUESDAY – St. Stephen - the Second Day of Christmas – two turtledoves
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Death of our Bernardine Franciscan Sister – Second posting updated
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister Charlotte Marie Koterba and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- Sister Charlotte Marie Koterba entered eternal life Wednesday evening, December 20, 2023, at 10:20 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 95 and in the 73rd year of her religious life. Viewing tomorrow, Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Villa Chapel followed by burial in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA.
27. WEDNESDAY – St. John, Apostle and Evangelist - the Third Day of Christmas – three French hens
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sisters John Ann Proach and Marie Janeen Obara
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update
- Prayers for Sister Maria Denise Prorock for successful surgery tomorrow, Thursday, December 28, 2023.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
27. WEDNESDAY – Addition – Former BFS ill (1)
- Terri (Faccioli) Nash, former Sister Susan Marie, is hospitalized for serious health issues.
27. WEDNESDAY – Additions – Clergy Deaths (2)
- Rev. Msgr. John Murphy, age 86, 40+ years Pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Allentown, PA [Emeritus] died on Friday, December 22, 2023, in his home in Macungie, PA. Calling hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at St. Thomas More Parish, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. A vigil service will follow at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church. Interment will follow at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery, Shenandoah, PA (Schuylkill County).
- https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2023/12/funeral-services-announced-for-allentown-diocese-priest-monsignor-john-p-murphy.html
- https://www.mcall.com/2023/12/23/monsignor-john-murphy-longtime-pastor-in-allentown-diocese-dies/
- Michael W. Blastic, OFM died very unexpectedly Thursday, December 21, 2023. Michael was a Franciscan Friar, taught at St. Bonaventure University for many years, was currently teaching at the Franciscan University in CA, and was a brilliant but very humble man. He often presented at Franciscan conferences and was active in the Franciscan Federation, and Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU). He was my instructor and mentor at St. Bonaventure the semester I studied and researched the text recently published. – Sister Rosemary Stets
- See https://www.fst.edu/about/faculty-and-staff/michael-w-blastic-ofm/
- https://www.franciscantradition.org/blog/remembering-fr-michael-blastic-ofm-homily-for-800th-anniversary-of-christmas-in-greccio/
27. WEDNESDAY – Addition - Clergy ill (1)
- for healing for Fr. Mike King who is seriously ill.
27. WEDNESDAY – Addition – Three Priests named Auxiliary Bishops of Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Pope Francis has appointed
Rev. Keith J. Chylinski, Rev. Christopher R. Cooke, and Rev. Efren V. Esmilla to serve as
auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The appointments were publicized Dec. 8 in Washington by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Three Philadelphia Priests Named Auxiliary Bishops for our Archdiocese – Catholic Philly
28. THURSDAY – The Holy Innocents - the Fourth Day of Christmas – four calling birds
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
29. FRIDAY – St. Thomas Becket - the Fifth Day of Christmas – five golden rings
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safe travel during the New Year weekend.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sisters Alacia Catharina Lenhart and David Ann Niski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
30. SATURDAY - the Sixth Day of Christmas – six geese a-laying
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safe travel during the New Year weekend.
31. SUNDAY –- The Feast of the Holy Family – Jesus, Mary, and Joseph/ the Seventh Day of Christmas – seven swans a-swimming / New Year’s Eve
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safe travel during the New Year weekend.
Prayers in thanksgiving and also for the needs of our congregation.
- in thanksgiving for the many blessings received by our congregation during the past 129 years and continuing into our 130th year.
- in thanksgiving for the many blessings received by each Sister individually and by the members of our congregation collectively.
- in thanksgiving for those who hold us in their prayers and support us by their gifts of love, time, talent, and treasure – Family, Friends, Benefactors, Associates, and unnamed others.
- for the souls of our Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, family members, friends and benefactors—those near and dear to us—who have gone home to God during 2023.
- in supplication for graces and blessings in 2024 for our congregation and for each Sister individually.
- in supplication for many graces and blessings in 2024 for our family members, friends, co-workers, benefactors, acquaintances, those on whose behalf we minister, and for all for whom we have promised to pray.
- in thanksgiving for those women, living and deceased, who once walked with us as Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and were led to follow a different path in life from ours; may God hold them in His embrace here and in the hereafter.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for the end of the coronavirus, the Flu, and RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus).
- for safety for all who will travel during this holiday season.
- for safety for all who will gather during this holiday season.
A Special Thought to Close the Year 2023
Tonight at midnight, we tuck into our memories all of the special moments of 2023 as we welcome in with trust in Divine Providence all the ordinary and extraordinary moments to come in 2024. As members of the Congregation of Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, let us close this year considering the words of Henri Nouwen: “Community is first and foremost a gift of the Holy Spirit, not built upon mutual compatibility, shared affection, or common interests but upon having received the same divine breath, having been given a heart set aflame by the same divine fire, and having been embraced by the same divine love.” May we be a blessing to one other as, recommitting ourselves to Contemplation, Conversion, Hospitality, and Fraternal Living, we journey each day during 2024 together creating transformation! Happy New Year’s Eve!
Auld Lang Syne - Dougie MacLean version (With Lyrics and English Translation)
GOODBYE 2023! WELCOME 2024!
Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
An International Congregation of Women Religious
An International Congregation of Women Religious
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