Relay for March 2019

 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
 Relay
March 2019

 1. FRIDAY – World Day of Prayer / First Friday 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers. 
  • for safe travel for Sisters attending the Pre-Assembly Meeting in Reading, PA tomorrow. 
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. 

A request from Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva 
Sisters, once again we are asking for your assistance with ministry pictures that include at least one Bernardine Sister in the photo. Our preference for the photos is action pictures rather than posed pictures. Although we are mainly looking for action pictures of our sisters in ministry, you may want to include a few photos of our sisters in prayer or at celebrations, etc. Photos from this collection of pictures will be part of a 125th Anniversary Project. We would like to have every ministry of our sisters represented. Sisters, I am asking you to please make it a priority to provide pictures and send them electronically by jpg to Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva, Congregational Minister at mhdasilva@bfranciscan.org by Friday, March 8, 2019. 
Thank you, sisters, for your cooperation in this matter as well as for the beautiful way that you share God’s love through your life and ministry. May 2019 bring you many blessings from God. 

Important Updated Notice from Institutional Automated Systems (IAS) 
IAS will continue the move to their new address today, Friday, March 1, 2019. Phone lines will be down.If you need immediate assistance during this time, please contact Sister Dolorice Domin at 484.334.6817 or DoloriceDomin@bfranciscan.org 

As of today, Friday, March 1, 2019, any communication via mail to IAS must be sent to their new address:1859 Bowles Avenue, Suite 100, Fenton, Missouri 63026. Phone numbers (314.644.2150 and toll free 800-489-2150) and FAX number (314.644.7132) remain the same. 


2. SATURDAY – First Saturday 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for safe travel for Sisters attending the Pre-Assembly Meeting in Reading, PA today and for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit upon the proceedings. 
3. SUNDAY – Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for safe travel home for Sisters who attended the Pre-Assembly Meeting in Reading, PA yesterday.
4. MONDAY – St. Casimir 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Thank you 
Dear Sisters, I am already on the road, so please excuse email as a way to thank you and your fellow Sisters for a truly memorable evening [Saturday, March 2, 2019 – Mass and Dinner]. Please pass on our gratitude to the musicians, the servers, and all who helped with the events. The gifts were so thoughtfully selected. The presentations were so well planned, so meaningful, even if all too generous in their sentiments. And we had a wonderful time just being with you all. Helen and I are so fortunate to look forward to many more times together at Mass and with good fellowship. Peace and All Good, Tom [Tom Flynn, current President of Alvernia University] 

Health News 
Happy March! We live in hope that spring is not too far away! This month’s newsletter again focuses on heart disease because millions of people suffer from various heart conditions. This month we consider the importance of preventing and managing Congestive Heart Failure. The document can be located on the intranet under Community Life. Select Newsletters then select the document. Blessings! - Sister Shaun Patrice Malone 

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 Sister Monica Loughlin, SBS (former President of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament from 1995 – 2005) who died on Thursday evening, February 28, 2019. Viewing on Monday, March 11, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Calvary Church, 11024 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154-4295 followed by the Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. – Sister Donna Breslin, SBS (President) and the SBS Leadership Team 
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 for Jamia Cowen tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5, 2019. 
  • for Marcelina Salano (Dominican Republic) who is seriously ill. 
  • for Kim who is 8 months pregnant and hospitalized for other issues. 
  • for the March Family who are grieving the loss of 2 family members. 
  • for Bob J. who was given a serious diagnosis and also for his family during this time. 
  • for those who will undergo medical or surgical procedures this week for accurate diagnosis and successful follow-up treatment. 
5. TUESDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, is a day of fast and abstinence. 

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Directives: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but not to equal a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards. For additional readings, consult www.usccb.org 

Procedure for requesting Overnight Accommodations at the Motherhouse 
Contact: Sister Shaun Patrice Malone – communitylife@bfranciscan.org 
Indicate the date of arrival, date of departure and the name of the guest(s). If there are special needs, please include that information. Thank you!
 
125 th Anniversary Weekend Renewal Retreat 
If you had registered to make one of the Weekend Renewal Retreats in Reading but are, instead, making the September 21, 22, 23, 2019 Retreat in Farmington Hills, MI, please e-mail Sister Ellen Lipsett as soon as possible [preferably this week] to remove your name from the Retreat List. Make certain to indicate the Retreat for which you had registered. Thank you.

6. WEDNESDAY– Ash Wednesday 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Today, Ash Wednesday, is a day of fast and abstinence. 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Directives: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but not to equal a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards. For additional readings, consult www.usccb.org 

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 Sandra McKelvie, who has been diagnosed with a major health problem. 
  • for Ted who is seriously ill.
7. THURSDAY – SS. Perpetua and Felicity

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
Our world needs our sacrifices, prayer and fasting! 
“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Embracing the daily cross is one of the three foundational texts of Saint Francis’ rule of life. It is not an easy thing to do as we face critical situations in our own lives, in the life our own community and in the life of the people in the world. When Bernard of Quintavalle told Francis he wanted to join his life of poverty, they spoke to the parish priest and, under his guidance, opened the Scriptures three times, a common practice in medieval times. The three passages they read that day, from Luke and Matthew, eventually became part of Francis’ Rule: the rule and life of the friars is to live in obedience, in chastity and without property, following the teaching and the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ. These passages express the need to put Christ at the center of all we think, say, and do : give to the poor, deny yourself, take up your cross.

I remind you to be faithful in making the Stations of the Cross, in Community, at least weekly, as a sign of our fidelity to the mandate from Jesus: Take up your cross and follow me! Let us remember that through practicing this devotion we are bringing with us all the people who are suffering in the world, especially the Church of Jesus! I recommend that you give the time needed to remove your comfortable shoes and replace them with the sandals of Jesus as you walk through these days of Lent, with no complaints and with heartfelt gratitude! 

Reminder: Tomorrow is a day of abstinence from meat.

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 today for Leona Papagno, sister of Sisters Laetitia and de Lourdes Okoniewski .
  • for Tom Magee that he may have complete healing after his surgery.
8. FRIDAY-St. John of God 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for safe travel this weekend for Sisters participating in the 125th Anniversary Vocation Group Weekend Renewal Retreat March 8-10, 2019 in Reading, PA. 
  • for the wisdom and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit in the Retreat proceedings. 
  • for a renewed appreciation by retreatants of our congregation’s past, a deep commitment to living its present, and full participation in envisioning and contributing to its future. 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Directives: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards. For additional readings, consult www.usccb.org 

9. SATURDAY – St. Frances of Rome 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Reminder: Set clocks one hour ahead before retiring tonight. Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow at 2:00 a.m. 

10. SUNDAY – First Sunday of Lent / Daylight Saving Time begins. 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Daylight Saving Day began at 2:00 a.m. this morning. Did you remember to turn your clock ahead one hour? 

11. MONDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

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 Bill, Sister Rose Daniel Colanzi’s brother, who is seriously ill and is in the hospital. 
  • for healing for Bruce Ebert who is in the hospital. 
  • for Sister Maria Garmus who is very sick. 
  • for Paulo Marinho de Melo, Sister Helena Marinho de Melo’s brother, who is sick. 
  • for Elisa Maria Neto, Sister Marilisa da Silva’s sister, who is struggling with health issues. 
  • for Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky for a successful procedure on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
12. TUESDAY 
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
Gratitude to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation 
On behalf of all of us, I want publicly to thank the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation for their generous donation of $25,000 toward the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Congregation. In my letter of February 25, 2019 to Sister David Ann Niski (Executive Director), Ms. Davoy (Chair of the Board) and Board Members I wrote,Your generosity on this auspicious occasion for our congregation touches my heart with profound and prayerful gratitude. The money will be used wisely as we continue the mission in the Name of Jesus.In addition to my letter was a beautiful letter sent by Sister Maria Bartos (Director of Development and Mission Advancement) in which the generosity of the members of the BFS Foundation was recognized and acknowledged. 

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 Lee, Sister Maria James Riedel's niece, who is seriously ill. 
Happy 30th Anniversary of the birth of the World Wide Web 

For other church, country, global events see: http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/march12th.html 
For example: 2013 - Vatican City Cardinals Begin Pope Vote

13. WEDNESDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Schedule for this weekend’s Renewal Weekend Retreat 

Friday 
  • 5:00 Dinner in Motherhouse dining room 
  • 6:15 Introductory Gathering and Prayer 
Saturday 
  • 8:30 Breakfast in Motherhouse dining room 
  • 9:30 Session 1 
  • 12:00 Lunch 
  • 1:00 Discovering our History in Chapel – Optional 
3:15 Session 2 
  • 5:00 Dinner in the Motherhouse dining room 
  • 6:00 Session 3 Questions/Comments/Insights followed by Prayer and Social 
Sunday 
  • 9:00 Mass in Chapel followed by Brunch in Motherhouse dining room 
  • 10:45 Closing Session with departure no later than 1:30 p.m. 
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 surgery for Cathie Toth and for a speedy recovery. 
  • for Abby Okoniewski, Sisters Laetitia and de Lourdes Okoniewski's grandniece, who is seriously ill. 
14. THURSDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Invitation 
St. Benedict Parish in Mohnton, PA will be having its 7th Annual Lenten Taizé Prayer service on Sunday,March 31 at 6:30 p.m. This is a service with three components: Music, Scripture, and Silence. The St. Benedict Parish Choir and a professional string quartet will be leading this beautiful evening. All are invited! - Andrew Angstadt, Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Benedict Parish in Mohnton. 

Reminder: Tomorrow is a day of abstinence from meat. 

15. FRIDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for safe travel this weekend for Sisters participating in the 125th Anniversary Vocation Group Weekend Renewal Retreat March 15-17, 2019 in Reading, PA.
  • for the wisdom and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit in the Retreat proceedings.
  • for a renewed appreciation by retreatants of our congregation’s past, a deep commitment to living its present, and full participation in envisioning and contributing to its future.
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 Sister Veraci da Silva Crispa, our Brazilian missionary in Santo Domingo, DR who broke her foot.
  • for Ruth Adam that the doctors will be able to find answers to some health issues that she's experiencing.
  • for continued healing for Edna M.
  • for Matthew, a young father, who is hospitalized with serious complications.
  • for baby John who is in critical condition.
  • for Kelly, Jeannie, and Debbie, that their treatments may be effective.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Directives: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards. For additional readings, consult www.usccb.org

16. SATURDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Tomorrow, March 17, 2019, Benilde Pedro Baina and Márcia Orlando Antonio will be admitted to the Postulancy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters at the 10:00 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Fatima, Caxias do Sul. They will be members of the Fraternidade Madre Verônica in Caxias do Sul [2019 Residence Directory, p. 43]

17. SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT / St. Patrick’s Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • Benilde Pedro Baina and Márcia Orlando Antonio, may every grace and blessing be yours as you discern God’s will for you in your life’s journey. Welcome to the Postulancy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters! We will hold you in our prayers and in our hearts.
  • for safe travel home for our Sisters who participated in the 125th Anniversary Vocation Group Weekend Renewal Retreat in Reading, PA
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! How the Irish in Ireland celebrate St. Patrick’s Day - https://www.yourirish.com/traditions/celebrating-st-patricks-day and also a 2014 article: http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/st-patricks-day.html

18. MONDAY – St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Development and Mission Advancement 
Thank you so much for helping to make this year’s Bernardine Bonanza great! Please click the link below to see some of the highlights from the event. We hope to see you next year! Enjoy! 

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 Bill Colanzi, Sister Rose Daniel Colanzi’s brother, who remains hospitalized in the ICU and will undergo a test today - for good test results.
  • for Robert Prorock, Sister Maria Denise Prorock’s brother, who has a long road to recovery.
  • for Glen and Paul who are seriously ill.
19. TUESDAY – St. Joseph

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

For all of the places of ministry/residence where Bernardine Franciscan Sisters are under the patronage of St. Joseph:
  • St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA – This morning Fr. Ronald Bowman, Chaplain, blessed a newly installed statue of St. Joseph in the Villa Chapel.
  • St. Joseph School and Fraternity in Barra do Ribeiro, RS Brazil [Directory pp. 43-44]
  • St. Joseph Fraternity in Dom Feliciano, RS, Brazil [Directory p. 45]
  • St. Joseph de Nipepe Fraternity in Nipepe – Niassa – Mozambique, Africa [Directory, p. 21]. Bernardine Sisters arrived in Mozambique in 2012.
  • St. Joseph Living Area – Motherhouse, Reading, PA
From Sister Marilisa da Silva - Information regarding Cyclone Idai that hit Mozambique, Africa and then moved on to Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Our Bernardine Sisters in Mozambique are safe – Cyclone Idai did not hit their area.


From: Sister Marilisa da Silva 
To: Christ the Redeemer Parish, Manville, NJ 
We received a thank you letter of congratulations on the 125th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Here is part of the response to Rev. Stanislaw Slaby, C.Ss.R., Pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish in Manville, NJ: “Your thoughtful and kind words as well as prayers touch our hearts with much gratitude. In the name of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations on the 100th Anniversary of presence in Manville. It is a remarkable hallmark and we take delight in the fact that we were a part of your faith community for a number of years. Our lives as Bernardine Franciscans are much richer because of this experience. May your beloved parish continue to blossom for many more years. May you also feel the love, prayers, and support of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.

A Mother Veronica Moment [originally intended for March 16] 
Mother Veronica was filled with indescribable longing for a new home, a place where her eyes drifted towards the hill across the river, an ideal place for a Franciscan convent. Her quandary was…

“And where will we find the money for any type of home? From our Provident God, my heart and mind tell me. If this is truly your will, dear God, you will open doors for us. I entrusted this entire mission to Divine Providence and your Sacred Heart in the very beginning. I renew that trust now."

Franciscan Action Network (FAN) reflection for the third Sunday in Lent: 

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 all the victims of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Africa.
  • for Matthew Kurtz.
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 surgical procedure for Sister Joan Eileen Christian tomorrow, March 20, 2019.
  • for healing and correct diagnosis for Gerry L. and Gabi R.
  • for Ramona for a successful surgery on Friday, March 22, 2019.
  • for Leona as she battles a health issue.
  • for all persons affected by Cyclone Idai that hit in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi (Africa).
  • for all persons suffering from disasters caused by nature – floods, fires, storms – and for the long-term effects those disasters cause - contamination of air, water, soil and also human, plant, and animal well-being.
  • for all persons affected by human violence and terrorism.
Trivia: Believe it or not--There is a copy of our Sister Cantalicia Snarski’s book Under the Shadow of the Almighty on sale on the Internet!!!!! Check out this site:

In this book is the telling of a thought-to-be miracle of provision done by St. Joseph at our home in Ridgewood, PA.

Happy St. Joseph Day!

20. WEDNESDAY – First Day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere; First Day of Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
St. Bernardine of Siena Convent, 515 Summit Ave, Reading PA 19611 
As the study of our ministries and properties continues, the Congregational Leadership, after consultation with the Sisters who live at St. Bernardine of Siena Convent, has decided to sell the convent. The process is moving quickly; therefore, I do not want you to be surprised when you see a for sale sign posted outside the convent. This decision was shared with the Umbrella Committee. Sisters Dolorice Domin and Shaun Patrice Malone will be moving to the Motherhouse once St. Bernardine of Siena Convent is sold.

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 Sister Roberta Agnes McKelvie who is hospitalized in Reading Hospital – Tower Health, Room N 317.
  • for Jim Dailey who is dealing with a serious illness.
  • for Terry who is seriously ill.
Happy Spring! Happy Autumn!

21. THURSDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for safe travel for Jasmitte Xavier.
Message of Pope Francis for Lent 2019 

Pope Francis’ Prayer Video for March 2019 – Recognition of the Right of Christian Communities 

From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
Pre Assembly meetings in Farmington Hills, MI 
March 22 and 23, 2019will be a fruitful weekend encounter with the Sisters in Farmington Hills, MI. The Congregational Leadership Team, Sisters Barbara Winnals and Barbara Valuckas will be present at this memorable moment! Thank you to the Sisters who are attending, preparing the environment and getting ready for the meeting in the evening of Friday and all day Saturday! Friday we are going to update on the progress of the Umbrella Committee and have a meaningful time looking at the progress on the Study of the MI Property. We have a very good group of Participants and I am happy that we could accommodate our agendas so we could give the opportunity for more Sisters to attend the Pre Assembly Meetings. All sounds well! May God’s blessings be with all of us!

During this Holy Lenten Season we invoke the presence of our God through all that we have done and are because of our commitment to Jesus’ mission! Participating in the Mystery of God’s Love we “Encounter” Jesus, on the Journey to Jerusalem!

From Sister Rosemary Stets 
Sisters, the TAU and House Chapter material focusing on Transformative Fraternal Living, developed by the International Inspirational Committee, has been sent to the TAU Representatives and Local Fraternities for March/April 2019 gatherings in the U.S., Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. The committee is grateful for the comments or summaries of the sisters’ discussions, and leaders can email this feedback to the councilor liaison for the committee: rosemary.stets@bfranciscan.org. Thank you.

The April 2019 LCWR newsletter link if found below: 

A Spiritual Opportunity in the Archdiocese of Detroit in March 2019 
Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, executive director of NETWORK Promotes Pope’s Agenda on Social Justice – March 28, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Franciscan Center in Madonna University in Livonia, MI.

Sister Simone has led six cross-country “Nuns on the Bus” trips focused on tax justice, healthcare, and other political issues. She wrote the famous Nuns’ Letter and A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Can Create Hope, Change, and Community. For more information, contact Sr. Nancy Marie Jamroz, snancy@madonna.edu or 734.432.5784, or Andrew Domzalski at adomzalski@madonna,edu, or 734.432.5420.

Reminder: Tomorrow is a day of abstinence from meat.

22. FRIDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for safe travel for Sisters who are going to Farmington Hills, MI for the Pre-Assembly Meeting.
From the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (PA) 
Invitation to Day of Recollection – March 30, 2019 
Please join us for a Day of Recollection in Lent sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Consecrated Life on Saturday, March 30, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, PA. Speaker: Rev. G. Dennis Gill, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, Rector and Pastor of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The day includes two talks ( Biblical Aspects of Authentic Conversion; Authentic Conversion Leads to Fidelity to the Gospel ), Mass, Holy Hour, Confessions and lunch. There is no charge to attend and all are welcome - consecrated men and women, priests, deacons and laity. Please RSVP to Sr. Gabrielle Mary Braccio, RSM, Delegate, Office for Consecrated Life at sr.gbraccio@archphila See flyer for schedule at the following link : 

From Carol Zinn, SSJ, Executive Director of LCWR - National Office 
Catholic Charities USA Seeks Assistance with Migrants 
[The letter below from Donna Markham, OP, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA is reproduced to provide fuller understanding of the issue at hand].

Catholic Charities USA Needs Assistance with Migrants – Message to LCWR 
The Trump administration is stopping the jailing of families who illegally cross the US-Mexico border into Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. Hundreds of families caught each day in the area are being released by Border Patrol agents instead of being transferred to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for potentially longer detention. While this does have political overtones, there are thousands of human souls being affected and who need our care. This rapid release of migrants is directly impacting our Catholic Charities agencies along the border and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Our agency in McAllen, TX has been told they may receive anywhere between 900-1000 people a day; Catholic Charities in Laredo reports that they may expect nearly 300 a day, with more expected as migrants are transported from other Points of Entry to Laredo; the diocese of El Paso is receiving close to 1000 per day; Galveston/Houston Catholic Charities is receiving people from our border agencies in large numbers, as well. The other Catholic Charities agencies along the border are bracing for an influx that [is] exceeding our capacity

Our border Catholic Charities agencies need help to assist these individuals and families coming across the border. Catholic Charities USA is deploying as many staff as possible from other Catholic Charities agencies around the country, but that is still not adequate to the need. We are relying on Miles4Migrants to secure transportation for many of these newcomers to their temporary or final destination in the US, pending their adjudication hearings.

If there is and Bernardine Sister who is able to volunteer to help where needed, please dialogue with your congregational councilor.

Reminder: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Directives:Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards. For additional readings, consult www.usccb.org

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 Maria Care, former therapist at St. Joseph Villa, who is having surgery today.
23. SATURDAY – St. Turibius of Mogrovejo

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for safe travel for Sisters attending the Pre-Assembly Meeting in Farmington Hills, MI today and for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit upon the proceedings.
24. Third Sunday of Lent

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for safe travel following yesterday’s Pre-Assembly Meeting in Farmington Hills, MI.
25. MONDAY - The Annunciation of the Lord

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Thank you 
Dear Sisters, I want to express my deep gratitude for your prayers and support while I was in the hospital last week. Knowing that you were keeping prayerful thoughts was a real blessing. - Sr. Roberta Agnes McKelvie

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 Sister Michele Grodzinski for a successful surgery tomorrow and for a rapid and complete recovery.
  • for Marlon, Sister Mary Laurene Browne’s nephew, who is hospitalized.
  • for Norman, Sister Joan Eileen Christian's brother, who is hospitalized.
  • for Bill, Sister Rose Daniel Colanzi’s brother, who is hospitalized in the ICU and is in poor health.
  • for successful emergency treatment for Joe Volker.
  • for correct diagnosis and healing for Harry G.
  • for Meredith during this time of pregnancy.
  • for protection, healing and fullness of health for 1st child Baby Cooper who was born 3 months early
  • for blessings and healing for Gina K.
  • for employment for Sue L.
  • for full-time employment for Jody D.
  • for blessings and grace for Joe, Phil, and Val.
  The Annunciation of the Lord - http://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/annunciation/

26. TUESDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
US Sisters Assembly 
With much Joy and Hope, I thank Sister Barbara Valuckas, SSND for her process in conducting the Pre-Assembly Days in Reading, PA and Farmington Hills, MI and all the Sisters who participated attentively with a deep interest and engagement during those days. The Assembly Committee consists of Sisters Anna Indycka, Ann Therese deGuise, Clare Chabot, Francesca Thérèse Bozzo, Joanne Mary Kotwicki, Patrice Marie Klausing, Paula Marie Nowak, Shaun Kathleen Wilson and Councilor Liaisons Sisters Rose Jameson and Madonna Marie Harvath. The Members are distributed into two Committees: the Planning Committee chaired by Sister Paula Marie Nowak and the Organizational Committee chaired by Sister Shaun Kathleen Wilson. Additional messages will be posted frequently in the Relay! May our prayers be with them and may the Holy Spirit guide them in their mission! 

Sister Jubilarians 
It is time to return your response cards to me with the names of the people that you have invited to the Jubilee on May 26,2019.Please send the cards in the given envelope to me by the end of the week.Thank you. - Sister Paula Marie Nowak 

From the Office of Communications [Relay] 
2019 Residence Directory 
Please check your information that appears in the 2019 Residence Directory: Name index in the front, residence and personal information within the book (and, possibly, a separate ministry page ), birthday/feast day dates in the index in the back. If there is an error or an omission, please email your name, page number, and the correction or addition to relay@bfranciscan.org or leave a message with the above information at 484.334.6958. Deadline for arrival of information in the Office of Communications is Friday, April 5, 2019. Update information is in preparation. Thank you. – Sister Ellen Lipsett 

Franciscan Action Network 
(FAN) link to their reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent 

Invitation – St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Concert, Metuchen, NJ 
Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
This hour-long concert will bring together musicians from religious congregations that currently serve in the Diocese of Metuchen. Sponsored by the office of Worship, Office for Religious and St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral concerts. For more information visit: http://www.stfranciscathedral.org/CathedralConcerts 

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 Father Paul Bryan, C.Ss.R. who was welcomed home by God on Monday, March 25, 2019, in St. John Neumann Residence at Stella Maris in Timonium, Maryland. There will be a funeral Mass at Stella Maris on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a wake service on Friday, March 29, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Ephrata, PA His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Ephrata, PA. 
  • for Adolph Akwe Lawrence , 53, Sister Mary Laurene Browne’s cousin, who died Sunday evening, March 24, 2019, in a tragic motor accident. 
  • for Clarence Wright, father of Deidra Hill (Vice President for Marketing & Communication at Alvernia University). To learn more about Mr. Wright’s life, please click on the following link -https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?fhid=17015&n=clarence-wright&pid=191902028 . Funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2019, 10 a.m. viewing, and 11 a.m. service at Springfield Baptist Church, 508 P Street, NW, Washington, DC. Interment follows service at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, MD. Note to A.U.Trustees, Deidra was able to get home to be with her dad and the family. She and he were very close. If you want to get in touch, below is Deidre’s home address: Dr. Deidra Hill, 10606 Visa Linda Drive, Bowie, MD 20721-4047 
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 Sister Michele Grodzinski for a successful surgery today and for a rapid and complete recovery. 
  • for Ruth Adam who will have surgery today and for complete recovery. 
  • for a successful surgical procedure for Amy Brown. 
  • for blessings and strength for Bob Huttemann as he struggles with health issues. 
  • for Ryan as he prepares for his Ph.D. thesis. 
27. WEDNESDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

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 Otylia Kornecki, Sister Jacinta Respondowska’s sister, who suffered a fall and will be undergoing surgery on a date to be determined. 
28. THURSDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

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 two-year-old Javon, Richard Johnson's grandson, who died on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Richard is an Aladdin employee at St. Joseph Villa. 
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 procedure for Sister Josepha Piorkowski. 
  • for a successful surgery today for Carol Dionisio, Sister Deborah Ann Surgot’s sister. 
  • for Joseph Volker for complete recovery from a surgical procedure undergone yesterday, Wednesday, March 27, 2019. 
  • for healing for Brodie, a 12 year old boy, who has a serious illness. 
  • for Mary who is seriously ill. 
  Reminder: Tomorrow is a day of abstinence from meat.

29. FRIDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for safe travel for all of our Sisters including those who are members of the Umbrella Committee.
  • for safe travel for the Sisters from other congregations who have been attending the FABs meeting in Reading, PA.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Directives: Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards. For additional readings, consult www.usccb.org

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 good results and complete healing for Gary Zebrowski, one of our benefactors, who is undergoing a serious operation today.
  • • for Tom O'Brien, who is now in a nursing home and will be hospitalized again for his serious condition.
30. SATURDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

31. SUNDAY – Fourth Sunday of Lent

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

So long… Farewell… Auf Wiedersehen...Good-bye to the Month of March;to one third of the year 2019, and, as Father Ronald P. Bowman (chaplain at St. Joseph Villa and the Motherhouse) mentioned at Mass on March 25th [Feast of the Annunciation] Hello to Christmas in nine months! Time does fly when you’re having fun!








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