Relay for February 2024

1. THURSDAY – World Day for Consecrated Life

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

• for our Sisters who will celebrate a birthday or feast day during the month of February. Many graces and blessings. You are precious to God and to us, your Sisters!
• for fidelity to our consecration as vowed women religious.
• 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.

Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sister Lucinda Ferguson Scott (Brigida)

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated in the Church on Thursday, February 2, 2024, and in parishes over the weekend of February 3-4, 2024. 

Five Major Forms of Consecrated Life

Monasticism, Religious Life, Secular Institutes, Societies of Apostolic Life, Consecrated Virgins, and Hermits. Each of these forms expresses itself in a variety of different orders.

What is Consecrated Religious Life?

Lived within institutes canonically erected by the Church, it is distinguished from other forms of consecrated life by its liturgical character, public profession of the evangelical counsels, fraternal life led in common, and witness given to the union of Christ with the Church.

Four Main Types of Consecrated Life—monastic, cloistered contemplative, apostolic, and missionary—but it's helpful to know that some groups are a hybrid of two or more of these types. [Internet]

What is the difference between consecrated life and religious life?

The 1983 Code of Canon Law recognizes secular institutes as a form of consecrated life. They differ from religious institutes in that their members live their lives in the ordinary conditions of the world, either alone, in their families or in fraternal groups.

What are the documents of consecrated life in the church?

Lumen Gentium, Perfectae Caritatis, and Vita Consecrata

American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month when we take a look at heart attacks and stroke, in particular Silent Heart Attacks. Tomorrow, Friday, February 2nd is National Go Red for Women Day. Consider wearing something red to bring attention to heart disease in women. Be Heart Healthy! 

 2. FRIDAY – The Presentation of the Lord/Go Red for Women Day (Heart Health)/ Groundhog Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

News from Sister Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade (Provincial Minister, Immaculate Conception Province)

On January 31, 2024, at the end of the annual retreat of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Fortaleza, Ceará, three Sisters were commissioned as Missionaries: Sister Antonia Eliene de Vasconcelos to Mozambique, Africa; Sister Maria Socorro Alves to Roraima, Brazil  and Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima to the United States. Friar Vicente, President of the Eucharistic Celebration, spoke wise and motivating words, strengthening the Sisters for their missions. May the Lord of the harvest guide our Sisters so that they may be prophetic signs of peace and do good in the world and in people’s lives! Also on January 31, 2024, Sister Lucimara Martins da Silva renewed her vows.

Retreatants

Commissioning of Missionaries

Left to right: Sister Maria Cristina Melo (Regional Coordinator), Friar Vicente (Celebrant).

Three Missionary Sisters front, left to right: Sisters Antonia Eliene de Vasconcelos, Sister Maria Socorro Alves,

 and Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima. 

Vow Renewal

Sister Lucimara Martins da Silva (center) renews her vows.

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

Community Update (2)

• for Peggy Duncan, Sister Phyllis Duncan’s sister-in-law, for accurate pre-surgical testing and for successful surgery.
• for healing and courage for Marisa Pasquale, niece of Sister Marie Cacciatore.

From the School Sisters of St. Francis

Sister M. Joyce (Helen Margaret Mary) Burkhart, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, United States Province, died on January 30, 2024, at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 85 and in her 67th year of religious profession. Visitation will be on Monday, February 5, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at Mt. Assisi Place, 934 Forest Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa 15202. Arrangements have been made by L.T. Miller Funeral Home, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Obituary: Sister Joyce Burkhart — The School Sisters of St. Francis (schoolsistersosf.org)

A Celtic Circling Prayer – for February 2nd- https://soulistry.com/a-celtic-enfolding-prayer

Groundhog Day – “Every February 2, a crowd of thousands gathers at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to await a special forecast from a groundhog named Phil. If the 20-pound groundhog emerges and sees his shadow, the United States can expect six more weeks of winter weather according to legend. But, if Phil doesn’t see his shadow, we can expect warmer temperatures and the arrival of an early spring.” [Internet] Result this morning: Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, thus, predicting an early Spring!

From the Relay

Thursday, February 2, 2024???? See the Bulletin Quote on the U.S. Catholic Bishops site  from which the Relay gathered its information posted on Thursday, February 1, 2024, thus the day of the week error!!!!!

https://www.usccb.org/committees/clergy-consecrated-life-vocations/world-day-consecrated-life#:~:text=World%20Day%20for%20Consecrated%20Life%20will%20be%20celebrated%20in%20the,them%20on%20their%20special%20day.

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters’ Family Members and for the comfort and consolation of our Sisters and their families:

• for Rev. Eugene P. Ritz’s mother who died Monday, January 29, 2024. Fr. Ritz is the Vicar for Clergy; Director, Office of Permanent Diaconate Formation; and Judge, Diocesan Tribunal for the Diocese of Allentown (PA).

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 Jane Keadle (former Sister Mary Christeta) for a quick and peaceful recovery.
• for Baby Gus who has undergone several surgeries and is now in serious condition. Hold also in prayer his family.

3. SATURDAY – St. Blase/St. Ansgar/First Saturday

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 Miriam Guerra de Albuquerque Montenegro

and Rita Mafalda de Oliveira Magalhães

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Some interesting facts about St. Blaze - https://www.google.com/search?q=st.+blaise+facts&rlz=1C1GGRV_enUS755US755&oq=St.+Blase&aqs=chrome.5.69i57j46i10i512j0i10i512j46i175i199i512j0i10i512l5.6185j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

4. SUNDAY – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

5. MONDAY – St. Agatha

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 Chidera Agatha Ohamara

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

World Day for Consecrated Life Celebration on Friday, February 2, 2024

In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to Candlemas Day, the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.

Bishop Alfred A. Schlert of the Diocese of Allentown (PA) invited consecrated religious to a 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Thomas More Church, Allentown (PA) followed by a Brunch at the Lehigh Country Club, Allentown (PA). Twenty-two Bernardine Franciscan Sisters were in attendance.

6. TUESDAY – SS Paul Miki and Companions

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 Dorothy Marie Poremba

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Sister Antonia Eliene de Vasconcelos

Missionary to Cuamba, Niassa – Mozambique – Africa

Yesterday, Monday, February 5, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. Brazil time (4:15 p.m. EST) Sister Antonia Eliene de Vasconcelos left São Paulo, SP Brazil to travel to Cuamba, Niassa – Mozambique - Africa where she will join Sister Helena Marinho de Melo in the Mother Veronica Fraternity and serve as Formation Minister.

Sister Gilbetânia, Province Minister of Immaculate Conception Province, Brazil writes:

“Dear Sister Eliene, I hope your mission is very blessed, I know it will be a great opportunity to continue growing as a missionary. Continue with that burning heart and with your feet on the path, because He who called you walks with you.

Sisters, I ask all of you to pray for Sister Eliene as she continues traveling today to Mozambique.

May Our Lady, the great Missionary of the Father, protect her in her travels and in the new mission.”

7. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

Sister Antonia Eliene de Vasconcelos, thanks all for their prayers for her safe travel from São Paulo, SP - Brazil on Monday, February 5, 2024, and her arrival yesterday, Tuesday, February 6, 2024, in Cuamba, Niassa – Republic of Mozambique - Africa. The speed of travel from one continent to an entirely different continent in such a short time is simply amazing! We are truly peoples of a global world!

8. THURSDAY – St. Jerome Emiliani/St. Josephine Bakhita

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update - Living

• Prayers for Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva for a successful surgical procedure this morning and for a speedy and complete recovery.

Community Update – Deceased Family Member

• Prayers for Irene Kuebler, niece of Sisters Melita and Cynthia Skiendziel, who died yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, February 7, 2024 and for comfort for her family and friends.

Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sister Cynthia Skiendziel

Mass will be offered for your special intentions. 

9. FRIDAY

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 new employment for the husband of Schlueter, Leana, staff member at Brother Rice High School (Michigan).
• for Sue and Jack Holloway who suffer serious health issues.
• for healing and correct treatment for college student Jillian Drake.
• for Denise W. and children.

10. SATURDAY – St. Scholastica

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

11. SUNDAY – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time/World Day of the Sick

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Pope Francis has issued his message for the 2024 observance of the World Day of the Sick,

which is today, Sunday, February 11, 2024, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/sick-and-world-need-therapy-love-pope-says-message#:~:text=Pope%20Francis%20has%20issued%20his,of%20Our%20Lady%20of%20Lourdes.

Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sister de Lourdes Okoniewski

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

12. MONDAY

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 Angela Maria Teixeira de Sousa

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 Baby Gus for a complete recovery from serious surgery performed on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
• for Jan for a safe and successful surgery tomorrow, Tuesday, February 13, 2024, and for a full recovery.
• for peace and courage for Nancy.

13. TUESDAY - Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From the Committee for the 130^th Anniversary

Please find the prayer service for the month of February on the Members Only area of our BFS website under the heading “Prayer Services.” It is titled February 16, 2024 – Theme: 130 Years of our Existence. The remaining months’ services will be coming as soon as the translations are available.

February Birthday Celebration at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA

Standing: Sisters Charlene Dalrymple and Josepha Piorkowski. Seated:  Sisters Joan Eileen Christian and deLourdes Okoniewski. The 6th grade students from Sacred Heart School came and brought treats for everyone and played Bingo with the Sisters.

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Announce Annual Retreats

• Retreat at St. Joseph Villa - Reading, PA - June 9 to 14, 2024 conducted by Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.SsR. from San Alfonso Retreat Center. 

• Retreat at the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center – Reading, PA - July 7 to 13, 2024 conducted by Fr. JohnpaulCafiero, O.F.M. “Come to the Mountains: An Encounter with God.”

Franciscan Federation of the Sisters and Brothers of the United States

Registration for the next Maryland Listening & Learning Session will be released on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at noon Eastern Standard Time.

Space is limited, registration will close on date given in the release 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 third 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:

• California Sessions April 27^th-28^th registration release date: February 20^th
• Virtual Session June 12^th registration release date: April 15^th
• Wisconsin Session September 21^st-22^nd registration release date: July 22^nd
• Virtual Session October 12^th 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 following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:

• for healing for Colleen Dorrycott, mother of a substitute teacher at Brother Rice HS.
• for alertness and recovery for Julie Nelson's mother and for strength for her father. Julie is a Study Hall teacher at Brother Rice HS.
• for Jim for a non-invasive resolution to health problems.
• for a young dad of two who is being treated for a serious illness.
• for safety for all geographical areas impacted by the weather.

Some Word Meanings for Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day

• Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. It's also called Shrove Tuesday, Carnival Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday, depending on where the celebration is taking place. -Mardi Gras – New Orleans, LA – History https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history/
• Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday, Anglo-Saxon Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (absolved from their sins).

Internet research on Carnival—source of all items below



Brazil – Carnaval – Friday, February 9 to 17, 2024

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (Portuguese: Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro) is a festival held every year before Lent; it is considered the biggest carnival in the world, with two million people per day on the streets. The first Carnival festival in Rio occurred in 1723.

Nobody throws a party quite like Brazil, and there's no Brazilian party quite like Rio Carnaval. It's the world's largest Carnival celebration, attracting participants in the millions for a week of explosive, flamboyant, samba-shaking fun. Feb 2, 2023

Carnival originated as a pagan festival in ancient Egypt which was subsequently celebrated by the Greeks and then the Romans. The popular festival was adopted by the Roman Catholic Christian church in Europe as the festival of Carne Vale. May 6, 2023

So "carnevale" means literally "remove meat". It refers to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, the traditional Christian period of 40 days before Easter, commemorating the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, which was a period of abstaining from meat and other pleasures of the flesh.

6 of the World's Best Carnival Celebrations

1. Mardi Gras: New Orleans, Lousiana. ...
2. Port of Spain Carnival: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. ...
3. Rio Carnival: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ...
4. Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Santa Cruz, Ternerife. ...
5. Venice Carnival: Venice, Italy. ...
6. Notting Hill Carnival: London, England.

Reminder: Tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, is a day of fast and abstinence. https://relevantradio.com/2018/02/lenten-fasting-abstinence-obligations-catholics-explained/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI85jFp4_l7gIVgfOzCh0VSQoqEAAYASAAEgIm4PD_BwE

14. WEDNESDAY – Ash Wednesday/Valentine’s Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Pope Francis’ Lenten Message

https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/pope-christians-must-rekindle-hope-fighting-todays-forms-slavery

Community Update

Sister Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade asks for prayers for Sister Valdair Unices Morelli who fell yesterday and fractured her femur. The surgery will take place today at 11am at PUC Hospital. Let us pray that everything goes well.

Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sister Rosemaria Jaschke

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 Patrick M. and his three children who are going through a very difficult time.

15. THURSDAY

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 Claude Marie Jablonski

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

From the Relay

There will be no regular Relay posted on Monday, February 19, 2024. Federal Holiday in the U.S. - Presidents’ Day. The regular Relay will resume on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

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 David R. and for peace for his family, especially his Father Joseph who is having a really hard time.

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 Mary Henige and family.

16. FRIDAY

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 Juliana Melz

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

A Moment in Time

Celebrating 130^th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

1894 ~ 2024

Villa Maria Retreat House - Stamford, Connecticut

A distinguished Georgian Mansion on Skymeadow Drive in North Stamford, Connecticut erected in 1916 by playwright Henry Miller as his country estate heralded the beginnings of Villa Maria Retreat House. The purchase of the property took place in 1946 when the deed to the property changed hands from the Untermyer family to the Sisters.

Renovations were made to the building, which was dedicated on October 12, 1947, by Reverend Stanislaus Musial. Villa Maria was officially opened in June 1948. In 1948-1949, when Sister Chesla became the Superior and Sister Lucretia, the Retreat Directress, the Evening of Recollection was introduced as an integral part of the Retreat Program.

For 54 years, Villa Maria Retreat Center served as an ecumenical spiritual center hosting retreats and programs for priests, religious and laity. As of December 31, 2002, activities at the retreat center were discontinued pending its closing due to the conditions of the main building needing major repairs—a failing roof, septic system and boiler. With the financial burden of major repairs as well as the lack of Sisters to staff the retreat house, Villa Maria Retreat House closed its doors and was sold to the Knights of Columbus. A Mass of Remembrance and Thanksgiving was celebrated on April 26, 2003.

Villa of Our Lady Retreat House - Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania

Located in the heart of Mount Pocono, the Villa of Our Lady Retreat House, formerly known as Meadowside Hotel, was one of the best year-around hotels in the Pocono Mountains. The current steel and concrete fireproof building was erected in 1929.

In December of 1952, the sale of Meadowside Hotel took place when Sister Edmund, the Superior General of the Sisters negotiated its purchase with Mr. C. Miller. The retreat house was dedicated and placed under the patronage of Our Lady on May 30, 1953.

Renovations took place retaining its’s original functional beauty while highlighting the aspect of it being a home for spiritual renewal. The first group of Sisters to reside in the Villa were Mother Henrietta, Mother Yolanda, Sister Marguerite, and Sister Irma.

Local missionaries and priests from various religious communities served the Villa of Our Lady in offering days of prayer, weeklong and week-end retreats to priests, sisters and laity. During its 67 years of serving God’s people, it was a place to be renewed in body, mind and spirit. Major repairs needed to the building and the lack of Sisters to serve in the ministry in the retreat house brought about the closure of the Villa of Our Lady A final Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated on August 1, 2020 in the Villa of Our Lady Chapel in Mount Pocono, PA.

Source: BFS Archives

17. SATURDAY – Seven Founders of the Servite Order

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 Maria Lucia de Araujo

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

 18. SUNDAY – First Sunday of Lent

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

19. MONDAY – Presidents' Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From the Relay

There will be no regular Relay posted today, Monday, February 19, 2024. Federal Holiday. The regular Relay will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, February 20, 2024. 

20. TUESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Sister Deborah Ann Surgot, Administrative Assistant/Communications

Reminder: Return of Registrations for gatherings on March 2 and March 16, 2024.

Please email communications@bfranciscan.org or mail 450 Saint Bernardine St. Reading, PA 19607-1737 or fax 610.777.3973 your registrations to Sister Deborah Ann Surgot

• Education Day – Saturday, March 2, 2024 - due Friday, February 23, 2024
• TAU Education Day – Saturday, March 16, 2024 - due Monday, March 4, 2024.

Thank you to those who have already returned both registration forms.

Community Update – Family member

• for successful surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, February 21, 2024, and for full recovery for Steve Sninsky, brother of Sister Mary Sninsky.

Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) Transforming Grace

Between November 2023 and November 2024, LCWR is employing the lens of transformative justice as the country participates in the 2024 US national election campaign.

The transformative justice initiative for this time is entitled, “Transforming Grace: The Work of Transformative Justice.” “Transforming Grace” invites participants to take responsibility for the personal and collective responses we can make in the challenges we will encounter during the national election period.

The initiative follows the liturgical calendar. During each liturgical season, participants receive a weekly or monthly one-page reflection guide that includes: a short video, a brief reading, two or three questions intended to deepen conversation, and a prayer grounded in our contemplative commitment. The materials are designed to be used in groups such as leadership teams, justice committees, employee groups, and gatherings of sisters and partners in mission. Each reflection tool will be designed for a 60-75 minute session.

Some of the sessions may be accessed using the following link: Transforming Grace | LCWR

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 Anthony Ritz for successful surgery today and for complete healing.
• for freedom from anxiety and healing for John Wise.
• for Dennis Commardo who is seriously ill.
• for post-surgery healing for Joyce.
• for Kate, a young mother of twins, who is on an organ transplant.
• for Patricia.
• for Maritza and Anette.

21. WEDNESDAY – St. Peter Damian

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Photos from Brazil

Community prayers – February 2024 for BFS 130th Anniversary

Fraternidade São José– Dom Feliciano, RS

22. THURSDAY – The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

A historic moment—No messages for today’s Relay!

23. FRIDAY – St. Polycarp

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 Antonia Eliene de Vasconcelos

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Community Updates

• for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment for Dennis Lipsett, Sister Ellen Lipsett’s twin brother, who is experiencing serious, frequent medical recurrences requiring multiple hospital ER visits and much testing since September 2023. Latest ER visit via ambulance last night [Thursday, February 22, 2024]  into early this morning [Friday, February 23, 2024] with multiple tests and procedures. Presently, he is an outpatient who is scheduled for an invasive diagnostic procedure on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
• My brother, Steve Sninsky, and our family thank you for your prayerful support for his successful surgery. All went well with no surprises. – Sister Mary Sninsky
• for Sisters undergoing diagnostic surgical or medical procedures.

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 Valentina Antushina, mother of Larysa (who is on our housekeeping staff at the Motherhouse). Valentina is ill and lives in the Ukraine.

24. SATURDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

25. SUNDAY – Second Sunday of Lent

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

26. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Congregational Updates (2)

• for Sister Dulceline Cieslukowski who is in Reading Hospital. 
• A Flash Back to World Day for Consecrated life as Celebrated in the Diocese of Allentown (PA) Bishop Schlert Celebrates World Day of Consecrated Life- AD Today (ad-today.com)

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 Baby Jacob.

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 Beth for safe and successful surgery on Thursday February 29, 2024, and for a full and speedy recovery.
• for Kaye for safe and successful surgery on Thursday February 29, 2024, and for a speedy and full recovery.
• for Ashley for safe travel during all of 2024.

27. TUESDAY – St. Gregory of Narek

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

• Please pray for Sister Dulceline Cieslukowski who is having a serious procedure today, Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

The Committee for the 130^th Anniversary

The prayer service for the month of March is now on the Website under PRAYERS. Please feel free to download and use as you feel appropriate.

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 Carlos and Abby Canela as they anticipate the birth of their second child at the end of February (a boy!)
• for return to good health for Harry.
• for blessings of safe delivery and good health for Emma and baby.
• for Laura who needs prayers to manage a very difficult employment situation.

28. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Sister Rose Jameson

Sisters, When you sign in to join the meeting on Saturday, March 2, 2024, it is important that you do the following:

1.     Look at the bottom of your screen and look for a circle/globe which will allow you to choose your Language. For Brazil and Mozambique and the Dominican Republic select Portuguese and for the US select English. If for some reason you are disconnected or leave the meeting and join back in, you must always select your language. If your screen is small you may not see the circle/globe but you will have three dots …. Click on the three dots… and select your language.

2.     It is important that you keep yourself muted. Be sure that there is a red line through your microphone which is on the bottom of your screen on the left. To mute, just click on the microphone icon and the red line will appear.

I will start the meeting at 8:30 a.m. Reading time to give you an opportunity to sign in. Once the meeting begins at 9:00 a.m., I will not be able to help you so you must sign in before time. I will answer my cell phone until 9:00 a.m.

Zoom participants will not be placed into Breakout Rooms. You will need to do your reflections among yourselves in whatever zoom room you are in initially.

News from Brazil

Yesterday, February 27, 2024, was a busy travel day for our Brazilian Missionary Sisters. Sisters Lusete Morelli, Yasmim Victôria dos Santos Oliveira, and Maria Socorro Alves traveled to Fraternidade Nossa Senhora dos Anjos in Félix Pinto, RR (Amazon) where they were greeted yesterday upon their arrival by Sister Rita de Cássia Lima Barbosa [not pictured]. Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima traveled yesterday and arrived today, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in Reading, PA-United States.

Left frame: Sister Lusete Morelli’s back. In the heart: Sisters Maria Lucia de Araujo and Nita Ricardo Rassude bringing Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima to the airport in Fortaleza. Above the heart Sister Yasmim Victôria dos Santos Oliveira; right frame: Sister Maria Socorro Alves.

Can you find the letters “L OVE” in the picture? [Picture created by Sister Jenniffer Acosta Rosario]

Community Update

Chapter Implementation Committee

Thank you to all the Taus who already returned the evaluations for their January/February meetings. Please note that the deadline is this Friday, March 1, 2024. Also, be sure that April 20, 2024 is a red letter date on your calendar for the Chapter Implementation Assembly. Details and registration will be forthcoming. May God bless you for who you are and all that you do. Gratefully, Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj and Sister Cecilia Bondy, Co-Chairs for the Chapter Implementation Committee

Community Update – Death of a Sister’s Family Member

My Uncle and Godfather, Thaddeus (Ted) Wieleba, 89, died on Monday, February 26, 2024 following years of struggling with various ailments. He was my Dad’s only brother. Ted and his wife Joyce were blessed with a large family who value your prayerful support at this time. Funeral liturgy will be on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Kieran Church, 53500 Mound Rd, Shelby Township, MI followed by burial in Resurrection Cemetery in Shelby Township, MI. - Sister Karen Anne Wieleba

2024 Directory Update

• Sister Jacinta Respondowska – p. 22 - Sacred Heart Convent – Delete Sister’s name, room information, and phone number. Put on hold her e-mail addresses. Add to p.26 - St. Joseph Villa - Sister’s name, room information, and phone number. Sister is in Bernardine Hall room 268. Her phone number is 484.705.7386. Information regarding e-mail addresses is not definite at present. Effective February 26, 2024. 

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 Clark Purdy and help for his family who are trying to bring him home safely from Florida.
• for Mufide R. and Family.

29. THURSDAY – Leap Year Day

Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sister Maria Celeste Vieira

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

 From the Relay

Apologies to our Sisters of the Dominican Republic - A little late but posted with love…. Happy Independence Day!

Dominican Republic Independence Day – February 27, 1844

Following both French and Spanish rule from as early as the 16th century, the island nation of the Dominican Republic declared itself an independent nation from neighboring Haiti in 1844. In 1861, the Dominican Republic reverted to Spanish rule, again winning its independence in 1865.

Ten interesting facts about the Dominican Republic:

https://childrenshungerfund.org/blog/10-interesting-facts-about-the-dominican-republic/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_War_of_Independence

Happy Belated Independence Day, Dominican Republic!

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 and strength for young mom, Megghan Tripp who has been diagnosed with a serious illness.
• for healing for Katie Davis a young teacher diagnosed with serious illness.

Leap Year Information

• What is the Purpose of a Leap Year? Our planet takes approximately 365.25 days to orbit the sun once. It's that . 25 that creates the need for a leap year every four years. During non-leap years, aka common years – like 2022 – the calendar doesn't take into account the extra quarter of a day required by Earth to complete a single orbit. [Feb 27, 2022 – Internet]
• Who invented Leap Year? In 45 B.C. a decree by Julius Caesar began the practice of adding an extra day every four years, with the creation of the Julian calendar – making up for those quarter days. [Feb 28, 2020 – Internet]
• How accurate is a Leap Year? Today's Gregorian calendar uses more elaborate leap year rules, making it far more accurate. However, it is not perfect either. Compared to the tropical year, it is 27 seconds too long, so it is off by 1 day every 3236 years. [Internet]

GOODBYE, FEBRUARY!

WELCOME, MARCH!