The groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter. Br-r-r-r!
Odds aren't in Punxsutawney Phil's favor on Groundhog Day
Reading Eagle, Berks in Brief, Monday, February 3, 2025
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Relay for February 2025
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
Relay
February 2025
1. SATURDAY/First Saturday
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.
Groundhog Day – Sunrise tomorrow, Sunday, February 2, 2025
The Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, will once again appear at sunrise [around 7:08 a.m.] tomorrow, Sunday, February 2, 2025 , at Gobbler's Knob in the Pennsylvania Wilds to make his annual prediction on the 139th Groundhog Day. What does a sleepy, furry marmot have to do with seasonal change? [Internet Jan 2, 2025] If Punxsutawney Phil, the 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]
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/watch-groundhog-day-coverage-181841325.html
2. SUNDAY – Presentation of the Lord/ World Day of Consecrated Life/Groundhog Day
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
World Day of Consecrated Life
The World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life is today, February 2, 2025 which is also the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Celebration of this day of prayer is Feb. 1-2, to allow parishes to highlight the gift of religious life and pray for those discerning a religious vocation.
Video – Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we celebrate our Religious Consecration by opening doors of hope! Happy World Day of Consecrated Life! https://photos.app.goo.gl/e6EpWqqvPS2yMKj79
When video link is opened, viewer will first see a collection of pictures and the video will then automatically load. Turn up the sound on your phone, laptop, desktop computer to hear the dialogue which is based upon the Declaration of the 18th General Chapter.
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
Groundhog Day
At sunrise today, did Punxsutawney Phil see/not see his shadow? If Punxsutawney Phil, the 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.”
3. MONDAY – St. Blase/St. Ansgar
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.
Community Update
- Sister Rosalita Roberts, DHM was discharged from Penn State Health St Joseph Medical Center on Friday, January 31, 2025, and is back at St. Joseph Villa. Thank you for your prayers.
From the Franciscan Federation – From Sister Sandra Lyons
2025 has begun - and with it begins a celebration of Francis' Canticle of the Creatures. This song-prayer has been inspiring Franciscans - and so many others - for 800 years! Franciscan Federation is joining the celebration in this year's virtual retreat, "Singing a New Canticle: 1225 – 2025." World-renowned Franciscan scholar Brother Bill Short, OFM will treat us with his perspectives on the history and relevance of the Canticle, while inviting us to ponder how we are called to pray it today.
We hope you will join us as we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Canticle, in the special way only the Franciscan Federation can, with profound presentation, engaging conversation and Franciscan connections that can't be found anywhere else.
The Franciscan Federation Annual Virtual Retreat will be held on February 23, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. Eastern time. Visit https://franfed.org/gatherings/annual-retreat-2 to learn more and to register. Note: We, as Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, are members of the Federation; therefore, the cost is $20/person for each of us.
February 2025 LCWR Newsletter link:
https://www.lcwr.org/resources/publications/february-2025
From Sister Mary Elena Sabalausky
A Matter of Balance Tuesdays| 3/11/25 - 4/29/25| 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | #CS2415-01. No Fee. Register for free online or at the Costick front desk. Instructor: Michelle Soho & Donna Bucciarelli, Corewell Health - Farmington Hills (local hospital)
“A Matter of Balance" Managing Concerns about Falls workshop meets 2 hours a week for 8 weeks. This program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase physical activity through exercise that improves flexibility, range of motion and strength. Topics discussed throughout the workshop include assertiveness, recognizing fall-ty habits, fall hazards in the home and environment and confidence building.
Groundhog Updates
Local “Groundhog” Prediction: Reading's Patty Pagoda sees shadow"
Reading Eagle, Berks in Brief, Monday, February 3, 2025
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 Rebecca for successful surgery today, Monday, February 3, 2025.
- for Eva.
Some interesting facts about St. Blaze
4. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Community Life – Sister Shaun Patrice Malone
February is National Heart Month. Our Newsletter offers some information about Peripheral Artery Disease. It is posted on the intranet under Community Life, Newsletters. Take good care of your heart!
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month when we take a look at heart attacks and stroke, in particular Silent Heart Attacks. Friday, February 7, 2025, is National Go Red for Women Day this year. Consider wearing something red to bring attention to heart disease in women. Be Heart Healthy! https://www.goredforwomen.org/-/media/GRFW-Files/WRD-2025/National_Wear_Red_Day_Poster_2.pdf?sc_lang=en
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 Francis Lewandowski, CSSF for a safe and successful surgery on Wednesday. February 5, 2025, and for a full and speedy recovery.
- for Sarah for diagnosis and treatment for her serious condition.
- for healing for Shelly. [website]
5. WEDNESDAY – St. Agatha
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Death of a Family Member
- for Robert Gayda, brother of Sister Marie Gayda.
Community Updates - Living
- Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt was discharged from Reading Rehab on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, and returned to St. Joseph Villa. She thanks everyone for their prayers.
- Sister Patricia Ann Czarnota was discharged from Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, and returned to St. Joseph Villa. She thanks everyone for their prayers.
- for a successful surgery today, Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Brazil for Francisco Correira Lima, Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima’s brother.
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 safe delivery and a healthy baby for Christine, a young mother who is experiencing medical issues.
Go Red for Women Day (Heart Health) – Friday, February 7, 2025
Wear red to show support and to be seen, counted, and heard.
6. THURSDAY – 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.
Reminder regarding Phones
None of the phones are operational to receive outside calls to the Motherhouse (including the Main Desk), the Annex area (including the CLT rooms), and the Administration Building Offices. If you direct dial any of the phone numbers from outside the buildings, you will get the message “Name [without prefix Sister] is not available….and you’ll be asked to leave a message. DON’T! Your spoken message is not recorded and goes into “outer space” and there is no indication that you have called. If you wish to contact any Sister at any of these locations from outside the buildings, either e-mail or call /text their cell phone. If you are inside any of these buildings, use one of the original landline phones and dial only the 4- digit extension. If the person is in, you will be able to speak with her. If she is not available, you will hear her original greeting and can leave a voice message. She will be alerted that someone called and will be able to access your voice message and respond back to you inside the building. In summary, in the buildings, dial the 4-digit extension. Outside the building, e-mail or call/text the Sister’s cell phone. Sisters in any of these buildings who routinely receive reminder calls from a Doctor’s office or from a Pharmacy, please call the Doctor’s office and the pharmacy and give them your cell phone number.
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 Carol Hinds. who had been on the staff of Mt. St. Mary's, Emmittsburg, Md. Carol had been on Alvernia's Board for many years. No details yet.
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 peaceful and joyful delivery for Courtney Lemon-Tate of her baby who is due any day and for peace for her husband Dan.
- for continued Return to health for Dustin.
- for healing and continued successful treatments for Anne Cichon.
- for continued healing for Paul.
- for continued successful treatments for Bill.
- for healing for John.
- for Mary Ann for her health issues to be resolved.
7. FRIDAY – First Friday/Go Red for Women Day (Heart Health)
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 successful surgery today for 1-1/2-year-old Audrey.
- for successful donor-recipient surgery and recovery for Alvernia Faculty Nathan Thomas' niece Patty (donor) to her son, Matt (recipient).
- for Paul and Adrian who both have multiple issues.
- for Bob and Rachel.[website]
8. SATURDAY – St. Jerome Emiliani/St. Josephine Bakhita/International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
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 Cynthia Skiendziel
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Bernardine Sisters’ Annual Retreat Information – Two sites
McGlinn Conference Center – Sunday, June 8, 2025 (4:30 p.m. dinner) to Friday, June 13, 2025 (1:00 p.m.) Retreat Master - Father Simeon Gallagher, OFM Cap. “Looking Backward with Gratitude: Looking Forward with Hope.” Cost for Bernardine Franciscan Sisters $550.00 Cost for other participants $600.00 Registration Deadline Friday, May 2, 2025. (Retreat Flyer with particulars and Registration form is available in Motherhouse). Non-BFS Participants contact: Sister Shaun Kathleen Wilson at 610.613.3282 or email: mcglinncc@bfranciscan.org
St. Joseph Villa – Sunday evening, June 29, 2025 to Friday morning, July 4, 2025. Retreat Master - Fr. Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM. Fee outside of St. Joseph Villa - $500. 00 Registration Deadline Friday, June 13, 2025. Contact Sister Josandra Ciucci 610.777.5556 Extension 010.
February 8th is the Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita who was trafficked as a young girl. Click on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website link to read more https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/human-trafficking-rejection-god-given-dignity-every-human-being?sfnsn=mo
8. SATURDAY – ADDITION – Death of a BFS
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sisters and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- for our dear Sister Clare Chabot who entered eternal life, this morning, Saturday, February 8, 2025at 8:39 a.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 79 and in the 61st year of her religious life. Arrangements are pending.
8. SATURDAY – ADDITION – Death of a BFS Family Member
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our Sister’s Family Member and for the comfort and consolation of our Sister and her family:
- for Alice Carusello, age 100, Sister Shaun Marie Fattal’s Aunt, who died this morning, Saturday, February 8, 2025. Alice lived in the state of Oregon.
9. SUNDAY – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
10. MONDAY – St. Scholastica
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Death of a BFS
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- for our dear Sister Clare Chabot who entered eternal life, Saturday morning, February 8, 2025, at 8:39 a.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 79 and in the 61st year of her religious life. Arrangements are pending.
Community Update – Living BFS
- Please pray for Sister Patricia Ann Czarnota who was readmitted to Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Community Update – BFS Family - Living
- for Anne Caroline, Sister Yasmim Victoria dos Santos Oliveira’s godmother, who is hospitalized in serious condition.
- Francisco Correira Lima, Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima’s brother, is very grateful for the Sister's prayers. He is at home recovering and is doing well. He said, “Thank you so much for your prayers!”
Community Update – Death of a BFS Family Member
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our Sister’s Family Member and for the comfort and consolation of our Sister and her family:
- for Alice Carusello, age 100, Sister Shaun Marie Fattal’s aunt, who died Saturday morning, February 8, 2025. Alice lived in the state of Oregon.
From the Franciscan Federation – From Sister Sandra Lyons
2025 has begun - and with it begins a celebration of Francis' Canticle of the Creatures. This song-prayer has been inspiring Franciscans - and so many others - for 800 years! Franciscan Federation is joining the celebration in this year's virtual retreat, "Singing a New Canticle: 1225 – 2025." World-renowned Franciscan scholar Brother Bill Short, OFM will treat us with his perspectives on the history and relevance of the Canticle, while inviting us to ponder how we are called to pray it today.
We hope you will join us as we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Canticle, in the special way only the Franciscan Federation can, with profound presentation, engaging conversation and Franciscan connections that can't be found anywhere else.
The Franciscan Federation Annual Virtual Retreat will be held on February 23, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. Eastern time. Visit https://franfed.org/gatherings/annual-retreat-2 to learn more and to register.
Note: We, as Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, are members of the Federation; therefore, the cost is $20/person for each of us, less if larger group registered.
Federation pricing:
- 1 person on 1 laptop $20.00
- 5 or more persons on 1 laptop, total: $80.00
Sisters registered for the McGlinn, check the registration sign-in sheet on the counter for shared cost for this large group on 1 laptop in the McGlinn Conference Center.
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 friend of Pat Cinfici who is in need of prayer and healing.
- for employment for Catherine F.[website]
- for Amanda’s Uncle Bill who is seriously ill. [website]
11. TUESDAY – Our Lady of Lourdes/World Day of the Sick
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
World Day of the Sick is observed on February 11th each year. This date holds special significance as it coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a day associated with healing and devotion to the Virgin Mary. [Internet]
Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of the Sick
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/01/27/250127f.html
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 Frank who is undergoing a serious surgery on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
- for healing for 8-year-old Francis.
- for healing for baby Audrey.
13. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Pope Francis Meets with Talitha Kum network that works to combat Human Trafficking
During the Week of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, Pope Francis praises the Talitha Kum network for its global and hands-on efforts to combat the worldwide and unabated scourge of human trafficking. Pope Francis on Human Trafficking
Community Updates – Family Members
- Please pray for guidance for the surgical team during the Tuesday, February 18, 2025 surgery for Philip Baumann, Sister Jean Therese Baumann’s brother, and prayers for a successful outcome.
- Please pray for Ray and Joan Bartos, Sister Maria Paul Bartos’ brother and sister-in-law, who are both having major health issues.
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay posted on Monday, February 17, 2025. Federal Holiday in the U.S. - Presidents’ Day. The regular Relay will resume on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
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 Angie in Saginaw Michigan.
- for a former Volunteer at Motherhouse, Veronica Center, Linda, who lost her daughter, Alisa, unexpectedly.
- for strength and healing for Fran Mat who is recovering from emergency surgery.
- for Marco who is dealing with a serious illness.
14. FRIDAY – SS. Cyril and Methodius/Valentine’s Day
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 Rosemaria Jaschke
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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 Bethany for a successful procedure today.
- for Larry for successful surgery Monday, February 17, 2025.
- for Dave’s worker and her family, for Dave’s friend and his friend’s wife. [website]
- for mental and emotional healing for J. (a college student).
15. 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
Sister Claude Marie Jablonski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
16. SUNDAY – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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.
Community Update – Funeral for Sister Clare Chabot
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- Mass of Christian Burial tomorrow morning, Monday, February 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Villa Chapel.
From the Franciscan Federation – From Sister Sandra Lyons
2025 has begun - and with it begins a celebration of Francis' Canticle of the Creatures. This song-prayer has been inspiring Franciscans - and so many others - for 800 years! Franciscan Federation is joining the celebration in this year's virtual retreat, "Singing a New Canticle: 1225 – 2025." World-renowned Franciscan scholar Brother Bill Short, OFM will treat us with his perspectives on the history and relevance of the Canticle, while inviting us to ponder how we are called to pray it today.
We hope you will join us as we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Canticle, in the special way only the Franciscan Federation can, with profound presentation, engaging conversation and Franciscan connections that can't be found anywhere else.
The Franciscan Federation Annual Virtual Retreat will be held on February 23, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. Eastern time. Visit https://franfed.org/gatherings/annual-retreat-2 to learn more and to register.
Note: We, as Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, are members of the Federation; therefore, the cost is $20/person for each of us, less if larger group registered.
Federation pricing:
· 1 person on 1 laptop $20.00
· 5 or more persons on 1 laptop, total: $80.00
· Sisters registered for the McGlinn, check the registration sign-in sheet on the counter for shared cost for this large group on 1 laptop in the McGlinn Conference Center.
17. MONDAY – Seven Founders of the Servite Order/Presidents’ Day
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.
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay posted today, Monday, February 17, 2025. Federal Holiday/Presidents’ Day. The regular Relay will resume on Tuesday, February 18 2025.
18. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update Sick BFS
- Please pray for Sister La Verne Grippe who is in need of our special prayers at this time.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs – Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
The Parts of Medicare – A Review:
- Medicare Part A is Hospital
- Medicare Part B is Medical
- Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Plans such as: AARP; AETNA Silverscript; Cigna; Humana; United Healthcare and Wellcare.
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 Peter.
- for Laura Medeiros who is critically ill.
- for Makenna. [website]
- for health and speedy recoveries for Donnie, Gemma, Linda and Olivia. [website]
- for Jerry’s wife Lucy who is battling a serious illness for the second time. Miracle needed. [website]
20. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Attached is a copy of Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert’s reflection
from the Mass on Sunday, February 16, 2025, celebrated for the Women Religious.
Reflection for Consecrated Religious Women
in the Jubilee Year of Hope, 2025
Dear Sisters in Christ,
As we gather in this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are invited to reflect on the deep mystery of our faith and the unique role you, as consecrated religious women, play in the life of the Church. This Jubilee Year is a reminder that our God is a God of hope, and as we live in His presence, we are called to radiate that hope to a world that desperately needs it.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks about the “good soil” where the seed of faith takes root and bears abundant fruit. You, dear sisters, are that good soil. Through your vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, you make room in your lives for God’s word to grow and multiply. Your lives are living testimonies of what it means to trust in God’s providence and to surrender your personal plans to His will. In your joy, simplicity, and love, you reflect the hope that is rooted in the resurrection of Christ.
It is not easy to live such a radical life of consecration. There are moments of struggle, doubt, and sorrow. But in those moments, it is precisely hope that sustains you. Hope does not come from what we can see, but from what we trust in, even when it is not visible. Your hope is rooted in the promise of God, who calls you by name and asks you to follow Him wherever He leads.
The founder of your congregation, whoever that may be, had a vision that was inspired by God, and you, by answering the call, became part of that living dream. You stand as signs of God’s love for the world, giving yourself in service to others. Whether you serve in prayer, teaching, healing, or outreach, you embody the hope of the Gospel. In a world that sometimes seems to be consumed by darkness, you are the light, shining in hope.
As you continue your vocation, remember that your witness is essential to the Church’s mission. In your presence, the Church grows stronger, more vibrant, and filled with hope. Through your ministry, you offer the world the possibility of new life and transformation. Every time you pray, every time you care for someone in need, every time you live out your vows, you are planting seeds of hope in places that need it most.
In this Jubilee Year, let us remember that hope is not just a fleeting emotion or an abstract ideal. It is the very person of Jesus Christ, alive and at work in the world. He is the source of our hope, and it is through Him that we find the strength to carry on.
So, dear Sisters, as you live your consecration with joy, simplicity, and hope, know that the Church and the world are grateful for your witness. You are not alone in this mission. God is with you, and He continues to call you to places and people you have yet to imagine. With hope in your hearts, may you continue to proclaim His love through your life, bringing light and grace wherever you go.
May the Jubilee Year of Hope renew your hearts and strengthen your hands, as you live out the beautiful vocation to which God has called you.
Amen.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs – Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
The Parts of Medicare – A Review:
- Medicare Part A is Hospital
- Medicare Part B is Medical
- Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Plans such as: AARP; AETNA Silverscript; Cigna; Humana; United Healthcare and Wellcare.
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 improved health for Chris P.
21. FRIDAY – St. Peter Damian
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs – Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
The Parts of Medicare – A Review:
- Medicare Part A is Hospital
- Medicare Part B is Medical
- Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Plans such as: AARP; AETNA Silverscript; Cigna; Humana; United Healthcare and Wellcare
Reminder from the Relay
The Relay does not access Facebook or any other non-e-mail correspondence. Please do not add relay to your list of friends. If you wish to correspond with Relay, please e-mail to relay@bfranciscan.org Thank you. – Sister Ellen Lipsett
22. SATURDAY – The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
23. SUNDAY – Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
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.
23. SUNDAY – Addition – Death of a BFS
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- for our dear Sister La Verne Grippe (Grzyb) who entered eternal life yesterday afternoon, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 3:25 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 89 and in the 72nd year of her religious life. Arrangements are pending.
From the Relay
Sisters, we are having difficulty with internet connection. Once the rewiring of the Motherhouse Complex happens, this issue should be resolved as should also be the inability to phone dial directly. Please hold the situations in your daily prayers asking God for a quick, successful, and joyful resolution.
24. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update - Death of a BFS - Details
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- for our dear Sister La Verne Grippe (Grzyb) who entered eternal life, Saturday afternoon, February 22, 2025, at 3:25 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 89 and in the 72nd year of her religious life. Viewing on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Burial in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ Cemetery.
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 John and Martin.
- for a good prognosis for Jonathan’s mother Bernadette.
25. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates - Family
- for continued prayers for health and healing for Dorothy, Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky’s sister.
- for Cindy Lawrence, the sister-in-law of Sister Mary Ann Lawrence, MSC, (St. Joseph Villa resident).
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 John Benedetto who died on Monday, February 24, 2025.
- for Darlene Snyder, sister-in-law of Ilene Koller (Alvernia University Director of Human Resources).
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 Gabriella for good results from yesterday’s testing.
- for Adele. [website]
- for healing of Bridget and Kaci. [website]
26. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Thank you
My family and I sincerely thank you for your prayers for the repose of the soul of my brother Robert. Your thoughtfulness and kindness have been a source of comfort. God bless you! Sister Marie Gayda
Alvernia University – Catholic Fellowship Group
Second from right: Sister Marietta Andrzejewska
Background, fifth from left: Sister Paula Marie Nowak
Seated, front left: Sister Rosemary Stets
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 Bill Bond, cousin of Associate, Karen Boswell (Saginaw, Michigan) who died on February 22, 2025 and for comfort and consolation for his family.
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 Chris Gunther, brother of Saginaw, Michigan Associate Pari Sitarski, who is terminally ill.
- for Rick, brother of Saginaw, Michigan Associate Patty Reynold, who is on hospice.
- for Linda Boehner for health and healing. [website]
28. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Sister Maria Celeste was born on February 29th [Leap Year birthday].
She celebrates her birthday in non-Leap Years on February 28th.
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.
GOODBYE, FEBRUARY!
WELCOME, MARCH!
Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
An International Congregation of Women Religious
An International Congregation of Women Religious
450 St. Bernardine Street, Reading, PA 19607 | 484-334-6957 | © 1894 - 2020 | Privacy Policy