Relay for July 2024
BERNARDINE FRANCISCAN SISTERS
Weekly Relay
July 2024
1. MONDAY – St. Junipero Serra
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for our Sisters who will celebrate a birthday or feast day during the month of July. Many graces and blessings for you are precious to God and to us, your Sisters!
- for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
- for many graces and blessings upon our Sisters who are making their annual retreat during the summer months.
- for relaxing and restorative vacations for our Sisters during the summer months.
- for safe travel for our Sisters during the summer months.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the Power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Community Updates
- Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt was discharged from Reading Rehab on Thursday, June 27, 2024, and has returned to St. Joseph Villa.
- Prayers for the health of Anna Montenegro Rossi, Sister Miriam Guerra de Albuquerque Montenegro’s sister, who lives in Canela, RS, who suffered a stroke and is recovering, undergoing tests and treatment. Let us join this family in our confident prayer that their recovery will be immediate and complete.
- for Joe Ciucci, Sister Josandra Ciucci’s brother, who is having health issues at this time.
From the Relay - Holiday and Retreat Time
There will be no regular Relay on Thursday, July 4, 2024 – Federal Holiday – U.S. Independence Day. The Communications Office/Relay will close at noon on Friday, July 5, 2024. Sister Ellen Lipsett and Sister Rose Jameson [Relay Sub] will be on Retreat Sunday, July 7 through Saturday, July 13, 2024. A Relay will be posted these days only if there is a Community Update. Relay time will be determined by the Retreat Schedule. The Regular Relay will resume on Monday, July 15, 2024. Please know that all intentions are held in prayer whether stated on the Relay or not since we have committed to do so the first day of each month. Please check back during the week as time allows in the event that there is a Community Update.
Any advance-knowledge messages for posting on July 3rd through 14th received by the Relay by noon Tuesday, July 2nd will be posted Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Thank you in advance for your understanding and for your prayers for Sister Rose Jameson, the Retreatants, and Sister Ellen Lipsett during this 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 healing for 9-year-old Kailin Hummer who is seriously ill.
2. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safety for all who will travel on this Holiday Weekend in the U.S.
Community Update – Deceased Family Member
· Pray for José Rinaldo Vieira, Sister Maria Celeste Vieira’s and Sister Maria de Fátima Vieira’s brother, who died on Saturday, June 29, 2024, in a work accident. His burial is today, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Fortaleza, RS Brazil.
Community Update - BFS
- Pray for Sisters dealing with chronic or advancing illnesses.
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 Kathleen Loftis who is seriously ill.
- for Dave Brennan. [Website]
- for Jonathan. [Website]
3. WEDNESDAY – St. Thomas, Apostle
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safety for all who will travel on this Holiday Weekend in the U.S.
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay posted tomorrow, Thursday, July 4, 2024 – Federal Holiday – U.S. Independence Day. Regular Relay will resume on Friday, July 5, 2023. Relay Office will close at noon on Friday, July 5, 2024.
Community Update – Family Member
- for successful surgery on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, and for full recovery for Michael Sninsky, brother of Sister Mary Sninsky.
4. THURSDAY – St. Elizabeth of Portugal/ Independence Day in the U.S.A.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safety for all who will travel on this Holiday Weekend in the U.S.
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence - July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress
meeting at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, PA, later renamed Independence Hall
The transcript of the Declaration of Independence
Happy U.S.A. Independence Day!
Colorful Firework with Sounds. Screensaver (4K UltraHD) - Bing video
5. FRIDAY - St. Anthony Zaccaria/St. Elizabeth of Portugal/First Friday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From the Relay - Holiday and Retreat Time
The Communications Office/Relay will close at noon today, Friday, July 5, 2024. Sister Ellen Lipsett and Sister Rose Jameson [Relay Sub] will be on Retreat Sunday, July 7 through Saturday, July 13, 2024. A Relay will be posted these days only if there is a Community Update. Relay time will be determined by the Retreat Schedule. The Regular Relay will resume on Monday, July 15, 2024. Please know that all intentions are held in prayer whether stated on the Relay or not since we have committed to do so on the first day of each month. Please check back during the week as time allows in the event that there is a Community Update.
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 Felicidad P. Manzon, mother of Melmar P. Manzon. [website]
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 Willie Richie. [website]
- for strength for Lenin. [website]
- for Eva. [website]
6. SATURDAY – St. Maria Goretti/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 Maria Korick, Marietta Andrzejewska, and Alvina Vieira Machado
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
7. SUNDAY - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
8. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
9. TUESDAY – St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Family Member
- for successful surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, and for full recovery for Michael Sninsky, brother of Sister Mary Sninsky.
10. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
11. THURSDAY – St. Benedict
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
12. 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 Veronice Plewinski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
13. SATURDAY – St. Henry
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
14. SUNDAY – Fifteenth 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 Kateri Peake
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
From the Relay
The Regular Relay resumes tomorrow, Monday, July 15, 2024.
15. MONDAY – St. Bonaventure
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 Emilia Gelinski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update
- Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt - Pray for successful surgery today, Monday, July 15, 2024, at Reading Hospital Tower Health, West Reading, PA and for a complete and speedy recovery.
2024 Directory Update
The three Sisters residing at St. Thomas More Convent, Allentown, PA p. 18 have all moved. Their new information appears below. Disregard all other information listed under Allentown, PA.
- Sister Patricia Luss – Delete Sister’s name from p. 18 Allentown, PA. Add Sister’s name to p. 23 – Sacred Heart Convent, Reading, PA - Clare 1211. Direct dial: 484.509.4060. Cell: 484.347.6129. Effective Sunday, July 7, 2024.
- Sister Cynthia Skiendziel- Delete Sister’s name from p. 18 Allentown, PA. Add Sister’s name to p.26 - St. Joseph Villa, Reading PA - Bernardine Hall room 275. Phone # 484.705.8545. Effective Friday, July 12, 2024.
- Sister Melita Skiendziel – Delete Sister’s name from p. 18 Allentown. Add Sister’s name to p.27 - St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA - Bernardine Hall room 276. Phone # 484.256.9034. Effective Friday, July 12, 2024.
Please pray for the needs of:
- Bryan Blaze [website]
- All who ask for a remembrance in our prayers.
16. TUESDAY - Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
A Moment in Time
Celebrating 130th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
1894 ~ 2024
Missionary Presence in Mozambique, Africa
The Fraternity “São José de Nipepe” was established on March 19, 2012. Sister Acélia Maria Sterz, Provincial Minister, represented the Congregation in the ceremony presided by Rev. Élio Gresslin, Bishop of Lichinga. Sisters Lenódia Melz, Maria Célia da Silva Sousa, and Zenóbia Melz were the founding group.
The Fraternity “Mother Veronica” in Cuamba was established on April 12, 2017, site of Initial Formation, and a house to facilitate accessibility between Nipepe, the Diocese, Health Care and Education Programs. Cuamba is distant from Nipepe, 230 km (142.9 miles) of more than one dirt road, and part of it, through the forest.
The presence of the Bernardine Sisters in Mozambique goes back to 1994. The Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) and the Bishops of Mozambique, attempting to organize the Catholic Communities, established a Program "Churches in Solidarity." In 1994, Sisters Zenobia Melz and Maria Helena Santana, were members of the first team, committed for 6 years of service, in Iulute.
According to the studies by the United Nations in 2022, Mozambique was cited as the 7th poorest country in the world. Rich in natural resources, it has made every effort for economic growth. However, it continues to recover from 16 years of civil war that began in 1975 when it became Independent from Portugal and ended in 1992, after which it went through an internal period of revolution. Today, after the impact of COVID-19, it has suffered even more from the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai, in 2019.
During the Provincial Chapter of 2006, in the presence of Sister Madonna Marie Harvath, Congregational Minister, and Sister Amalia Vivian, Congregational Councilor, it was approved to continue the Program "Churches in Solidarity." Sister Maria Célia da Silva Sousa was commissioned as a member of the team of religious and lay missionaries for the Village of Nipepe. From that time on, Sisters had been engaged in nutrition ministry, caring for people with leprosy, in agricultural work, in catechesis programs, assisting families, and other needs.
By 2010, the Dioceses of Brazil could not continue sponsoring the missions. The Conference of Religious with the Bishops appealed to Religious Congregations to care for those missions. Considering the witness of the Bernardine Sisters, an appeal came for us to the Congregational and Provincial Ministers to look at the possibility to continue serving in Mozambique. Sister Rosemaria Jaschke, Provincial Minister, and Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva, Congregational Minister, traveled to Mozambique on August 19, 2010 to meet Bishop Élio Gresslin to draw concrete lines. The decision to open our own mission was already approved at the International Leadership Meeting held in Brazil in November 2010.
Since 2013, the Fraternity of Nipepe already had welcomed young women, giving them the opportunity for a better education and Catholic formation. At that time, Sister Maria Célia was back in Brazil and Sister Brigid Scott was serving in Nipepe. In 2016, Sisters Zenóbia Melz and Maria Helena Santana with a group of Affiliates moved to Cuamba, to a house built by the Diocese for foreign missionaries. As a result, a need came for a Minister for Initial Formation. Sister Helena Marinho de Melo became the first Formation Director. At the beginning of 2024, Sister Antonia Eliene de Vasconcelos went to Cuamba as the 5 Postulants’ Minister. The novitiate for vocations from Mozambique has been held in the Northeast of Brazil. Currently, Sister Nita Ricardo Rassude, from Mozambique, is in her second-year novitiate.
Researched and contributed by Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva
Community Update – Family member
- Sister Nikodema Radomska, a Dominican Sister in Poland, asks for prayers for a successful surgery and for complete recovery. Sister Nikodema is the cousin of our deceased Sister Jolancia Kozlinski [died April 6, 2016].
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 young man for successful surgery today and for complete recovery.
- for Mary Gispert who will travel to her mission in Uganda tomorrow, July 17, 2024.
- for Carlos Cespedes who is critically ill.
- for healing for Tony DeMarco who is hospitalized.
- for Robert Allen who is seriously ill, battling three health issues, and for his wife Lydia who cares for him.
- for the guidance of the Holy Spirit on decisions that need to be made.
- for healing for Br Al Mascia, OFM
- for Monsignor Browne for safe and successful surgery on Thursday July 18, 2024.
- for Phil for healing and guidance during these difficult decisions.
17. WEDNESDAY
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 Mary Generosa Paszk
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)
Link to August/September LCWR Newsletter August/September 2024 | LCWR
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 Barbara Hoheb.
Prayers are requested for the needs of:
- for Broderick Pippins.
- for Hans, Eurico, Eduardo and Maria-Elena.
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 Jonathan’s dad.
18. THURSDAY – St. Camillus de Lellis
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
- Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt was transferred to Reading Rehab on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Room 113, phone 484.628.2952
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 Sellmeyer, twin brother of Beth Sargent (former Sister Francis Michelle Sellmeyer), who died on July 16, 2024.
- for Tom Kelly, husband of Linda Kelly (former Sister Monica Rose Huffhines), who died on July 15, 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 7-year-old Alohi who is in need of healing.
- for safe travel for all those on international flights.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
- Please pray for Sister Maria Bartos’s sister, Irene Agostinelli, who is dying.
20. SATURDAY - St. Apollinaris
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
21. SUNDAY – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
22. MONDAY – St. Mary Magdalene
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 Cristiane Martins de Barros
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update – Deceased 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 Irene Agostinelli, Sister Maria Paul Bartos’ sister, who died at 8:00 a.m. today, Monday, July 22, 2024.
Community Updates - Living
- Prayers for successful surgery on Friday, July 26, 2024, for Sister Mary Sninsky’s brother, Steve Sninsky.
- Prayers for Mary Swider, Sister Dorothy Marie Poremba’s sister, who is recovering from two surgeries performed last week.
- Thank you for the prayers for Sister Mary Sninsky’s brother, Michael Sninsky, who is progressing well.
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 Kenneth Morrisey who died this month.
- for John Paul Tomeny, Brittany Maynard and Marc Massery.
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 a 4-year-old girl.
- for healing for Jeremy Rodan who suffers from gunshot wounds to the head.
- for good health and blessings for Heather and Caleb as they begin their married life.
- for a return to health for Rocha.
- for Larry who is seriously ill.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Deceased Family Member – Funeral Arrangements
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 Irene Agostinelli, 95, Sister Maria Paul Bartos’ sister, who died at 8:00 a.m. Monday, July 22, 2024. Viewing at Wilson-Miller Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Road, Midland, Michigan on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 2 pm to 8 pm. Funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, 3109 Swede Avenue, Midland, Michigan at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 27, 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 Jonathan for a restoration to good health.
24. WEDNESDAY – St. Sharbel Makhluf
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Sister Rose Jameson, Councilor
Instrumentum Laboris, in pdf form, is available on our website for you to read in preparation for the October 2024 Second Session of the Synod. You may access it either in the Members Only Area under Congregational Leadership Communications at the top July 2024 or by accessing the link by holding the CTRL key and left clicking on the link. 2024 - ENG-INSTRUMENTUM-LABORIS-A4 (60 pages)
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 Jackie Fisher.
25. THURSDAY – St. James, Apostle
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 James Riedel
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
2024 Directory Update
- Sister Joanne Slanga – Delete Sister’s name from p.22-Sacred Heart Convent. Add Sister’s name to p.26-St. Joseph Villa - Clare Hall room 241. Effective Wednesday evening, July 24, 2024. Other information will be forthcoming.
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 Dolores Bertoli (Alvernia faculty member) who is having serious health problems.
Prayers are requested for the following needs of:
- Betty [website]
- Dave B. [website]
26. FRIDAY - SS. Joachim and Anne
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 Anna Indycka, Deborah Ann Surgot, Joanne Mary Kotwicki
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Correction for Posting on July 25, 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 Dolores Bertoti (Alvernia faculty member) who is having serious health problems.
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 the repose of the soul of Dorothy.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for 1-year-old Audrey.
- for Hana Margerite. [website]
- for Noah Karolj. [website]
27. SATURDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
28. SUNDAY - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
29. MONDAY –Ss. Martha, Mary (of Bethany), and Lazarus
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 Christen Shukwit
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Updates - BFS
Please hold in prayer:
- Sister La Verne Grippe who was admitted to Reading Hospital Tower Health on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
- Sister Joana Sortica who is hospitalized in Porto Alegre.
Invitation from the Monastery of St. Clare, Langhorne, PA
Triduum in Honor of Saint Clare – August 8, 9, 10, 2024
The three evenings and the Feast Day Mass will be livestreamed on the Monastery website: www.poorclarepa.org They will also be available for viewing after the events. Booklets to follow the liturgies will be available during the live streaming.
- Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. - Night Prayer, Homily, Novena, Benediction
- Friday, August 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. - Night Prayer, Homily, Novena, Benediction, Prayer for Healing
- Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. - Transitus (recalls St. Clare’s Passage to Eternal Life), Night Prayer, Homily, Novena, Benediction
- Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. - Mass-Solemnity of St. Clare.
Homilist: Fr. Stephen Waruszewski, TOR
Novena Prayer: “O glorious Saint Clare, God has given you the power of working miracles continually, and the favor of answering the prayers of those who invoke your assistance in misfortune, anxiety and distress. We beseech you, obtain for us from Jesus through Mary, His Blessed Mother, what we beg of you so fervently and hopefully, (here mention your need privately) if it be for the greater honor and glory of God and the good of our souls. Amen.”
Currently, the Triduum for 2023 is on their website. For background on the Poor Clares, access: Our History – Poor Clares of the Franciscan Monastery of Saint Clare (poorclarepa.org)
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
- for Alice Emerson.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for a month-old baby boy, Whit, who has a life-threatening condition.
- for healing for Bill.
- for Kathryn Schlachter who is having major health issues.
- for Mamen. [website]
- for Willie R. and Family. [website]
30. TUESDAY – St. Peter Chrysologus
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 Odilia Vieira Lopes
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
2024 Directory Update
- Sister Philip Ann Yurkonis – p. 23 – Sacred Heart Convent – Delete e-mail sister.philipann@alvernia.edu. Replace with sisterphilipann@gmail.com
31. WEDNESDAY – St. Ignatius of Loyola
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for Br Al Mascia OFM.
- for healing for Chris Stuba who is seriously ill.
- for blessings for Evan Young and his family as Evan nears the end of his young life
- for blessings and healing for Michele Avery and Tommy.
- for healing and employment for Phil B.
A Meditation on the Eucharist
Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus on the TV series “The Chosen,” spoke on day 4 before the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana. This link to his address follows (approximately 15 minutes) https://youtu.be/H7iZEOxAWoE?si=GRnfqEHOPhIgWTic
GOODBYE, JULY!
WELCOME, AUGUST!
An International Congregation of Women Religious