Relay for June 2023
1. THURSDAY – St. Justin
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for our Sisters who will celebrate a birthday or feast day during the month of June. Many graces and blessings. You are precious to God and to us, your Sisters!
- for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
- 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.
- for blessings on our Sisters who live and minister in various parts of the world.
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 Dulceline Cieslukowski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Thank you
Dear Sisters-thank you so much for your kind remembrance of me upon the death of my 97-year-old sister, Virginia. The world is a better place because of her and your thoughtfulness and support of me means so much. With love and many thanks-Sister Maria Bartos
Thank you
A big Thank You and Obrigada to everyone on both continents who sent messages, good wishes, cards, flowers and especially prayers my way. All are greatly appreciated. After my hospital visit I'm doing a little better. God bless you all and thank you again. - Sister Antoinette Keiser
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 for Savina.
- for 8-year-old Braxton Wells.
- for healing for Jean Davis.
2. FRIDAY – SS. Marcellinus and Peter/First 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 Lori Maria Braun
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
3. SATURDAY – St. Charles Lwanga and Companions/First Saturday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
4. SUNDAY – The Most Holy Trinity
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
5. MONDAY – St. Boniface
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 Dorothy, Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky’s sister, for a return to good health.
- for Charlotte Moore for clear test results.
6. TUESDAY - St. Norbert
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
Prayers are requested for the following sick Sister and for those who companion her during this time:
- Sister Veronice Plewinsky is recuperating in St. Joseph Villa.
7. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
There are no messages today. Hold in prayer all Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, their families, friends, our benefactors, and the special intentions of all who access the Prayer Area of our website and for all for whom we promised to pray.
8. THURSDAY
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 a return to good health for Pat.
- for healing for Kevin.
- for healing for teen Lily D.
- for peoples in all parts of the world dealing with fires, floods, famine, tornadoes, and other natural disasters and for the health issues that they produce.
Weather News in Parts of the United States
Some areas of the United States—including Reading, PA--are now experiencing severe air pollution caused by raging forest fires in Canada. Face masks are recommended for use when outdoors, even if only for a short time. “Cotton and surgical face masks are ineffective. N95 masks offer some protection” according to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a practicing trauma neurosurgeon.
Canadian wildfires are impacting air quality in southeastern Pa. (readingeagle.com)
9. FRIDAY - St. Ephrem
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 Zioldé Teresinha de Caldas
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Health Update
Sisters, in lieu of a newsletter this month, I have posted a graphic from the National Institute on Aging titled: Choosing Healthier Foods as You Age. To access this, go to Members Only…Menu…Community Life…Newsletter… 2023 – Choosing Healthier Foods – June 2023. Have a restful summer. - Sister Shaun Patrice Malone
10. SATURDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
11. SUNDAY – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
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 Frances’ pre-school children.
· for Steven.
· for St Patrick's Parish in St. Charles, Illinois.
· for Ashley.
Today is National Children’s Day – Let us pray for the welcoming of all unborn children into life, the protection of the life of children of all ages, for children forced to live on the streets, in cars, in vacant lots…for safety for runaway children…for children who are unwanted and abandoned…for children who are abused, sold, killed…for children struggling to achieve their full potential…and, in thanksgiving for all who, in any way, bring hope, love, safety, and a future into the life of a child.
12. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
- for Dorothy, Sister Danielle Marie’s sister, who is hospitalized in serious condition.
- for health and blessings for Sister Shaun Marie Fattal’s 99-year-old Aunt Alice.
Happy 70th Jubilee – Celebration – Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2023 – Reading, PA
Back row – Congregational Leadership Team: Sisters Jenniffer Acosta Rosario (Councilor), Sandra Lyons (Assistant Congregational Minister), John Ann Proach (Congregational Minister), Rose Jameson (Councilor),and Zioldé Teresinha de Caldas (Councilor)
Front Row – 70th Jubilarians: Sisters Melita Skiendziel, Immaculé Zdanowicz, Le Roy Prymak, Josita Karnish, and Mary Dolorey Osowski. Missing from picture: Sisters Carol Anne Heitgen and La Verne Grippe [St. Joseph Villa].
Sisters in line awaiting entrance into the Dining Room for the Dinner and Program
Enjoying a meal fit for a queen
An absolutely yummy cake
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 Walt New, brother of Saginaw Associate Karen Bartels, who died on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for Sr. Marietta Fritz, SNDdeN, who is experiencing a lot of pain.
- for healing for Lupe Vargas and Sheila Talbot, Saginaw Associates.
- for a friend of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters who asked for prayers for a successful surgery that is very intricate and challenging.
- for Debbie Gray who is critically ill with a disease that has a very high mortality rate. Treatment options are few and unpredictable.
13. TUESDAY - St. Anthony of Padua
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 Antoinette Keiser, Jean Anthony Rodgers, and Rose Jameson
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
14. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Maria who is recovering from surgery.
15. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (2)
Update - Living
- Sister Noemia Ana Lenhart was admitted to Reading Hospital Tower Health yesterday, Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
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 and friends:
- Mrs. Maria Melo, age 99, mother of Sister Maria Cristina Melo, died yesterday, Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 4 p.m. in Fortaleza, CE. Wake, commissioning, and burial are today, Thursday, June 15, 2023. – From Sister Acélia Maria Sterz, Secretary, Immaculate Conception Province, Brazil
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay posted on Constant Contact or the BFS Members Only Area of the Website on Monday, June 19, 2023, Federal Holiday- Juneteenth. The regular Relay will resume on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Charlie Rausch and Gene Sing as they cope with painful physical conditions.
16. FRIDAY - The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
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 Patricia Luss
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update
Congratulations, Sister Rosemary Stets!
From Franciscan Media to Sister Rosemary
Franciscan Field Guide [Book written by Sister Rosemary] has won a first-place prize in the Catholic Media Association Book Awards, in the category of Reference/Academic Studies! Folks can get it for 25% off with the discount code FieldGuideCMA25 in our online store,
https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/collections/francis-in-title/products/franciscan-field-guide-people-places-practices-and-prayers Congratulations on this well-deserved win! – Kelly
A Message from St. Anthony of Padua on the Heart of Jesus
“…the religious soul finds in the heart of Jesus a secure refuge against the wiles and attacks of Satan, and a delightful retreat. But we must not rest merely at the entrance to the hole in the rock, we must penetrate its depths. At the mouth of the deep hollow, at the mouth of the wound in his side we shall, indeed, find the precious blood which has redeemed us. This blood pleads for us and demands mercy for us. But the religious soul must not stay at the entrance. When she has heard, and understood, the voice of the divine blood, she must hasten to the very source from which it springs, into the very innermost sanctuary of the heart of Jesus. There she will find light, peace, and ineffable consolations.” - from Paul Spilsbury’s translation of The Sermons of Saint Anthony of Padua
17. SATURDAY - The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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 Acélia Maria Sterz
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
18. SUNDAY – Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time/Father’s Day
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
What is the most important thing a father can give his child?
“The best thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother.” This quote is sometimes attributed to Abraham Lincoln and other times to Theodore Hesburgh, or even someone else.
Happy Father’s Day -living or deceased….
19. MONDAY – St. Romuald/Juneteenth
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today is a Federal Holiday in U.S- Juneteenth - Wikipedia
- Juneteenth Flag - Meaning https://parade.com/1219444/alliyahlogan/juneteenth-flag-meaning/
- Transcript of the Emancipation Proclamation https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation/transcript.html
Lift Every Voice and Sing – Black National Anthem
Lift Every Voice and Sing (Top View) Lyrics Video Presentation – YouTube SBILIFE with Papa Phatal aka Carlos K. Jan 20, 2020
20. TUESDAY - World Refugee Day (UN)
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Prayer for one another brings many blessings….
May God repay you for your prayers on the occasion of my birthday, June 17. I thank God for the gift of my life and for all my Sisters who are praying for me. With affection – Sister Amalia Vivian
Sisters, the Relay is privileged to post Birthday greetings to our Sisters in BR and the DR and to post Feast day greetings to our Sisters in the U.S. It offers us the opportunity to pause for a moment and to bond our minds and hearts to one another with prayer, the greatest free gift we can give to one another.
July 2023 LCWR Newsletter
https://www.lcwr.org/resources/publications/july-2023
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Elizabeth for successful surgery today and for speedy recovery.
- for Bill Sellmeyer, twin brother of our former Sr. Frances Michelle.
- for Alyssa’s father who is suffering from a terminal disease.
- for healing for Mary.
- for healing for Millie Ching.
21. WEDNESDAY – St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Deceased (1)
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- Our dear Sister Jandira Alliatti (Ir. Maria Zélia), former Immaculate Conception Provincial Superior 1981-1985, entered eternal life this morning, Wednesday, June 21, 2023 in Sagrado Coração de Jesus, Viamão, RS Brazil at the age of 89 and in the 72nd year of her religious life.
Community Updates - Living (2)
- Sister Noemia Ana Lenhart returned to St. Joseph Villa from Reading Hospital Tower Health late Saturday morning, June 17, 2023.
- Prayers for a successful surgery today for Anna Marie Geschwindner, Sister Le Roy Prymak’s niece.
- Prayers for Keith, Sister Maria Denise Prorock's nephew, for successful surgery today and for a speedy recovery
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for David Lawton, Deborah Greenawald's husband, that his surgery today will be successful and that he will have a speedy recovery.
- for Jim H. who has serious health problems.
- for a speedy and complete recovery for Janice Gough, a faculty member at St. Thomas More School (Allentown, PA), who had a serious accident on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
21. WEDNESDAY – Afternoon Update
Community Update – Deceased (1)
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
Our dear Sister Jandira Alliatti, former Immaculate Conception Provincial Superior 1981-1985, entered eternal life this morning, Wednesday, June 21, 2023 in Sagrado Coração de Jesus, Viamão, RS Brazil at the age of 89 and in the 72nd year of her religious life.
- Wake: Today, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. onward in the Garden of Peace Cemetery, Chapel G, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil.
- Mass with body present: Tomorrow, Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Garden of Peace Cemetery, Chapel G. Celebrant: Fr. Édson Stein
- Burial: Tomorrow, Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 10:20 a.m. in the Garden of Peace Cemetery.
Sister Acélia Maria Sterz, Provincial Secretary writes:
“Let us pray for her and her family (Sister Selma, nephews and grandnephews).
Our thanks also for the Sisters and caregivers collaborators, as well as all the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Fraternity."
22. THURSDAY – St. Paulinus of Nola/SS. John Fisher and Thomas
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Deceased (1)
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
Our dear Sister Jandira Alliatti, former Immaculate Conception Provincial Superior 1981-1985, entered eternal life Wednesday morning, June 21, 2023 in Sagrado Coração de Jesus, Viamão, RS Brazil at the age of 89 and in the 72nd year of her religious life.
- Wake: Yesterday, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. onward in the Garden of Peace Cemetery, Chapel G, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil.
- Mass with body present: Today, Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the Garden of Peace Cemetery, Chapel G. Celebrant: Fr. Édson Stein
- Burial: Today, Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in the Garden of Peace Cemetery.
Thank you
Sister Maria Denise Prorock's nephew Keith and family wish to thank the Sisters for their prayers. The surgery was successful and he's on the road to recovery.
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 Seifert.
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 Madalena Maria Gayeski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for a successful surgery for Margarete Amaral dos Santos.
24. SATURDAY - The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
25. SUNDAY – Twelfth Sunday of 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 Noemia Ana Lenhart
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
26. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update/2023 Directory Update (1)
- Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima returned to the United States on June 21, 2023. Please update – Directory p. 25 – Keep OL Angels 1307. Keep 484.509.4057. Delete 610.334.8198. Add 610.334.8198 (cell). Delete e-mail Tereza@bfranciscan.org. Change e-mail to terezaosf@gmail.com. Add WhatsApp (01155) 85 99129 4139
From the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center
Sisters, the July 23-29, 2023 Motherhouse Retreat flier was emailed to each Convent in May 2023. "Hard" copies are available at the Motherhouse. Email Sister Shaun Kathleen Wilson mcglinncc@bfranciscan.org if you wish a flier emailed personally to you. May God bless us all!
By the Seaside – By the Beautiful Sea
July 23 – 28, 2023
The waters of chaos swirled in Genesis. The waters of the Red Sea parted in Exodus. The waters of the Sea of Galilee frightened and calmed and fed the disciples in the Gospels. Through our the Biblical tradition the Sea has been a particular place of God encountering God’s People. Join us to explore and experience the presence of God By the Seaside of the Scriptures and By the Beautiful Sea of our hearts.
Retreat Director: Father Dennis Mason, OFM Conv, is a friar-priest in the Order of the Friars Minor Conventual. Father enjoys leading spiritual retreats with lay women and men, those in consecrated life, priests, deacons and seminarians. Entering the Franciscans in 1968, Father Dennis was ordained in 1978. He has served in the ministries of parish leadership, education and province administration.
Dates: July 23 – 29, 2023
Arrival: July 23, 2023 – Sunday between 2 and 4 pm. 4:30 pm dinner
Departure: July 29, 2023 – Saturday after 9 am Liturgy and Breakfast
Place: McGlinn Conference & Spirituality Center*
- Attn: Seaside Retreat
- 460 Saint. Bernardine St
- Reading, PA 19607
484-334-6807 ▪ mcglinncc@bfranciscan.org ▪ Fax: 484-334-6808
Registration Deadline: July 5, 2023
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 Charlotte Kelley Hyer, 86, Sister Maria Bartos’ Development Assistant in King of Prussia, who died June 17, 2023. Visitation: Tuesday, June 27, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Church, 350 Conshohocken State Rd, Gladwyne, PA 19035 followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial of Cremated Remains at 11:30 a.m. in Calvary Cemetery, 235 Matsonford Road, West Conshohocken, PA 19428 https://www.mcconaghyfuneralhome.com/obituary/charlotte-hyer
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 Dan who is seriously ill.
- George Kursterer.
- Eusebia Lee who was in a very serious car accident.
- for a young Mom, MacKenzie, for a safe and healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
- for healing for 3-year-old Rose Martin.
- for peaceful and happy deaths for Marianna Tanzinni and Stella Lukasik.
27. TUESDAY – St. Cyril of Alexandria
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center
Sisters, if you are considering participating in the July 23-29, 2023 Retreat at the Motherhouse, there are still 2 guest bedrooms available. Simply email Sister Shaun Kathleen Wilson (for registration) and Sister Shaun Patrice Malone (for a guest room). See you there. Blessings. – Sister Shaun Kathleen Wilson
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 Joseph Rowan for successful surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, and for a complete recovery.
- for Martha Soja, Sister Phyllis Marie Soja’s sister-in-law, for recovery from a serious condition.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Sister Rose Jameson
If you receive an e-mail seemingly from me requesting the completion of a questionnaire, please delete it without opening it as is not from me. It is phishing [the fraudulent practice of sending emails or other messages falsely claiming to be from a reputable person or company to get them to divulge personal information such as credit card or other private information].
Community Updates
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 Elma Bárbara Klafke who is very ill.
- for Ademir Izoton, nephew-in-law of Sisters Madalena Maria and Francisca Joana Gayeski, who is hospitalized.
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 people suffering from terminal diseases or chronic illnesses.
- for people in treatment in hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, and on hospice.
- for people dealing with mental decline and for their caregivers.
29. THURSDAY – SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles
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 Paul Bartos
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
From Sister Rose Jameson
PHISHING email – Example Below:
Sisters, if you receive an email from me as noted below, delete it. It is phishing.
Do not open or do anything with it. Just delete it immediately.
From: Bonnie Haritonidis <bharitonidis@sistersofmercy.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2023 2:18 PM
Subject: Proforma invoice
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Capital Blue Cross members both PPO and Senior: If/when you receive you new Capital health insurance card, please make a copy and send the copy to Health Benefits Office, 450 Saint Bernardine St, Reading PA 19607-1737. Thank you for your cooperation. – Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
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 Eusebia Lee Fujikawa, who is undergoing a serious operation on Monday, July 3, 2023. Eusebia was a graduate classmate of Sister Maria Bartos.
- for Frances’ parents who are elderly and have health issues.
- for the children of Sondra Long.
30. FRIDAY – The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Capital Blue Cross members both PPO and Senior: If/when you receive you new Capital health insurance card, please make a copy and send the copy to Health Benefits Office, 450 Saint Bernardine St, Reading PA 19607-1737. Thank you for your cooperation. – Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
There will be no regular Relay posted on Constant Contact or the website on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 – Federal Holiday – U.S. Independence Day. Regular Relay will resume on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
News from the Sisters of Life
For more than 30 years, we have been blessed with the guidance and leadership of Mother Agnes Mary. With grateful hearts for her gift of love and service, we thank the Lord for continuing to bring new life in our community as we welcome our newly elected Superior General, Mother Mary Concepta, her Vicar General, Sr. Maris Stella, and her General Council, Sr. John Mary, Sr. Mary Elizabeth, Sr. Virginia Joy, and Sr. Giovanna Mariae. 2023 Chapter of Elections - Sisters of Life
News Archive - Sisters of Life - Sisters of Life Original Music - “The Living (Resurrection Song)” and "Give Thanks/O Holy Spirit" written by the Sisters of Life, are available on our [their] YouTube Channel. We [They] hope this music helps you to enter into the joy of the Lord this summer.
More Vocation News
- for grace, strength, and blessings for Mark who is joining the Jesuits.
GOODBYE, JUNE!
WELCOME, JULY!
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