1. SATURDAY – St. Justin
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
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.
2. SUNDAY – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
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. MONDAY – St. Charles Lwanga and Companions
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (2) – BFS – Living
Community Update – Deceased Family Member
Obituary for Anthony Frank Bruno, Sister Marie Cacciatore’s brother-in-law [husband of her sister Debbie]. https://www.nolanfidale.com/obituary/Anthony-Bruno?utm_source=obit-share&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=relationship-bar&utm_content=email Visitation: Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 9:00 AM-10:45 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342. Funeral Mass: Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342.
Driving ALERT
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
4. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
National Congress of the Religious Conference of Brazil celebrates 70 years
May 30 to June 2, 2024 in Fortaleza/CE
Theme: “CRB 70 Years: Memory, Mysticism, Prophecy and Hope”
Motto: “Remain in my Love” (John 15:9).
The Jubilee Year of the 70th Anniversary of the Religious Conference of Brazil was concluded with a congress that brought together 800 leaders and representatives of religious congregations, directors, counselors and advisors. The official opening was proclaimed with enthusiasm by Sister Elaine Cordeiro de Souza, President of the RCB, who emphasized the boundless love of the Religious (women and men) for the Project of the Kingdom and for those most in need, highlighting the care for Life in these 70 years of history. It was an event of deep reflection, celebration and projection for the future.
Bernardine Sisters who attended – Left: Sisters Antônia da Silva Pimenta, Lucimara Martins da Silva and Aureni Alves Monteiro. Center: Sisters Maria Lúcia de Araújo and Maria Cristina Melo. Right: Sisters Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade and Valderez Maria Silva dos Santos.
Driving ALERT
According to Penn Dot work was to be done on the Route 10 [Morgantown Road] entrance/exit through the Berks Nature Angelica Creek Park, 575 St. Bernardine Street with closure through Wednesday, June 5, 2024, due to construction. HOWEVER, as of 4:00 p.m., June 3, 2024, the park was still open. Signs are on the side of the road waiting to be positioned. Uncertain when the work will be done.
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
5. WEDNESDAY – St. Boniface
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Mother Veronica Resource Center awarded $10,000 Grant
In an article written by David Mekeel June 4, 2024 at 11:34 a.m. published in the Reading Eagle newspaper, Reading, PA, the headline reads: Bernardine Franciscan Sisters receive $10,000 grant to support adult literacy center in Reading. The grant was provided by the Dollar General literacy Foundation and was awarded to support the work of the Mother Veronica Resource Center “to buy new instructional materials and technology, as well as provide specialized teacher training over the next year.”
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
6. THURSDAY - St. Norbert
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (3) – BFS Family Members
Prayers are requested:
7. FRIDAY – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
The Offering Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day
in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world.
I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians.”
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
8. SATURDAY – The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
A Solemn Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
"Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth,
we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary,
and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world….” - Venerable Pope Pius XII
9. SUNDAY – Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time/National Children’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 Zioldé Teresinha de Caldas
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
National Children’s Day
“This day addresses the importance of children in society
and the numerous challenges that some still face in different aspects of their lives.”
10. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
11. TUESDAY – St. Barnabas, Apostle
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Family Member
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
12. 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:
13. THURSDAY - 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
Jean Anthony Rodgers, and Rose Jameson
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Addresses WAC Gathering June 12, 2024
William Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, spoke to the monthly World Affairs Council (WAC ) on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center, to a group of 85 or more participants in what was a riveting presentation on Ukraine. Taylor now works at the Peace Institute in Washington, DC. Pictured with Taylor is Larysa Prazdnikova (5-year Motherhouse Complex Housekeeping staff member) originally from Ukraine (US citizen with her family) who often arranges flowers for outside our Conference Center. Note the flowers from Larysa’s garden that are representative of the Ukrainian colors with their sunflower in the middle. The message of the gathering: That peace may prevail!
William Brockenbrough Taylor Jr. (born September 14, 1947) is an American diplomat, government official, and former military officer. He served as the 6th United States ambassador to Ukraine from 2006 to 2009 under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and as chargé d’affaires to Ukraine from June 2019 to January 2020 under President Donald Trump. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_B._Taylor_Jr.#:~:text=William%20Brockenbrough%20Taylor%20Jr.,2009%20under%20Presidents%20George%20W.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us!
Prayer written by St. Anthony of Padua
“Let us therefore pray to our Lord Jesus Christ that he give us the grace to seek his Kingdom and to build within ourselves a moral Jerusalem. By doing this, we will be able to merit our place in the heavenly Jerusalem to sing Alleluia in its streets with all the saints and angels. But the one whose Kingdom is eternal for all ages must help us to do so.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55387/prayers-of-saint-anthony-of-padua
What can St. Anthony teach us?
“Trust in God: Throughout his life, God asked Anthony to do things that drew him out of his comfort zone and pushed him past the bounds of his imagination into the realm of the miraculous. But this was only possible through Anthony's sincere and profound trust in God.” - June 13, 2020 Internet
What does St. Anthony protect from?
“He is the patron against shipwrecks, against starvation, American Indians, amputees, animals, Brazil, the elderly, expectant mothers, faith, faith in the Blessed Sacrament, fishermen, harvests, mail, mariners, oppressed people, poor people, Portugal, sailors, starving people, sterility, travel, hostesses, travelers….” - Internet
14. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – BF Sister
Community Update – Family Member
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
Prayers are requested for the following:
15. SATURDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
No messages.
16. SUNDAY – The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time/Father’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 Patricia Luss
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
A Moment in Time
Celebrating 130th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
1894 ~ 2024
Called to Mission in the Dominican Republic
Front row, left to right: Sister Veraci da Silva Crispa, Sister Lusette Morelli and Jennifer Glass
Back: Sister Andreen Rusin
Sister Mary Margaret, Congregational Minister, received an invitation from the Vincentian Fathers for the Sisters to come as missionaries to serve the people of the Dominican Republic
At a General Leadership meeting in April 1992, Sister Mary Margaret quoted from Pope John Paul’s encyclical, “Redemptoris Missio, ”where he spoke of the waning of missionary zeal in the church. She also referenced our own constitutions as well as our Extraordinary General Chapter of 1991 which called us to missionary zeal through a renewal of our pioneer spirit and outreach to the marginalized in our world.
With the affirmation of General Leadership to open a new mission in the Dominican Republic, an invitation was sent to the Sisters to go as missionaries to the Dominican Republic. On September 8, 1993, Sisters Andreen Rusin and Veraci da Silva Crispa together with Jennifer Glass, a Bernardine Franciscan Volunteer in Mission, were welcomed by the Vincentian priests to Santo Domingo, capital city of the Dominican Republic. Sister Lusete Morelli joined the missionary group in January 1994.
The work carried out by our pioneering Sisters in the community of Santo Tomas concerning human and religious formation was both challenging and inspiring. Volunteers and missionaries joined in the work of the barrio in its continued progress and development. What initially began as a small room for the care of the sick, along with an improvised space for literacy, feeding and recreation of children, evolved into a primary school, a vocational school and a medical dispensary.
With the vision of Sister Valdair Unices Morelli, missionary from Brazil who was serving as the Regional Coordinator of the Dominican Republic, the support of the General Council, tireless work of the Development Office, and the assistance of volunteers and the congregation, a beautiful Center was built on the parish grounds which is self-sustainable due to a government agreement. The offices are responsible for developing projects related to food, health, and nutrition as well as carrying out repairs in homes, and the construction of water wells.
The community of San Tomas has greatly benefited by the presence of our congregation and many other volunteer groups from schools and organizations.
Radiating the mystery of God’s love in Santo Domingo fulfilled the dreams of the poor and opened doors for children.
Source: Excerpts from the Program on May 20, 2024 on our response to the Call to Mission in the Dominican Republic.
Retreat at the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center
Last Opportunity to Register - June 25, 2024
Retreat Dates: July 7 to 13, 2024. Conducted by Fr. Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM. Theme: “Come to the Mountain: An Encounter with God.” For additional information, contact Sister Shaun Kathleen Wilson at mcglinncc@bfranciscan.org or refer to 2024 Directory, p. 8 for phone contact information.
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.
God bless all fathers and those who serve in the role of fathers!
18. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Family Member
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay posted on Constant Contact or the BFS Members Only Area of the Website tomorrow, June 19, 2024, Federal Holiday- Juneteenth. The regular Relay will resume on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
Community Update - Brazil
IRMÃS FRANCISCANAS BERNARDINAS
Evangelizando em Nome de Jesus
(Evangelization in the Name of Jesus)
We, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Province - Brazil, in response to the invitation of Pope Francis and the line of action of our 18th General Chapter: Global Fraternity, sensitive to the Cry of the Earth and of the Poor, in the face of the environmental catastrophe that is devastating the State of Rio Grande do Sul, challenge ourselves to: “widen our circles to reach those whom we do not spontaneously feel as part of our world of interests” (Fratelli Tutti 97), extend our love to "every living being" (FT 59), overcoming borders and overcoming "the barriers of geography and space" (FT 1).
We thank the Sisters of the Motherhouse who sent us $805.00 (eight hundred five dollars). Our gratitude also extends to the Sisters of other convents in the United States who sent us $381.00 (three hundred eighty-one dollars). This was $1,186.00 (one thousand one hundred eighty-six dollars), translated into a concrete gesture of love, a sign that together we create transformation.
Our congregational activity in Brazil has been developed through the Missionary Fraternity, the social assistance arm of our Province. As an emergency response, we carried out a campaign through a bank account to motivate our benefactors, friends, acquaintances and family. Help came in many forms. People from near and far contributed directly to our mission of sowing hope. In addition to financial aid, we worked as volunteers in shelters, distributing clothes, blankets, food, hygiene and cleaning supplies and water. We welcomed some people into the Provincial House and made ourselves available to actively listen to the victims. With the recession of the waters and the return of people to their homes, we engaged in volunteer work to clean houses, churches and institutions. We feel that the current reality calls us to reimagine our Charism and Mission. With Mother Veronica, we want to respond YES to the Cry of the Earth and the Poor.
Porto Alegre, June 16, 2024
Sister Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade
Provincial Minister
Immaculate Conception Province - Brazil
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
19. WEDNESDAY – St. Romuald/Juneteenth
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay posted on Constant Contact or the BFS Members Only Area of the Website today, June 19, 2024, Federal Holiday- Juneteenth. The regular Relay will resume on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
Today is a Federal Holiday in U.S- Juneteenth - Wikipedia
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. THURDAY - World Refugee Day (UN)/First Day of Summer in Northern Hemisphere and First Day of winter in the Southern Hemisphere
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Brazil - Flood Aftermath – Rio Grande do Sul
Pictorial follow-up to Sister Gilbetânia’s letter posted on the June 18, 2024 Relay
Left: Jaciara Vasconcelos Costa (Postulant) Right: Sister Verônica Freira Lira
Sister Vera Lucia Pereira de Mesquita and Sister Verônica Freira Lira
Left: Sister Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro and Right: (volunteer) Terezinha Scartazine
Left foreground: Terezinha Scartazine (volunteer) and the other volunteers hard at work
Left: Sister Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro hard at work.
Right: Flood waters were higher than Sister Samanta could reach!
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
World Refugee Day – Today, June 20, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) joins the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), “and partners in observing World Refugee Day 2024. In line with this year's theme, "Solidarity with Refugees", WHO emphasizes the importance of building inclusive health systems and ensuring equitable care for refugees worldwide.”
21. FRIDAY – St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Deceased Family Member
Community Update – Living Family Member
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
22. SATURDAY – St. Paulinus of Nola/SS. John Fisher and Thomas
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
23. SUNDAY – Twelfth 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 Madalena Maria Gayeski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
24. MONDAY - The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (2)
Hospitalization
Directory Update
25. TUESDAY
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.
Community Update
26. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
There are no submitted messages for today.
Please pray for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
Please refer back to the June 1, 2024 Relay and hold those intentions in your prayers.
27. THURSDAY – St. Cyril of Alexandria
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From the Relay - Holiday and Retreat Time
There will be no regular Relay posted on Constant Contact or the website 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 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 at the Relay Office by noon Tuesday, July 2nd will be posted Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Thank you in advance for your understanding and for your prayers for the Retreat Master, the Retreatants, Sister Rose Jameson, and Sister Ellen Lipsett during this time. You will be remembered in our prayers.
St. Joseph Villa – Sisters celebrating May/June Birthdays – June 26, 2024
Seated, right front to back: Sister Sheila Tague, MSC; Sister Marie Janesch, MSC; Sister Ruth Ann Rogozinski;
Sister Noemia Ana Lenhart; Sister Helene Potoczny; Sister Maria James. Standing: Sister Josandra Ciucci
Pictured seated front to back: Sister Stella Ann Tumanow, Sister Virginia Longcope, MSC; Sister Andrea Michalczyk and Sister Phyllis Marie Soja. Standing: Sister Josandra Ciucci. Standing behind Sister Josandra in the background is Matthew Dodd,
the gentleman who entertained the Sisters.
Sister Virginia Marie Chnapko, MSC was unable to attend the party.
Matthew Dodd entertaining the Sisters with music, stories, and lots of props
with the theme 'Summer'
Prayers are requested for the following:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
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:
29. SATURDAY – 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.
30. SUNDAY – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
GOODBYE, JUNE!
WELCOME, JULY!