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Relay for March 2024
1. FRIDAY - First Friday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for our Sisters who will celebrate a birthday or feast day during the month of March. 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.
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.
From Sister Rose Jameson
ADDITIONAL Information regarding Zoom for tomorrow’s Meeting
When you sign into the Zoom meeting, look at the bottom of your screen and look for a circle/globe which will allow you to choose your Language, either English or Portuguese. If for some reason you are disconnected or leave the meeting and join back in, you must always select your language. If your screen is small, you may not see the circle/globe but you will have three dots…. Click on the three dots… and select your language. If you are hearing both languages at different volumes, you will need to click the Interpretation globe again and choose must original audio from the dropdown to only hear your chosen language.
It is important that you keep yourself muted. Be certain that there is a red line through your microphone which is at the bottom left of your screen. To mute, just click on the microphone icon and a red line will appear.
I will start the meeting at 8:30 a.m. Reading time to give you an opportunity to sign in. Once the meeting begins at 9:00 a.m., I will not be able to help you. You must sign in before time. I will answer my cell phone until 9:00 a.m. 610.283.2503.
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 Guia Lipawen, one of our benefactors, who is undergoing testing for serious health issues.
- for Joanne Wilson, former nurse at St. Joseph Villa, who is seriously ill.
2. SATURDAY – 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
Sister Helen Krzywinska
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
3. SUNDAY – Third Sunday of Lent
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
4. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
News from Brazil
The Missionary Fraternity, Resource Center of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Brazil was founded in 1999 with the aim of supporting the Congregation's social assistance activities with families in situations of social vulnerability.
Around five thousand children and adolescents have been served in the areas of early childhood education and social projects in different states in Brazil.
More than nine hundred benefactors and volunteers participate in this solidarity network. Sister Miriam Guerra de Albuquerque Montenegro was the first coordinator of this institution until 2018. Sister Rita Mafalda de Oliveira Magalhães was the second coordinator until 2022 and the third and present coordinator is Sister Samanta Karla de Souza Carneiro.
On February 17, 2024, the Missionary Fraternity celebrated 25 years with a Mass and festive dinner in Porto Alegre, RS. The event was attended by the Provincial Leadership, a group of Sisters, volunteers, employees, and friends.
Congratulations to everyone who is part of the history of the Missionary Fraternity! May God bless and reward you because whoever sows Hope and Love, reaps FRATERNITY.
Upper left: Sisters Francisca Lopes de Olivera (Provincial Councilor and President of the Brazilian Cultural and Beneficent Association (ABCB), Rejâne Conceição Carvalho (Provincial Councilor and Provincial Treasurer), Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade (Provincial Minister), Elisângela Pereira Machado (Provincial Councilor), Jacinta Maria Brill (Assistant Provincial Minister), and Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro (Coordinator of Fraternidade Missionária).
Upper right: Sister Samanta – Processional to the Liturgy.
Lower center: Sisters Miriam Guerra de Albuquerque Montenegro (first Coordinator of Fraternidade Missionária) and Sister Samanta (present Coordinator).
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 Irene Olson who died on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and/or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Carol Miller for a successful surgical procedure tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
- for Christopher Pellegrini.
- for Rebecca.
5. TUESDAY
Community Update
- Prayers for the skill of the surgeon, the success of the procedure, and the complete recovery for Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky tomorrow, March 6, 2024.
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of the family:
- for Michael Zeer's (parent of Noah and Antonio at Brother Rice HS) mother who died suddenly and for the peace and consolation of her family.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and/or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for
Ani.
6. 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 Colleen Marie Magill
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update
- Sister Dulceline Cieslukowski was transferred to Encompass Rehab on Monday evening, March 4, 2024.
News from Liberia
The seminarian who survived the car accident in which our Sisters Rose Gabriel Gadegbeku and Marjoleen Czech died on September 8, 1978 in Buchanan, Liberia was elevated to the episcopy on February 28, 2024 for the Archdiocese of Monrovia, Liberia. He is Archbishop-elect Monsignor Gabriel Blamo Jubwe. Please hold him and the Church in Liberia in your prayers. – Sister Mary Laurene Browne
https://frontpageafricaonline.com/religion/liberia-monsignor-doctor-gabriel-blamo-jubwe-appointed-as-archbishop-of-monrovia/
Prayers are requested for the following sick and/or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing from a serious illness for Christine and her husband.
- for successful outcomes for job interviews for Jack and Kevin.
- for continued healing for John.
- for peace, comfort and healing for Jean Davis.
- for healing for two young adults: Jillian D. and Tori S.
7. THURSDAY – SS. Perpetua and Felicity
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Excitement at Mount Alvernia – A Historical Moment
Yesterday, Wednesday morning, March 6, 2024, the Sisters in the Motherhouse Complex had the opportunity to view the “Sancta Marie” bell dated 1898 that had hung in Ridgewood and was transported in 1905 for installation in the bell tower of the newly constructed Motherhouse. Some of our current Sisters remember personally having had the assigned duty to pull the bell rope to enable Sancta Marie to sing throughout Millmont. Though Sancta Marie was retired and silenced years ago, she will not be forgotten for she is on her way to be refurbished and then will be on display in the Heritage Center in October 2024 for the closing of our 130th Anniversary.
What a remarkable piece of history! “Sancta Marie,” silent since the early 1960’s, was replaced by a carillon. Each Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. the organists would rotate weekly to take turns playing a Mary Song on the carillon keyboard that would lift hearts to praise Mary in the surrounding Millmont area. That carillon, silent for many years as the number of organists available to play her keyboard had diminished, was removed in 2003. Since then, the bell tower has been silent.
Good News: No longer will the bell tower remain silent because now it will house new electronic chimes.
The bell’s name is partially obscured above the wheel spoke at the 3 o’clock position.
The pull rope is also visible.
Though the first part of the bell’s name [“Sancta”] is not fully visible,
the year of its casting [1898] is visible.
Saint Joseph Villa Welcomes Canine Visitors
On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, six (6) Therapy Dogs visited the residents at St. Joseph Villa. Addie, Sabrina, and Muse who came the last time were joined by Chance, Pippa, and Murphy.
Unfortunately the Relay does not know which name belongs to which dog. However, it knows that our Sister Andrea Michalczyk is enjoying the visit with her little friend as were no doubt all the other Sisters who are not pictured here.
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of the family:
- for Carole Ciungan.
7. THURSDAY – Afternoon Addition
Community Update – Family Member
- Please hold in prayer Loeci Crispa, Sister Veraci da Silva Crispa’s sister, who suffered a stroke and is in the hospital in intensive care.
8. FRIDAY – St. John of God
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Catholic Sisters Week – March 8-14, 2024
“Catholic Sisters Week shines a light on the spirituality, mission, and community building of women religious. Catholic Sisters Week (CSW) is celebrated every March 8 to 14 during women’s history month. Fifty-two weeks a year women religious stand with the poor and immigrants, teach children, fight injustice, heal the sick, share spirituality, empower women, defend the planet, promote peace, create community, offer hope… and more.” https://nationaltoday.com/catholic-sisters-week/
Left: Sister Marie Gayda – Divine Child School, Dearborn, Michigan
Right: Sister Patricia Lynn Farrell – Sacred Heart School, West Reading, PA
Prayers are requested for the following sick and/or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for Fr. Jim Rafferty (Detroit Diocese).
9. SATURDAY – St. Frances of Rome
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 Jacinta Maria Brill
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Catholic Sisters Week – March 8-14, 2024
Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow at 2:00 a.m.
Remember to
turn clocks AHEAD 1 Hour before retiring tonight.
10. SUNDAY – Fourth Sunday of Lent [Think PINK] - Laetare Sunday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Did you remember to turn clocks ahead? Daylight Saving Time began today at 2:00 a.m.
Community Update
- Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, Monday, March 11, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. in Reading HealthPlex. Please pray for a successful surgery and for a speedy and complete recovery.
Catholic Sisters Week – March 8-14, 2024
11. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
- Sister Dulceline Cieslukowski is in critical condition in Reading Tower Health Hospital.
Catholic Sisters Week – March 8-14, 2024
Left: Sister Lorentia Kocon created and obtained a patent for one of the first CRASH CARTS in the country. Sister ministered as an Operating Room Nurse (OR Nurse) at Sacred Heart Hospital, Chester, Pennsylvania at the time. Later she was the Administrator of Mary Immaculate Hospital in Virginia.
Right: Sister Joanne Helen Grejdus
Far right background: Sister Maria Paul Bartos (Director of Development and Mission Advancement for the BFS).
Far right foreground: Sister John Ann Proach (Congregational Minister of the BFS)
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 Lisa Hart who was killed on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in a car accident. She was a music teacher at Nouvel Catholic Central in Saginaw, Michigan.
- for Father Romano Stephen Almagno O.F.M., 84, who died on March 2, 2024 · https://icprovince.org/news/death-of-fr-romano-stephen-almagno-ofm#:~:text=June%2012%2C%201965.-,Fr.,missions%20and%20retreats%20for%20priests
Prayers are requested for the following sick and/or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for a safe and successful surgery today, Monday, March 11, 2024, for Anna Leslie, and for a full recovery.
- for John Warner who is very ill.
- for healing for Kolin Hummer and Judy Eroh.
- for Mufide R. and Family.
- for Mary Jo D’s daughter.
- for Frances’ parents who are elderly and are having health issues.
- for healing for Grażyna.
12. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Family Members
- for Peggy Duncan, Sister Phyllis Duncan’s sister-in-law, who will undergo a serious medical procedure tomorrow, Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
- for Ed Stets, Sister Rosemary Stets’ brother, who is recovering from foot surgery and for God’s help for healing without complications.
Catholic Sisters Week – March 8-14, 2024
Left: Terri Macor (Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj’s sister). Right: Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj
Prayers are requested for the following sick/needy/thankful Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
• for the needs of Patrick M. who is going through a very difficult and challenging time.
• for healing for Ron and for strength for his wife.
• for healing for a newborn baby Kennedy Jean Sugg.
• for health and blessings for Kate who is experiencing difficulties in her pregnancy.
• In
thanksgiving for Jack's successful interview and job placement.
13. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Deceased BFS
- Our dear Sister Dulceline Cieslukowski entered eternal life this morning, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 1:23 a.m. at Reading Hospital Tower Health at the age of 98 and in the 80th year of her religious life. Viewing on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Funeral on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Burial in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA. (If you will be attending the Liturgy and reception that follows, please call the Reception Desk at the Motherhouse 484.334.7000 to leave word of the number attending.)
Community Update – Deceased Family Member
- Prayers for Joycelyn, Sister Mary Laurene Browne’s sister, age 66, who died suddenly on Monday morning, March 11, 2024, in Liberia. Please hold Joycelyn’s daughter Ruthie and her family in your prayers.
Community Update - Thank you
Thank you from the bottom of my mended heart for your invaluable support: Mass intentions, prayers, greetings, cards, calls, and flowers all laced with Franciscan fraternity. The procedure is over and now onto recovery and healing. My prayer: Be blessed more than you could ever ask or imagine. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
From the Office of Development and Mission Advancement
Thanks to all those who helped in any way with our annual fundraiser, Bernardine Bonanza. We are happy to announce that we cleared $552,000 to support our Sisters and our mission work. There were 340 people in attendance and the highlight of the evening was honoring Dr. Lou and Ann Sutherland with the Mother Veronica Founder’s Award for all their amazing work in advancing our mission. We will have a video in a week or so that captures the night. Let us continue to Celebrate God’s Goodness! Gratefully, Sister Maria Bartos and Staff
Dr. Lou and Ann Sutherland recipients of the Mother Veronica Founder’s Award
Catholic Sisters Week – March 8-14, 2024
14. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
- Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva arrived at St. Joseph Villa yesterday, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, for recovery following Monday, March 11, 2024, surgery.
Community Updates – Deaths of Family Members
- Norman Christian, Sister Joan Eileen Christian’s brother died recently [word received at Relay on March 14, 2024. No additional information at this time].
- Mafalda Oliveira Siqueira, age 82, Sister Rita Mafalda de Oliveira Magalhães’ sister, died suddenly today, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in the city of Recife when visiting her daughter in that city.
Catholic Sisters Week – March 8-14, 2024
Left: Sister Dorothy Sepkowski. Right: Sister Antoinette Keiser
Bottom Row of Sisters, 4th from left: Mother Veronica Grzedowska. Directly below Mother Veronica in very bottom row is aspirant (?) Teresa Leszczynska who would become Mother Hedwig and succeed Mother Veronica as Superior General of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.
Prayers are requested for the following sick/needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for
Peter Jerkewitz and Danial Fisher who are facing additional treatment for a life-threatening disease after several years of remission.
15. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates
- for Ed Stets, Sister Rosemary Stets’ brother, for successful surgery this morning, and for God’s gracious blessing for his complete healing and recovery.
- for Dennis Lipsett, Sister Ellen Lipsett’s twin brother, for discerning today with the oncologist the appropriate route to address the aggressive cancer of his stomach.
Catholic Sisters Week Celebrated in Reading, PA on Sunday, March 10, 2024
The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters celebrated Catholic Sisters Week on Sunday, March 10, 2024, by inviting representatives from 6 religious congregations serving in the Allentown Diocese to join them for an afternoon of prayerful Eucharistic Adoration, and Laudato Si' Sunday Vespers in their Motherhouse Chapel in Reading, PA. Representing the congregations were the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia, Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Sisters of Mercy.
Following the prayer, all were invited to dinner in the Motherhouse Dining Room that included presentations by a representative from each congregation sharing the story of their founding, mission, and highlights of their service in their various missions, especially to migrants, the homeless, the sick, and those suffering because of poverty and hunger in the U.S. and throughout the world. The celebration of Catholic Sisters Week is an annual event in the Catholic Church that highlights the efforts of women religious to respond to the needs of the people of God wherever they live and serve.
Pictured are some of the attendees.
Sister Joanne Mary Kotwicki
16. SATURDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
A Moment in Time
Celebrating 130th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
1894 ~ 2024
LIBERIA
On April 21, 1957, Pope Pius XII issued the Encyclical Fidei Donum (The Gift of Faith). It dealt primarily with the evangelization of a single continent, Africa, as most of its countries stood on the cusp of self-governance.
Liberia had already gained independence in 1847 from the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded by Robert Finley, a Presbyterian minister, Francis Scott Key, Henry Clay and Bushrod Washington, nephew of George Washington.
The purpose of the ACS was to return freed slaves to the continent. On February 6, 1820, the Mayflower (Elizabeth) departed New York Harbor towards West Africa with the first group of repatriates.
By 1821, protestant denominations had firmly implanted themselves in the country. Catholicism succeeded to do so, only after three failed attempts. Finally, the Society of African Missions arrived in 1906 and stayed.
Thirty years later, the first group of Sisters, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, arrived in the Prefecture of Liberia.
Then in 1950, the country was divided into two ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Monsignor Francis Carroll, SMA, became the Prefect Apostolic of Cape Palmas. His desire was to have Sisters in the Prefecture to give especially village girls the opportunity to attend high school and finish.
Fidei Donum set the stage for Monsignor’s emissary from Tenafly, New Jersey, Father Philip Bagnasco, SMA, to meet with Reverend Mother Chrysostom in Maryview (Villanova, Pennsylvania).
On November 7, 1957, Liberia’s Thanksgiving Day, Reverend Mother Chrysostom together with Sisters Clementian, Ricardia, Cecilian, Joanita, Fabine, Francella and Rosanne, arrived in Harper to the jubilation of the local populace.
The southeast of Liberia was never the same again as other Congregations of Women Religious followed the Bernardine Franciscans to do God’s work among God’s people.
Written by Sister Mary Laurene Browne
17. SUNDAY – Fifth Sunday of Lent - St. Patrick
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 Aneve Teresinha Urbani (Josélia), Patrice Marie Klausing,
Patricia Ann Czarnota, Patricia Lynn Farrell
and Shaun Patrice Malone
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Irish Blessing Prayer
May good luck be with you wherever you go, and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.
May your days be many and your troubles be few, May all God's blessings descend upon you,
May peace be within you, May your heart be strong, May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam.
18. MONDAY – St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
March-April Birthdays at St. Joseph Villa
Seated: Sister de Marie Sawicki and Sister Annuntia Koller, MSC. Standing: Sister Josandra Ciucci, Sister Ann Marie Coll and Sister Helen Krzywinska. Not pictured: Sister Marie John Kutzi and Sister Claude Marie Jablonski. An Irish theme was used for the celebration.
Prayers are requested for the following sick/needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Shirley who will be having major surgery on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
19. TUESDAY – St. Joseph, Husband of Mary
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
REMINDER: TAU Reps whose TAUs attended the meeting on Saturday via Zoom, please send your responses to Discussion Questions 1 through 5 and your Evaluations to Sister Rose Jameson. Thank you.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate
feast days/birthdays today
Sisters Jo Louise Magdalinski, Joseph Marie Magdalinski,
Josepha Piorkowski, Josita Karnish and Mary Joseph Tirpak
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Prayers are requested for the following sick/needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for John Wise and for success in his request to maintain his employment despite his illness.
20. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Prayers are requested for the following sick/needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Mary L. (Teacher at Nouvel in Saginaw) who is awaiting a surgery and for her niece who has a rare form of a serious illness.
- for the well-being of Theresa Bonar’s granddaughter, Sophia.
- for Alan for improved health.
21. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
REMINDER: TAU Reps whose TAUs attended the meeting on Saturday via Zoom, please send your responses to Discussion Questions 1 through 5 and your Evaluations to Sister Rose Jameson. Thank you.
Celebrations in the Immaculate Conception Provincial House
Porto Alegre, RS BR
“And when God sees fit, He will increase the number of our Sisters,
without a doubt He will do so.” (Mother Veronica)
The Immaculate Conception Province celebrated on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, two events: the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the admission of Jaciara Vasconcelos to the Postulancy. Let us pray for Jaciara that she may be happy in her vocational journey.
A Memorable Moment at the Motherhouse
The new chimes in the bell tower sounded at 8:00 a.m. (EDST) this morning, Thursday, March 21, 2024, before beginning the 8:00 a.m. Mass. It was a thrilling moment. Surely the tower atop the Motherhouse must be celebrating its new resident.
Community Update – Death of a Family Member
- Sister Marie Janeen Obara’s cousin, Denise Scott, of Louisiana, who turned 72 on March 8, 2024, died suddenly this morning, Thursday, March 21, 2024, after a short time following serious surgery and a rare, unexplained illness.
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
- Dennis Michael Waverczak, 55, died yesterday, Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Prayers are requested for the following sick/needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for successful surgery and complete recovery for Tom.
- for Judy Suppelsa for a safe and successful surgery on Thursday March 21, 2024.
- for Dan Ficorelli for a safe and successful surgery on Friday March 22, 2024.
- for Karen Blaszyk for a safe and successful surgery on Friday March 22, 2024.
22. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Development and Mission Advancement
Thanks, again, for helping to make Bernardine Bonanza a great success! Here is a link to a video of the event.
https://vimeo.com/924727810?share=copy
Prayers are requested for the following sick/needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for healing for Carole Lotz.
- for Inacio Noronha
- for Martha.
- for the spiritual, physical, and temporal needs of the extended Stevenson Family.
23. SATURDAY – St. Turibius of Mogrovejo
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
24. SUNDAY –Passion Sunday/Palm Sunday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Video-“History and Observance of Palm Sunday” [2:49]
(2) separate links for same site)
History of Palm Sunday | What Happens on the Sunday Before Easter? | Britannica
What is Palm Sunday? | Britannica
25. MONDAY – Monday of Holy Week
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 Marie Cacciatore and Mary Sninsky
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
- for a return to good health and complete healing for Barbara, niece of Sister Barbara Winnals, S.S.J.
Prayers are requested for the following sick/needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Vicky Wong for successful surgery today and for complete recovery.
- for correct diagnosis and proper care for Spencer.
- for a young man, Drew, who is seriously ill.
26. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Sister Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade (Immaculate Conception Province Minister)
We are happy to announce that on Monday, March 25, 2024, the Madre Verônica Fraternity in Mozambique celebrated the entry of five young women into the Postulancy. United as a Congregation, let us pray that they persevere in the vocation to which they were called and inspired by Mary at the Annunciation, responding to God's call with love and generosity.
Left to right: Sister Zenôbia Melz, Sister Antonia Eliene de Vasconcelos, Felizarda José Junior, Eutânica Buanaissa Martinho, Father Rafael Medissoni, Suzana Avelino Linden Rufai, Danilsa Estevão Manuel Silva, Reginalda Daniel Vicente and Sister Maria Helena Santana.
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Roraima
The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Roraima [the Amazon] planned the program for Holy Week with the Franciscan Bishop Evaristo Pascoal Spengler to 8 Basic Communities. The Visit will be done by the Bishop and the 4 missionaries which includes the Eucharistic Celebration and Faith Sharing. The goal is to reach out to the far away people in the Amazon Region during Holy Week.
From the Relay
Thursday morning, March 28, 2024, will be the last regular Relay. The Relay Office will close at 10:50 a.m. on Thursday. The regular Relay will resume on Monday, April 1, 2024.
27. WEDNESDAY – Spy Wednesday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
- Sister Edna Cylwick was admitted to Reading Hospital Tower Health yesterday, Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Janette Sninsky for good results on testing and a treatment plan to follow diagnosis.
- for healing for Alice Bodgah and Megghan Tripp, both diagnosed with serious illness.
- for Raj that he passes his internship to become a doctor.
Video: “Spy Wednesday the Most Important Week in History” [9:39]
"Spy Wednesday Podcast/Holy Week" [13:13]
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates
- Prayers for Steve Wilson, Sister Shaun Kathleen Wilson’s brother, for successful oral surgery today.
- Prayers for Jack Obara, Sister Marie Janeen Obara’s brother, who is hospitalized for a week of testing and in preparation as he awaits a serious heart valve procedure.
From the Relay
This posting, Thursday morning, March 28, 2024, is the last regular Relay posting. The Relay office will close at 10:50 a.m. today. The regular Relay will resume on Monday, April 1, 2024.
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
- for Francesco Villalobos, Yesica Villabos’ father, who died in San Salvadore Sunday, March 24, 2024. Yesica worked in our Volunteers in Mission Office several years ago.
Video: “Holy Thursday” [2:53]
Holy Thursday HD (youtube.com)
29. FRIDAY – Good Friday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
No Relay today.
Video: “Good Friday” [4:56]
“Behold the Wood” – Dan Schutte - Emmaus Music [with lyrics] [4:21]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCpGHWzVYSo
“Behold the Lamb of God”-Bob Dufford, SJ [with lyrics] [4:30]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70pBpAHnI7k
30. SATURDAY – Holy Saturday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
No Relay today.
Video: “What Happened on Holy Saturday?” [3:13]
31. SUNDAY – Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
No Relay today.
Video: “Because of Him” [2:36]
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2020-02-4100-because-of-him-easter-video?lang=eng
“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” – The Mormon Tabernacle Choir – YouTube [3:38]
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (2019) | The Tabernacle Choir (youtube.com)
FAREWELL, MARCH!
WELCOME, APRIL!
An International Congregation of Women Religious