BERNARDINE FRANCISCAN SISTERS
Weekly Relay
April 2025
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.
Community Updates – Bernardine Franciscan Sisters (4)
Please keep these Sisters in your prayers.
March-April Birthdays Celebrated at St. Joseph Villa
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Sister Josandra Ciucci introduces the “Constantia Male Quartet” from Philadelphia to the Sisters.
Birthday Celebrants
From left front clockwise to right front: Sisters Melita Skiendziel, Helen Krzywinska,
Claude Marie Jablonski, and de Marie Sawicki;
(back center) Sister Margaret Taufer, CPS
(right rear): Unidentified Precious Blood Sister guest, not celebrating)
Sisters Josandra Ciucci; Annuncia Koller, MSC and Dolorice Domin
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.
Community Updates (2)
Please continue to pray for Sister Angela Maria Teixeira de Sousa’s father who remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Message from Sister Elisângela Pereira Machado, Immaculate Conception Provincial Councilor
“With heartfelt gratitude for your prayers and messages on the loss of my brother-in-law, João Luiz Duarte. Please, continue praying for my sister during this time of grief. May God bless each one of you and let us be united as we continue our journey on this earth.
Upcoming JPIC Events (2)
From Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) – Sister Grace Keane
Conversion of the Heart: Seeing Anew with Franciscan Eyes.
Join FAN staff and community members on Zoom for an evening of reflection and discussion during the Lenten season. Tuesday April 8, 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the McGlinn Center.
Pope Francis on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Synodality, and the Dignity of Being Human
Join Bishop Daniel Flores from the Diocese of Brownsville, TX via zoom on Wednesday April 9, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the McGlinn Conference Center. Bishop Flores was a member of the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod.
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. FRIDAY – St. Isidore/First Friday - Abstinence
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
An Invitation to BFS Sisters to support FRO-YO [Frozen Yogurt] fund raiser to benefit
Alvernia University Alternative Break (Dominican Republic).
One evening only—Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 4 to 9 p.m.
AU Student Center, Dining Hall
Print out a copy of the flyer. Limited copies will be available on the counter by the Motherhouse Offices on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (1) Flyer for one’s personal purchase (1) flyer for multiple yogurts paid as a single purchase.
20% of the total of your personal purchase or 20% of the multiple yogurts paid as a single purchase will be earmarked for the Dominican Republic.
The more yogurts you purchase, the larger the contribution for the Dominican Republic. If you’re “fasting” from ice cream, “Frozen yogurt is not considered ice cream, though both are frozen dairy desserts, frozen yogurt is made with cultured milk (yogurt) while ice cream is made with cream.” [Internet]. Please consider this as almsgiving, one of the (3) Lenten Practices - Prayer. Fasting. Almsgiving! This is definitely Almsgiving!!!!! Just do it! You’ll be so glad you did! Your tummy will thank you and so will the Dominican Republic!
5. SATURDAY – St. Vincent Ferrer/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 Lusete Morelli
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
6. SUNDAY – Fifth Sunday of Lent
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 Lenita de Argollo Mendes
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
7. MONDAY – St. John Baptist de la Salle – World Health Day
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates – Bernardine Franciscan Sisters (2)
2024 Directory Updates (2)
Presence of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
at Vocation Week in Camaquã, RS
The Parish of São João Batista welcomed more than 40 men and women Religious from March 24 to 30, 2025, for a Vocation Week held in the city of Camaquã, RS. Sisters Vera Lúcia Pereira Mesquita and Lucimara Martins da Silva participated in activities in state and municipal schools, high schools and colleges, as well as youth groups and catechism classes.
The presence of our Sisters at this event brought back many memories of the mission of the Bernardine Sisters in the city and the legacy the Sisters left, especially with regard to Education. It was a week of intense fraternal coexistence, missionary spirit and joy, both for those who participated and for those who received this special visit.
Left to right: Sister Vera Lúcia Pereira Mesquita and Lucimara Martins da Silva
Seated (red shirt): Sister Lucimara Martins da Silva
Standing, middle: Sister Lucimara Martins da Silva
Seated second row (rose colored blouse): Sister Vera Lúcia Pereira Mesquita
Seated second row, far right (red shirt): Sister Lucimara Martins da Silva
An Invitation to BFS Sisters to support FRO-YO [Frozen Yogurt] fund raiser to benefit
Alvernia University Alternative Break (Dominican Republic).
One evening only—Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4 to 9 p.m.
AU Student Center, Dining Hall
Pick up a copy at the Counter by the Motherhouse Offices that will be available on Tuesday morning, April 8, 2025. (1) Flyer for one’s personal purchase (1) flyer for multiple yogurts paid as a single purchase.
20% of the total of your personal purchase or 20% of the multiple yogurts paid as a single purchase will be earmarked for the Dominican Republic.
The more yogurts you purchase, the larger the contribution for the Dominican Republic. If you’re “fasting” from ice cream, “Frozen yogurt is not considered ice cream, though both are frozen dairy desserts, frozen yogurt is made with cultured milk (yogurt) while ice cream is made with cream.” [Internet]. Please consider this as almsgiving, one of the (3) Lenten Practices - Prayer. Fasting. Almsgiving! This is definitely Almsgiving!!!!! Just do it! You’ll be so glad you did! Your tummy will thank you and so will the Dominican Republic!
Upcoming JPIC Events
From Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) – Sister Grace Keane
Conversion of the Heart: Seeing Anew with Franciscan Eyes.
Join FAN staff and community members on Zoom for an evening of reflection and discussion during the Lenten season. Tuesday April 8, 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the McGlinn Center.
Pope Francis on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Synodality, and the Dignity of Being Human
Join Bishop Daniel Flores from the Diocese of Brownsville, TX via zoom on Wednesday April 9, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the McGlinn Conference Center. Bishop Flores was a member of the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod.
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. 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 Maria Socorro Alves
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
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:
An Invitation to BFS Sisters to support FRO-YO [Frozen Yogurt] fund raiser to benefit
Alvernia University Alternative Break (Dominican Republic).
One evening only—Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4 to 9 p.m.
AU Student Center, Dining Hall
Pick up a copy of the Flyer on the Counter by the Motherhouse Offices today
(1) Flyer for one’s personal purchase. (1) flyer for multiple yogurts paid as a single purchase. If several Sisters are going and each is purchasing her own FRO-YO, each Sister will need to pick up a Flyer. Once the supply runs out, make a black and white copy from someone’s flyer.
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.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)
who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Miriam Hugh MacKillop
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
An Invitation to BFS Sisters to support FRO-YO [Frozen Yogurt] fund raiser to benefit
Alvernia University Alternative Break (Dominican Republic).
One evening only—Tomorrow, Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4 to 9 p.m.
AU Student Center, Dining Hall
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:
10. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (2)
Community Update – Death of a Family Member
IMPORTANT: LOCATION UPDATE
An Invitation to BFS Sisters to support FRO-YO [Frozen Yogurt] fund raiser to benefit
Alvernia University Alternative Break (Dominican Republic).
TODAY, Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 4 to 9 p.m.
Across from Kohl’s in strip mall, 2733 Papermill Road, Wyomissing, PA
[See address under Flavors and Toppings-top center of flyer]
20% of your purchase will go towards the Dominican Republic. Remember to take a flyer with you to present to the cashier when paying for your purchase. Thank you for supporting this event that benefits our Congregation.
From the Relay
Sisters, We are having significant difficulty with the Internet. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
11. FRIDAY – St. Stanislaus - Abstinence
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 Gemma Legel
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:
12. 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 Raimunda de Sousa Fernandes
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
13. SUNDAY – Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
14. MONDAY – Monday of Holy Week
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update - BFS
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
Sister Rose Jameson recognizes Sister Cara Lucille Garofalo at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held at the Motherhouse on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Also celebrated was 10 years serving God's people at the Mother Veronica Center.
From the Chapter Implementation Committee (CIC)
Dear Sisters,
The following documents were sent to you on Friday, April 11, 2025, via a group mailing:
Please review the suggestions from the Collation of Sustainability and mail or email one or two action plans from your convent or living area to Sister Grace Keane before May 20, 2025.
May God bless you always in all ways.
Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj, CIC Co-chair
Sister Cecilia Bondy, CIC Co-chair
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:
15. TUESDAY – Tuesday 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
Sister Lucimara Martins da Silva
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor
Seeking user of phone number 610.301.8121 on the Verizon bill
Sisters, we are unable to identify the user of 610.301.8121 on the Verizon bill. The user has not set up Voice Mail. This number will be discontinued in a month if we do not identify the holder of the number. Please contact Sister Rose Jameson via phone or email within a month so we can identify the user. Thank you.
From Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation
Pope Francis on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Synodality, and the Dignity of Being Human
Dilexit Nos & Synodality with Bishop Flores. You can view the webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch7l0urRNPg
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
16. WEDNESDAY – Wednesday of Holy Week/”Spy 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 Yasmim Victória dos Santos Oliveira
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
From the Relay
The last regular posting of the Relay this week will be tomorrow, Thursday morning, April 17, 2025. The Relay office will close at noon. The regular Relay will resume on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
17. THURSDAY – Holy Thursday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
The Last Supper
Artist Leonardo da Vinci
Year c. 1495–1498
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Supper_(Leonardo)
“In Remembrance of Me Worship Video” The Island Sing (3:22)
From the Relay
The Relay Office closes at noon today, Thursday, April 17, 2025, and reopens Monday, April 21, 2025. Posted today in separate messages will be the Relay for Thursday, April 17, 2025 through Sunday, April 20, 2025. If time allows, please check in during the weekend to see if there are any Congregational messages.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
Reminder:
Tomorrow, Good Friday, is a day of Fast and Abstinence.
18. FRIDAY – Good Friday – Fast and Abstinence
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Some Points about the Roman Centurian Longinus
“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
19. SATURDAY – Holy Saturday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Holy Saturday
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Saturday
20. SUNDAY – Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
The Easter Story
https://biblehub.com/cpdv/matthew/28.htm
“Christ the Lord is Risen Today” (with lyrics) [3.25]
Performed by Hymns Triumphant Performers (lyrics, choral, and instrumental)
21. MONDAY –Easter Monday – Death of Pope Francis - Administrative Professionals Week April 21st to April 25th, 2025.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
POPE FRANCIS
Today we mourn the death of Pope Francis, age 88, the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to serve as pope who died on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 7:31 a.m. Rome time. He ministered as the successor of St. Peter from 2013 to 2025 A simple man, a humble man, he brought fresh air into the papacy [considered by some as a tornado and by others as a welcome breath of spring]. In his style of living, he modeled that of the Saint whose name he chose as Pontiff—St. Francis of Assisi—unassuming, loving, pastoral. May God hold him close and may he rest in well-deserved peace.
In his absence, the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, former Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, Texas (U.S.A.) is the Vatican official who manages the Holy See between pontiffs. Let us hold him in prayer for his responsibilities are great and many during this interim time between the papacy of Pope Francis and the election of the next pope.
Seat vacant. What happens now, and who is in charge?
“Sede vacante. What happens now, and who is in charge?”
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/sede-vacante-what-happens-now-and
Community Update
From the Relay
Due to scheduling anomalies, the Relay will be posted at irregular times on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, and Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Thank you for your understanding.
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. TUESDAY – Easter Tuesday - Earth Day – 55th Anniversary of Earth Day
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Looking Back on the Life of Pope Francis
Time Magazine 2013 Cover - Person of the Year
“Pope Francis the Peoples’ Pope”
https://poy.time.com/2013/12/11/person-of-the-year-pope-francis-the-peoples-pope/
EARTH DAY 2025
Theme: Our Power, Our Planet
Prayers are requested for the following sick or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
23. WEDNESDAY – Easter Wednesday - Administrative Professionals 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 Aracy Luiza Molin
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update
Happy Administrative Professionals Day
Sister Roberta Ann Leskey (Congregational Secretary) and Sister Acelia Maria Sterz
(Immaculate Conception Province Secretary)
and to all who assist them in the work of the Congregation and the Province.
In Memoriam
Pope Francis
From the Diocese of Allentown (PA)
Friday, April 25, 2025 Tolling of the Bells 88 times at noon on April 25, 2025
Diocese of Allentown to Toll Bells in Solemn Commemoration of Pope Francis- AD Today
From the Diocese of Allentown (PA)
Solemn Pontifical Mass and Solemn Pontifical Vespers
All are invited to attend the Solemn Pontifical Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis at 12:15 p.m. and Solemn Pontifical Vespers at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 25th, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown.
The Mass and Vespers will be livestreamed on the Diocese news website, AD Today, and on the Diocese’s YouTube and Facebook channels. The 12:15 p.m. Mass can be viewed on television on Service Electric Channel 50.
Prayers are requested for the following sick or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
24. THURSDAY – Easter Thursday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
An Invitation from Alvernia University
Alvernia University is celebrating Earth Day today, Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Quad by the Student Center. All are welcome to join them and "Saint Francis" in person between 12:00 and 2:00 PM. Come see the large banner of the Canticle of the Creatures and enjoy some of Francis' favorite almond cookies.
Alvernia University Bird House Challenge
Engineering students from Alvernia University participated in the Habitat for Humanity Bird House Challenge Competition. Students displayed their work of art in the Motherhouse dining room for sisters to view their creation.
Blessing of the Easter Foods before the Vigil Mass on April 19, 2025
Father Ronald Baumann blesses the goodies that will be visually enjoyed
and eaten after the Easter Vigil Mass.
Lined up on the back of the table are (7) lambs: Nestled beneath the wine bottle is a petite butter lamb guarded to its left by a flag bearing lamb cake. Popping up next to the daffodils is a bigger butter lamb. To the right of the daffodils is a second Lamb cake, followed by a butter lamb partially hidden behind the cheese pie, and, lastly, another lamb cake. Notice the cute faces on the lambs [(1) visible butter lamb and (3) cake lambs]. Lamb cakes made by Sister John Ann Proach assisted in the decorating by Sister Zioldé Teresinha de Caldas. (2) petite butter lambs sculped by Sister John Ann. (1) larger butter lamb next to daffodils sculped by Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj. Multiple cheese pies made by Sister John Ann.
View the other wonderful foods Motherhouse Gathering after the Easter Vigil pictures that follow. The Relay wishes that name tags had been affixed to indicate the chefs/bakers of the many offerings. So much talent!
Motherhouse Gathering after the Easter Vigil Mass on April 19, 2025
O my goodness—so many choices!
Back to front: Sisters Rosemary Stets, Le Roy Prymak,
Tereza das Dôres Lima, and Zioldé Teresinha de Caldas
An up close picture
Sister John Ann Proach is justifiably proud of her lamb cakes and cheese pies.
Sister Kateri Peake and Sister Dorothy Fabritz, (MSC Provincial) make selections,
and Sister Zioldé Teresinha de Caldas [assistant to Sister John Ann in the cake decorating]
encourages Sister Dorothy to enjoy all!
Time to go back for seconds
Clockwise, left front to right front:
Sister Michael Ann Rugalla, Mrs. Margaret Ouchis (partially hidden - Instructor at our Doorways of Hope),
and Sister Philip Ann Yurkonis.
Standing: Sister Dorothy Marie Poremba.
Seated continued: Sisters Cara Lucille Garofalo, Phyllis Duncan, and Mary Elizabeth Klier.
Prayers are requested for the following sick or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
25. FRIDAY – Easter Friday – Arbor 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
Sisters Mark Ann Florkiewicz and Tereza das Dôres Lima
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
FUNERAL OF POPE FRANCIS TOMORROW, SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025
Mass and Burial:
Additional Notes:
The funeral will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
The funeral marks the beginning of a nine-day period of mourning called the Novendiales.
Where to watch the pope's funeral:
There are several ways to watch Pope Francis' funeral. ABC News Live coverage of the funeral will begin on Saturday at 3:30 a.m. ET and will air on ABC stations as well as streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Additionally, ABC News Digital will live blog the latest from the funeral as it happens and provide analysis and coverage of the biggest takeaways from the event.
Vatican Media and major news outlets like NBC, CBS, and ABC will broadcast the funeral live.
From Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation – Sister Grace Keane
From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
An increasing number of priests, religious sisters and brothers, and others serving the Church throughout the United States will be forced to abandon their ministries if policymakers do not act soon. Unfortunately, many parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions have already had to part with men and women who served them for years because of challenges with the Religious Worker Visa Program.
Under current law, foreign-born religious workers are permitted to live and work in the United States temporarily through the temporary religious worker (R-1) visa. The R-1 visa is limited to five years, after which the religious worker must depart the United States for at least one year before possibly returning on a subsequent R-1 visa. Previously, religious workers of many different faiths legally present in the country on an R-1 visa could apply for and receive permanent residency within those five years. Unfortunately, there is now a significant backlog in the visa category relied upon by these religious workers, along with several other classes of immigrants, for that purpose. This backlog means a priest or other worker who applies today will be forced to wait more than a decade before being able to receive permanent residency in the United States. This is unsustainable for the religious organizations that depend on these workers, as well as the workers themselves who have committed to serving our communities.
The bipartisan Religious Workforce Protection Act (RWPA) (S. 1298/H.R. 2672), recently introduced in both chambers of Congress, would provide relief for religious workers in this situation and further the free exercise of religion in the United States for the benefit of all Americans. The RWPA presents a targeted and limited response to this situation by authorizing the Department of Homeland Security to extend the R-1 visa for religious workers who have applied for adjustment of status until they can receive their green card. Furthermore, the bill would apply retroactively to those who have been forced to leave the United States prior to its enactment and remain subject to the one-year requirement.
Foreign-born religious workers provide a range of services and play a pivotal role in promoting religious exercise in our country. As Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Mark Seitz, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, recently said in their letter to Congress, “We would not be able to serve our diverse flocks, which reflect the rich tapestry of our society overall, without the faithful men and women who come to serve through the Religious Worker Visa Program.”
Ask your members of Congress to join with legislators on both sides of the aisle in supporting this much-needed source of relief for people of faith and communities nationwide. Please consider adding a personalized message regarding the positive ways these religious workers have impacted your life and why their contributions are important to you.
https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/Campaigns/125641/Respond
Arbor Day 2025
• Celebrates the beauty and usefulness of trees
• Promotes environmental stewardship
• Celebrates human productivity and hope for the future
• Was established in Nebraska in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton
Arbor Day is a day to observe, appreciate and plant trees, and it's seen as a day of optimism for the planet. The Arbor Day Foundation explains, "While most holidays celebrate something that has already happened and is worth remembering, Arbor Day represents a hope for the future. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities and endless natural beauty—all for a better tomorrow." [Internet]
Prayers are requested for the following sick or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
· for successful surgery on Monday, April 28, 2025, and full recovery for 15-year-old Allyson Barber.
· for Sarina for successful 8-hour surgery Monday, April 28, 2025.
· for better health and healing for Colleen and Jim as they deal with serious health issues.
· for Jake to be accepted into an apprenticeship program.
26. SATURDAY – Easter 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 Marilisa Helena da Silva
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
FUNERAL OF POPE FRANCIS TODAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025
Mass and Burial:
Additional Notes:
The funeral will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
The funeral marks the beginning of a nine-day period of mourning called the Novendiales.
Where to watch the pope's funeral:
There are several ways to watch Pope Francis' funeral. ABC News Live coverage of the funeral will begin on Saturday at 3:30 a.m. ET and will air on ABC stations as well as streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Additionally, ABC News Digital will live blog the latest from the funeral as it happens and provide analysis and coverage of the biggest takeaways from the event.
Vatican Media and major news outlets like NBC, CBS, and ABC will broadcast the funeral live.
27. SUNDAY – Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
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 Cristina Melo
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
The Original Image of the Divine Mercy
St. Faustina found a priest to be her spiritual director, the now-Bl. Michael Sopocko. With the help of Fr. Sopocko, St. Faustina found a painter to fulfill the request Jesus had made to her in one of the visions – to "paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You" – and in 1934 the painter Eugene Kazimierowski created the original Divine Mercy painting under St. Faustina's direction. In its creation, St. Faustina "was instrumental in making all the adjustments with the painter.
When the image was completed, it was first kept in the corridor of the convent of the Bernardine Sisters, which was beside the Church of St. Michael where Fr. Sopocko was rector.
28. MONDAY – St. Peter Chanel/St. Louis Grignion de Montfort
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Obituary detailing the Pope’s journey and global influence
Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of Catholic Church, Passes Away at Age 88 – CatholicPhilly
From the Archdiocese of Detroit
Poor and powerful alike pay final respects to Pope Francis, who led Catholic Church for 12 years as a 'pope among the people'
At funeral, Church prays for eternal repose of a pope 'with an open heart'- Detroit Catholic
Community Update
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:
St. Joseph Villa celebrated its resident Sister Jubilarians – Sunday, April 27, 2025
This picture taken in the St. Joseph Villa Chapel includes Congregational Administration,
St. Joseph Villa resident Sister Jubilarians, and Chaplain.
From left to right: Sisters John Ann Proach (Congregational Minister), Francis Canice Reinhardt (60th, seated), Zioldé T. de Caldas (Congregational Councilor), Sandra Lyons (Assistant Congregational Minister), Joanne Helen Grejdus (70th), Cynthia Skiendziel (70th), Jane Frances Dutkiewicz (70th), Jean Anthony Rodgers (62nd, seated), Jenniffer Acosta Rosario (Congregational Councilor), Therese San Miguel (62nd), Rose Jameson (Congregational Councilor), Helen Marie Gwiazda (61st), and Rev. Ronald Bowman (Chaplain).
Front left clockwise to front right: Sisters Francis Canice Reinhardt, Helen Marie Gwiazda, Joanne Helen Grejdus,
Cynthia Skiendziel, Jane Frances Dutkiewicz (partially hidden by candle), Therese San Miguel, and Jean Anthony Rodgers.
Alvernia University Celebrates Earth Day
with inclusion of the Celebration of the 800th Anniversary
of St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures
Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald (President of Alvernia University), Sister Marietta Andrzejewska,
Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj, and Adriana Swift pose with Brother Francis (Alvernia student).
Students stopped by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ booth for beautiful medals of Saint Francis, a copy of the Canticle of the Creation, earth stress balls, heart or butterfly seeds for planting, St. Francis’ favorite almond cookies,
and other souvenirs to remind them of Earth Day.
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 or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
29. TUESDAY – St. Catherine of Siena
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 Karen Anne Wieleba and Shaun Kathleen Wilson
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Updates (5)
From Immaculate Conception Province – Sister Acélia Maria Sterz (Provincial Secretary)
The Lord, in his infinite mercy, called some relatives to him in a happy eternity.
For all of them, let us pray to the Lord that He will give eternal rest to each one of them, after they have fulfilled their mission on this earth.
Give them, Lord, eternal rest, and may perpetual light enlighten them. Rest in peace. Amen.
May the Risen Lord bless each one of us.
Prayers are requested for the following sick or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
