Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima traveled to Philadelphia, PA yesterday, Thursday, July 24, 2025, to participate in the final step of the Naturalization process, the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, to become a brand new citizen of the United States; thus completing successfully the very long journey. We’re so proud of you, Sister Tereza!. Welcome aboard!
Relay for July 2025
BERNARDINE FRANCISCAN SISTERS
Weekly Relay
July 2025
1. TUESDAY – St. Junipero Serra
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for our Sisters who will celebrate a birthday or feast day during the month of July. Many graces and blessings for you are precious to God and to us, your Sisters!
- for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
- for many graces and blessings upon our Sisters who are making their annual retreat during the summer months.
- for relaxing and restorative vacations for our Sisters during the summer months.
- for safe travel for our Sisters during the summer months.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the Power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Community Update
- Prayers are requested for Sister Jeanne Marie Budd who will have a medical procedure today, July 1, 2025.
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay posted on Constant Contact or the website on Friday, July 4, 2025 – Federal Holiday – Independence Day in U.S. The Regular Relay will resume on Monday, July 7, 2025. Regular messages received after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2025 will be posted on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Prayers for the needs of those who request a remembrance in our prayers.
- for health and blessings for John O.
2. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safety for all who will travel on this Holiday Weekend in the U.S.
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Action for the Environment
Sister Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro and her team, in partnership with the Padre Josimo Cultural Institute, received a donation that included 670 seedlings, fertilizer, equipment, laborers, and the assistance of a technician to support the planting effort. The 670 trees have been successfully planted in the Ponta Grossa neighborhood of Porto Alegre, RS, where the São Francisco Social Project is based.
Children and volunteers from the Social Project “As Florzinhas de Madre Verônica”, together with Sister Maria Cristina Melo, Project Coordinator, planted 10 trees in the Siqueira neighborhood, Fortaleza, Ceará. The children learned in practice the importance of taking care of the environment.
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 Ivone for successful healing after a major surgery.
- for Mary for successful surgery on Monday, July 7, 2025.
3. THURSDAY – St. Thomas, Apostle
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safety for all who will travel on this Holiday Weekend in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Please hold in your prayers, Sisters Sandra Lyons and Zioldé T. de Caldas as they leave today, July 3, 2025 for the Nampula airport which is a 6-hour drive (depending on the traffic and road conditions) from Nipepe. They will arrive in the United States on July 5, 2025.
Funeral Information - Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- for our dear Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz who entered eternal life Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 10:50 a.m. in Sacred Heart Convent, Reading, PA at the age of 91 and in the 73rd year of her religious life. Sister’s viewing will be held on Wednesday morning, July 9, 2025, in Sacred Heart Convent Chapel (Motherhouse), Reading, PA. Sister’s Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA. Burial follows in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA. (Please refer to the Funeral Notices section of our web site for additional information.) 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.) The call in/call out functions of the new phone system are operational.
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay posted tomorrow, Friday, July 4, 2025 – Federal Holiday – U.S. Independence Day. Regular Relay will resume on Monday, July 7, 2025.
4. FRIDAY – First Friday /Independence Day in U.S.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safety for all who will travel on this Holiday Weekend in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence - July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress meeting at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, PA, later renamed Independence Hall
The transcript of the Declaration of Independence
Happy U.S.A. Independence Day!
Colorful Firework with Sounds. Screensaver (4K UltraHD) - Bing video
5. SATURDAY – First Saturday/St. Anthony Zaccaria/St. Elizabeth of Portugal/First Saturday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safety for all who will travel on this Holiday Weekend in the U.S. and elsewhere.
6. SUNDAY – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for safety for all who will travel on this Holiday Weekend in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)
who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sisters Maria Korick, Marietta Andrzejewska, and Alvina Vieira Machado
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
8. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor
Free Smart Phone classes every other Wednesday evening
VERIZON
2637 Shillington Road; Suite 24
Sinking Spring, PA 19608
(by the Giant Store)
Daniel Kegerise
Store Manager
Call for dates and times
610.743.4248 or
610.743.4285
9. WEDNESDAY – St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
- for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
There are no other messages.
9. WEDNESDAY – Additions – Death of a BFS
Community Updates – Deceased (2)
Today we mourn the loss of two of our Sisters, both having visitation, Mass, and burial today. Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz in the United States [Refer to July 7, 2025 Relay] and newly deceased Sister Lori Maria Braun in Brazil.
Information regarding Sister Lori Maria Braun
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- for our dear Sister Lori Maria Braun who entered eternal life yesterday evening, July 8, at 10:15 p.m. (Brazil time) at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Convent in Viamão Brazil at the age of 83 and having completed 64 years and in the 65th of her religious life. Sister’s viewing was held today, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (Brazil time) in Garden of Peace Chapel, Porto Alegre, RS/BR followed by her Mass of Resurrection at 3:00 p.m. with burial at 5:00 p.m. in the Jardim da Paz Cemetery, Porto Alegre Brazil.
Community Update– Living BFS (1)
- Sister Marie Janeen Obara was discharged from Complete Care of Berkshire today, July 9, 2025, and is now back at St. Joseph Villa in room 282. Room phone number is 484-705-3840.
10. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
- Prayers are requested for Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj for a successful medical procedure on Monday, July 14, 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:
- for correct diagnosis and relief for Eli.
- for healing, faith, and courage for Roxanne Affeldt.
Note: See July 9, 2025 Addition
11. FRIDAY – St. Benedict
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
27th General Elective Assembly of the Conference of Religious of Brazil
(CRB Nacional)
The 27th General Elective Assembly of the Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB Nacional) is being held from July 8 to 11, 2025, in Brasília, and reflects the theme "Consecrated Religious Life: Sentinel of Hope in Times of Transition." The Assembly was attended by Sister Simona Brambilla, Consolata Missionaries, Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and Father Aitor Jiménez, Undersecretary of the Dicastery.
Sister Simona Brambilla, Consolata Missionaries
The second day of the 27th National CRB Assembly was led by the word “Hope”
and reflected on “the challenges and paths of Consecrated Religious Life.”
On the 3rd day of the Assembly, men and women religious from across the country gathered at Pátio do Maristão, in Brasília, for a moment of spirituality with the theme: Crossing. Crossing.
The celebration highlighted that caring for our Common Home
involves relationships with fraternity, justice and peace.
As a sign of commitment, participants planted a tree seedling,
a gesture of faith and remembrance, in reference to Pope Francis
and the call for ecological conversion.
Sister Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade, Provincial of the Immaculate Conception Province
of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, and Sister Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro
are participating in the 27th Assembly of the National CRB.
Sister Samanta Karla, OSF spoke on behalf of the National Commission of JPIC
of the National CRB at the Meeting with Sister Simona Brambilla, Prefect of the Dicastery.
The 27th General Elective Assembly of the Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB Nacional), will finish today July 11, 2025.
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 Maria Rato. [website]
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
- for Cynthia’s son Simon. [website]
12. SATURDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
13. SUNDAY – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
14. MONDAY – St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)
who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Kateri Peake
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
From the Office of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation – Sister Grace Keane
Today we remember the life and legacy of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. We pause to remember her because she is known as one of the Patrons of Ecology along with St. Francis of Assisi. A simple search online will provide numerous details about her life. It leads us to ask about the Doctrine of Discovery, the ongoing treatment of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas, the transatlantic slave trade, white supremacy, Project 2025 and more. November is Black Catholic History Month as well as Indigenous Peoples month otherwise known as National Native American Heritage Month in the United States. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect Pray-Learn-Act. You may remember "The Letter" from Pope Francis in which he invited a teenager from India, a couple of marine biologists and an Indigenous person from the Amazon to come to the Vatican to share their experience of climate disruption. Let us continue the journey of integral ecology. https://youtu.be/l2n_0yIQcVw
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
- for the Krabill and Mattheis Families on the unexpected death of their 17-year-old grandson and son, Jacob Mattheis, a student at Nouvel Catholic Central in Saginaw.
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 21-year-old Steve for conclusive testing, correct diagnosis, successful treatment, and improved health and wellness.
- for Paul Radlinski, a friend in Saginaw, as he undergoes testing.
For those who request our prayers via phone or via our website:
- Faith Okoniewski, sister-in-law of our deceased Sister de Lourdes Okoniewski. [phone]
- Pete. [website]
- Denise. [website]
15. TUESDAY – St. Bonaventure
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)
who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Emilia Gelinski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update
- Please pray for Sister Faith Kavat who is in poor condition.
2025 Directory Update
- Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva – Sacred Heart Convent, p. 21 – delete 484.509.4053. Replace with 484.727.8258. Effective immediately.
For those who request our prayers via our website:
- for Mark T.
- for Peter F.
- for Stacey.
- for Derik Martin [deceased]
16. WEDNESDAY - Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (2)
Death of a BFS
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sisters and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- Our dear Sister Faith Kravat entered eternal life at 1:55 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 89 and in the 71st year of her religious life. Arrangements are pending.
Prayers for a living relative
- for healing and peace for Fred, Sister Patrice Marie Klausing’s cousin, and for a successful surgical procedure tomorrow, Thursday, July 17, 2025.
News from the Immaculate Conception Province in Brazil
June Festival - Menino Deus School
On July 13, 2025, our Sisters Paula and Vera Lúcia led a candy tent at the Menino Deus School's June Festival. It was an excellent partnership between the school and the Missionary Fraternity. We are grateful to the Sisters and the 12 volunteers involved. Some volunteers donated candy, and others helped sell it at the tent. May God reward them for their collaboration, partnership, and generosity. We are together in the mission and in working for the Kingdom of God.
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and volunteers
Franciscan Camp (Franciscamp)
From July 11 to 13, 2025, in Sabiaguaba, CE, Brazil, Sisters Valderez Maria dos Santos and Yasmim Victoria dos Santos
held a Franciscan Camp (Franciscamp) with young women and men who want to learn about the Franciscan Charism.
Sister Eliene Vasconcelos, our missionary sister in Mozambique, who is on vacation in Brazil,
reflected on the theme with the group:
“This is what I want, this is what I seek, and this is what I desire with all my heart.”
Present at the Franciscan Camp were two young women, Eloá and Geovana,
who are participating in the Vocational Meetings of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters,
and want to learn about the life and mission 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 Kim, Ben, Daphne, and Kitty who all have serious health issues.
For those who request our prayers:
- for the Dickson Family's peace of mind.
- for Mufide and Family.
17. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)
who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Mary Generosa Paszk
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update - Death of a BFS
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sisters and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- Our dear Sister Mary Faith Kravat entered eternal life at 1:55 a.m. yesterday morning, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 89 and in the 71st year of her religious life. Sister’s viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA. Sister’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA. (Please refer to the Funeral Notices section of our web site for additional information. 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
- Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj thanks all for their prayers. Outcome is great! [Refer to July 10, 2025 Relay).
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 4-year-old Gemma Peggs, (niece of Robin Ball who covers the Reception desk at the Motherhouse on a regular basis) who is dealing with a serious diagnosis.
- for Aaron, one of the chefs at St. Joseph Villa, who was in an accident on his way to work yesterday.
- for 21-year-old Steve who is dealing with a serious diagnosis.
- for healing and wellbeing for Bill Dery.
From the Relay
Internet is being worked on today in the Motherhouse, Annex, and Administration Building. Service may be sketchy [intermittent] throughout the day.
18. FRIDAY – St. Camillus de Lellis
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Thank you
- With a grateful heart, I thank you for your prayers, wishes, kind messages and all the ways you have been a support in my surgery and continued recuperation. - Sister Mary Sninsky
For those who request our prayers via phone or via our website:
- Faith Okoniewski, sister-in-law of our deceased Sister de Lourdes Okoniewski. [phone]
19. SATURDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
20. SUNDAY - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
21. MONDAY – St. Lawrence of Brindisi
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update - Death of a BFS (1)
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sisters and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
- Our dear Sister Mary Faith Kravat entered eternal life at 1:55 a.m. Wednesday morning, July 16, 2025, at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 89 and in the 71st year of her religious life. Sister’s viewing will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA. Sister’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA. (Please refer to the Funeral Notices section of our web site for additional information. 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 Updates – BFS Sisters (2)
- Sister Immaculene Gudz was admitted to Reading Hospital Tower Health on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
- Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt was discharged from the Reading Hospital on Thursday, July 19, 2025, and has returned to St. Joseph Villa.
Community Update – Family Member (1)
- In thanksgiving for graces and recovery received for Luke, Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky’s grandnephew.
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 John and Mary Revira.
- for Tom who will have a medical procedure on July 18, 2025.
22. TUESDAY – St. Mary Magdalene
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)
who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Cristiane Martins de Barros
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor
Technology
Smartphone Training Classes every other Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
No need to register. Just walk in.
2637 Shillington Road
Sinking Spring, PA 19608
610.743.4248
Next to Giant Store on 724 W
July 23 - tomorrow
August 06
August 20,
September 03
September 17
From the Monastery of Saint Clare
1271 Langhorne-Newtown Road
Langhorne, PA 19047-1297 (215) 968-5775
Web Site: www.poorclarepa.org
Triduum in Honor of Saint Clare
The three evenings and the Feast Day Mass will be live streamed on our web site (see above). They will also be available for viewing after the events. Booklets to follow the liturgies will be available during the live streaming.
- Friday, August 8, 2025, 7:00 p.m. - Night prayer, Homily, Novena, Benediction
- Saturday, August 9, 2025, 7;00 p.m. - Night Prayer, Homily, Novena, Benediction, Prayers for Healing
- Sunday, August 10, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – Transitus (recalls St. Clare’s Passage to Eternal Life), Night Prayer, Homily, Novena, Benediction
Solemnity of Saint Clare
Monday, August 11, 2025 – Solemnity of Saint Clare – Mass at 9:30 a.m. Homilist Father David Dodds TOR, Director of Novices for Third Order Regular.
Special Intentions: You may send in your petitions to be placed under the altar during the Novena (August 2nd-11th), for the Triduum (August 8th-10th), or simply keep them in your heart for God. We will be keeping all intentions in our prayers.
Novena Prayer
O glorious Saint Clare, God has given you the power of working miracles continually,
and the favor of answering the prayers of those who invoke your assistance
in misfortune, anxiety and distress.
We beseech you, obtain for us from Jesus through Mary, His Blessed Mother,
what we beg of you so fervently and hopefully, (here mention your need privately)
if it be for the greater honor and glory of God and the good of our souls. Amen.
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 JoJo who is seriously ill.
Pray for the Needs of:
- Cullen Creel. [website]
24. THURSDAY – St. Sharbel Makhluf
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (2)
Safe Travel
- Prayers are requested for Sister Zioldé Teresinha de Caldas, General Councilor, who will travel today to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to visit the Sisters and also to renew her R1 Visa. For safety during travel to/from and while in the Dominican Republic and for success in renewing her R1 Visa. Sister’s anticipated return date is August 16, 2025.
Additional Family Information for our deceased Sister Faith Kravat
Niece:
Spring Rice
5555 College Rd #302
Key West FL 33040-4307
Therapy Dogs Visit St. Joseph Villa
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the Therapy Dogs once more visited the Villa. Ten dogs visited this day and performed tricks and showed their listening skills. The Sisters sang Happy Birthday to 2 of the dogs and little JC, in the photo, was dressed for the occasion.
Therapy Dog - JC
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 who are undergoing diagnostic, medical, or surgical procedures throughout the remainder of July.
- for Haley. [website]
Prayers are requested for the following:
- for Finn Levi Reese. [website]
- for employment for Lorraine B. and husband Peter.[website]
- for those wishing to remain anonymous. [website]
- for people dealing with the loss of self through dementia or Alzheimer’s and for skilled and kind caregivers.
- for veterans of war who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and for their families.
- for women dealing with post-partum depression following the birth of a child and for their families.
- for people harmed by bullying—young or old—whether in person or online and for help by supportive people.
- for people in war-torn areas of our world who have lost family, friends, home, livelihood, and, many times, hope.
25. FRIDAY – St. James, Apostle
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)
who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Maria James Riedel
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update – Congratulations!
The Oath of Allegiance ceremony is the final step in the U.S. naturalization process, where candidates officially become citizens by swearing an oath to the United States. This ceremony signifies the culmination of their journey to citizenship and includes reciting the Oath, receiving a certificate of naturalization, and being welcomed as a new American citizen. [Internet]
26. SATURDAY - SS. Joachim and Anne
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)
who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sisters Anna Indycka, Deborah Ann Surgot, Joanne Mary Kotwicki
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
27. SUNDAY – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Technology
With the revision of the BFS website, the Weekly Relay will no longer be posted to the website as of tomorrow, Tuesday, July 29th.
Those of you who depend on the website for the Relay will need to request that a fellow sister who gets the relay on their email/cell phone make it available to you.
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 Eva Hoedebeck Lazauskas who is hospitalized. [website]
