Relay for June 2024

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Relay

June 2025

1. SUNDAY – Seventh Sunday of Easter (Ascension of the Lord -moved from May 29, 2025 for some Arch/Dioceses)/World Communication Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for our Sisters who will celebrate a birthday or feast day during the month of June. Many graces and blessings. You are precious to God and to us, your Sisters!
for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
for many graces and blessings upon our Sisters who are making their annual retreat during the summer months.
for relaxing and restorative vacations for our sisters during the summer months.
for safe travel for our Sisters during the summer months.
for blessings on our Sisters who live and minister in various parts of the world.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the Power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

59th World Communication Day 2025

The theme that was chosen by the [deceased] Holy Father Francis for the 59th World Communications Day, 2025 is Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts (cf. 1Pt 3:15-16) The theme draws attention to the fact that today too often communication is violent, aimed at striking and not at establishing the conditions for dialogue. It is therefore necessary to disarm communication, to cleanse it of aggression. From television talk shows to verbal wars on social networks, there is a risk that the prevailing paradigm is that of competition, opposition, and the will to dominate.

For us Christians, hope is a person, and He is Christ. And it is always linked to a community project; when we speak of Christian hope we cannot disregard a community that lives the message of Jesus in such a credible way as to give a glimpse of the hope that it brings and is capable of communicating the hope of Christ with deeds and words even today.

https://www.ocarm.org/en/item/6456-world-communications-day-2025-create-the-condition-for-dialogue

2. MONDAY – SS. Marcellinus and Peter

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.

Community Update

for successful surgery today and for speedy and complete recovery for Susan Nieto, our recently deceased Sister Vincent de Paul Malecki’s sister.

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 Vittorio Macera.
for Jeanne Pratt and Eileen Kane. [website]
for John Venziale. [website]

3. TUESDAY – St. Charles Lwanga and Companions

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

for successful surgery today for Edmund “Ed” Stets, Sister Rosemary Stets’ brother.

2025 Directory Update

Sister Philip Ann Yurkonis – p. 22 Sacred Heart Convent. Delete Alvernia e-mail. Replace with sisterphilipann@gmail.com effective immediately.

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 Dolores Zakrzewski, a benefactor, who is having serious surgery today.
for the family of Sister Annette Lucero, OP who are requesting prayers for several members dealing with serious medical issues.
for a family in crisis and in need of God’s help.

4. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Updates (2)

Sister Patrice Marie Klausing asks for prayer. She is having a surgical procedure tomorrow, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Reading Hospital Tower Health.
for Sister Joanne Slanga’s three brothers: John Slanga who is on hospice and for Vincent (“Vinny”) and Joseph ("Joe") Slanga who are dealing with serious medical problems.

From the Relay regarding Relay Messages June 8 to 13, 2025

Sister Ellen Lipsett will be on retreat from June 8 to 13, 2025. During that time, Sister Rose Jameson will post the Relay. Email messages as usual to relay@bfranciscan.org [please no pictures or flyers during this time]. Kindly do not phone or e-mail any Relay messages to Sister Rose’s office, home, or cell phone numbers. Sister covers the time-consuming Relay [Constant Contact and website] as a courtesy to the Congregation and to me despite the fact that she has a full plate of responsibilities as a Congregational Councilor.

Advance messages for dates between June 8 to 13, 2025 received by noon tomorrow, Thursday, June 5, 2025, will be placed in queue by Sister Ellen in the Master Document for posting on those specific days. The telephone system is still encountering some difficulties and remains a “work in progress.” Please adhere to the restrictions above for postings during those dates. Deepest thanks and a promise of a remembrance in prayer during retreat. – Sister Ellen

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 successful surgery for 87-year-old Mrs. Anna K.
for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.

6. FRIDAY - St. Norbert/First Friday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Thank you

Thank you, Sisters, for the outpouring of love and prayers for my brother Ed’s successful surgery. It was a difficult procedure to save his left leg. Our family is grateful for your prayerful support and request your continued prayers for his healing and recovery. – Sister Rosemary Stets

Community Update – Death of a St. Joseph Villa Resident Sister

Please pray for Sister Rosalita, DHM who died yesterday afternoon, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at St. Joseph Villa. Sister had been a resident at St. Joseph Villa and was a former Bernardine Sister, Sister Mary Rosalita (Maria Roberts). Arrangements are pending.

7. SATURDAY/First Saturday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

8. SUNDAY – Pentecost Sunday/ National Children’s Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

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.”

Theme: “Children: Our Future and Our Responsibility”

“Children are more than just the promise of tomorrow,

they’re the reality of today.” [Internet]

9. MONDAY – The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

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.

Community Update

Prayers for Sister Mary Sninsky for successful surgery tomorrow, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, and for a speedy and complete recovery.

Funeral Arrangements for Sister Rosalita, DHM

Sister Rosalita, DHM died Thursday afternoon, June 5, 2025, at 2:23 p.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Sister had been a resident at St. Joseph Villa and was former Bernardine Sister, Sister Mary Rosalita (Maria Roberts). Viewing and Wake service on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel. If you will be attending the Liturgy and reception that follows in the Motherhouse, please call St. Joseph Villa Reception Desk at 610.777.5556 Ext. 010 to leave names and the number attending.

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:

that a 4-year legal family issue is soon resolved.

10. TUESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for all those who are hospitalized or undergoing surgeries and for those who care for them.

At the time of today's posting there were no requests.

Tomorrow's Relay may not be posted until after lunch.

11. WEDNESDAY – St. Barnabas, Apostle

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

At the time of today’s posting, no requests were received.

12. THURSDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation

From Alvernia University - Death of First Lay President

President Daniel DeLucca ushered in a new era at Alvernia. His tenure saw the construction of the Franco Library, the establishment of a governance system for faculty tenure, and the launch of the university’s first website. He also led the creation of the Schuylkill Center, laying the foundation for Alvernia’s presence in Schuylkill County, now thriving through the Pottsville CollegeTowne initiative.

His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 13, at 10:30 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Drexel Hill, PA. Viewing will take place Thursday evening and Friday morning at the D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Autism Speaks, Donations Processing Center, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037.

Community News

Sister Faith Kravat was discharged from Reading Hospital June 11, 2025 and is back at St. Joseph Villa.

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 complete healing for Paul Adam,(Hope, MI) who is home, but has a long road to full recovery.
for a peaceful, happy death for Marcy.
for Terry Humphrey’s complete recovery from a recent medical event.

13. FRIDAY - 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.

St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us!

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. SATURDAY – Flag Day in the U.S.

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

The holiday commemorates the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag. Apr 11, 2025 https://www.britannica.com/topic/Flag-Day

15. SUNDAY – The Most Holy Trinity - Fathers’ Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

What is the most important thing a father can give his child?

“The best thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother.” This quote is sometimes attributed to Abraham Lincoln and other times to Theodore Hesburgh, or even someone else.

God bless all fathers and those who serve in the role of fathers!

16. MONDAY

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.

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.

Funeral Arrangements for Sister Rosalita, DHM

Sister Rosalita, DHM died Thursday afternoon, June 5, 2025, at St. Joseph Villa. Sister had been a resident at St. Joseph Villa and was former Bernardine Sister, Sister Mary Rosalita (Maria Roberts). Viewing and Wake service on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel. If you will be attending the Liturgy and reception that follows in the Motherhouse, please call St. Joseph Villa Reception Desk at 610.777.5556 Ext. 010 to leave names and the number attending.

Prayers are requested for the following :

for Mary, Lawrence, Mirela and Christian.[website]
for Joyce K. [website]
for Tim Rushenberg and Jenniffer Marie Pfeiffer (Sims). [website]

17. TUESDAY – Addition – Death of a Family Member

Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our Sister’s Family Member and for the comfort and consolation of our Sister and her family:

Please pray for John Slanga, Sister Joanne Slanga’s brother, who died today, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Pottstown, PA. Funeral arrangements are pending.

18. WEDNESDAY

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 tomorrow, Thursday, June 19, 2025, Federal Holiday- Juneteenth. The regular Relay will resume on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Just a reminder: Messages for the Relay must be sent as a solo message, not as a return of a Constant Contact as your message can be easily overlooked. Please put your message in the body of the E-mail not on the subject line and send directly to relay@bfranciscan.org Thank you.

From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor

LCWR July 2025 Newsletter link is below:

https://www.lcwr.org/resources/publications/july-2025

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 Paul Tulowiecki who is seriously ill with a debilitating disease.
for Margie, our friend Elizabeth's niece, who is facing serious health issues. Elizabeth often attends Mass in our Sacred Heart Chapel in the Motherhouse.

19. THURSDAY – 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, 2025, Federal Holiday- Juneteenth. The regular Relay will resume tomorrow, Friday, June 20, 2025.

Today is a Federal Holiday in U.S.

Juneteenth - Wikipedia
Juneteenth Flag - Meaning https://parade.com/1219444/alliyahlogan/juneteenth-flag-meaning/
Transcript of the Emancipation Proclamation https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation/transcript.html

Lift Every Voice and Sing – Black National Anthem

Lift Every Voice and Sing (Top View) Lyrics Video Presentation YouTube SBILIFE with Papa Phatal aka Carlos K. Jan 20, 2020

https://www.google.com/search?q=Lift+Every+Voice+and+sing-Black+national+Anthem+-+Music+and+lyrics&rlz=1C1GGRV_enUS755US755&oq=Lift+Every+Voice+and+sing-Black+national+Anthem+- +Music+and+lyrics&aqs=chrome..69i57.6180861j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:0ae084ba,vid:w4EdnxNjrhc

20. FRIDAY - 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.

Community Updates (2)

Funeral Arrangements for Sister Joanne Slanga’s brother John F. Slanga, Jr.

Visitation: Monday, June 23, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 3640 Schuylkill Road, Spring City, PA 19475. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m.. Interment will follow St. Ann’s Cemetery, 305 West Pothouse Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wfmz/name/john-slanga-obituary?id=58674466

Prayers are requested for the following Sister’s Family member and for those who companion him during this time:

for Sister LeRoy Prymak’s nephew, Mike Jevelle, who is hospitalized with health issues.

From Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) – Sister Grace Keane

World Refugee Day 2025 is a powerful call to action and empathy in a time of global uncertainty. With record numbers of people forcibly displaced and humanitarian aid under threat, this year’s theme—"Solidarity with Refugees"—urges us to move beyond words and take meaningful steps to support those forced to flee. Refugees seek not charity, but opportunity: a chance to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and live with dignity.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Sisters Speak Out at the Capitol. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bAeSqaOJBlIG4HgqkyX6uMzWom0ICCeP/view

You are invited to join your prayers for immigrants and a just economy. Our commitment to the Gospel, our missions, and charisms urge us to respond to the federal budget reconciliation process that threatens to defund vital programs for the most vulnerable members of our community. Contact Sister Grace if you have any recommendations for 'partners in mission' to participate in this prayer and public witness.

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 the mother of our Development Board member, Tony Kuklinski, who is undergoing surgery today, Friday, June 29, 2025.
for healing for Steve.
for Sam’s physical recovery. [website]
for post-surgery recovery for Leo.[website]
for healing for Wink. [website]

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 Josephine McCliggott (Grandmother of Saginaw Associate, Melanie Beyers) who died Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
for Eileen Kane and her two sisters who died recently. [website]

Quote for Refugee Day: “Refugees didn't just escape a place. They had to escape a thousand memories until they'd put enough time and distance between them and their misery to wake to a better day.” “It is the obligation of every person born in a safer room to open the door when someone in danger knocks.” Feb 19, 2025 [Internet]

21. SATURDAY – St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

22. SUNDAY – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

23. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)

who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sister Madalena Maria Gayeski

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:

for health and blessings for Jocelyn N. [website]
for Robert B. [website]

24. TUESDAY - The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Updates (2)

Sister Mary Sninsky was discharged from Reading Rehab on Monday, June 23, 2025, and is at St. Joseph Villa for continued therapy. Sister is in room 203 in Maria Hall.

St. Joseph Villa welcomed Sister Catherine Crilly, MSC as a permanent resident on Friday, June 20, 2025. Sister is in room 264 in Bernardine Hall. No phone number.

From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor

Link below to Franciscan Federation June Newsletter 2025

https://franfed.org/2025/06/23/june-2025-newsletter/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_source_platform=mailpoet&utm_campaign=damiano-june-2025-36

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 Diane Casino for total recovery following serious surgery yesterday, June 23, 2025.

25. 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 Noemia Ana Lenhart

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Community Update

Prayers are requested for safe travel for Sara Soja, Sister Phyllis Marie Soja’s niece, who is in transit to her new 2-year commitment in Chad Africa at the invitation of the U.S. Government and for God’s protection in Chad and for His blessings upon Sara’s work.

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 David Fontanella who died on Monday, June 23, 2025, and for his grieving wife Maggie.
for Mr. Henry K. [website]
for infant Thomas H. [website]
for 3-year-old Lizzie B. Davy. [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 continued healing for Diane Casino, former Sister Jean Maurice (Diane Godlewski)
for continued healing for Miss. Deborah K. [website]
for healing of body for Haley C. [website]

26. THURSDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update (1)

Prayers are requested for the following sick family member and for those who companion him during this time:

for Edward Esbenson, Sr. Helen Marie Gwiazda's brother-in-law, who will be having surgery on July 2, 2025.

'Sisters Speak Out: A Prayer and Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy.'

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Catholic sisters from across the United States gathered on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, for a public witness event titled 'Sisters Speak Out: A Prayer and Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy.' The event led by the Justice Conference of Women Religious, had support from over 30 congregations of women religious and Catholic organisations [sic.].

The witness is a response to recent proposals in the United States that would reduce funding to vital social support programmes [sic.] such as Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), alongside efforts to increase deportations and cut environmental protections. Organisers [sic.] see these measures as threats to vulnerable communities. By gathering publicly in prayer, Catholic sisters hope to offer a strong moral witness rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching.

The Capitol Hill gathering is one of several actions being taken by Sisters across the country to call for a more just and humane approach to public policy.

Sister Patricia Lynn Farrell at the Site

Some of the Assembled Group

Time to cool off and refresh

Left to right: Sisters Patricia Lynn Farrell, Grace Keane, and Jean Therese Baumann

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 (newborn) Sienna Marí Perez who is having serious surgery today.
for successful surgery and recovery for Kathy.
for a mother struggling to gain custody of her three small children.

27. FRIDAY – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

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 14-year-old Elliot Varga who is seriously ill in hospital.
for Kathy Newbanks who will have surgery on Monday, June 30, 2025.
for Billy Joe Newbanks, Jr.
for healing for Raj. [website]

28. SATURDAY – The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

29. SUNDAY – 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.

29. SUNDAY – SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles - Addition-Death of a BFS

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 this morning, Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 10:50 a.m. at Sacred Heart Convent (Motherhouse), Reading, PA at the age of 91 and in the 73^rd year of her religious life. Arrangements are pending.

30. MONDAY – The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

for 70-year-old Marie Bordy, of Sisters Melita and Cynthia Skiendziel’s niece, who died on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Prayers for the needs of those below:

for Marie Pilla’s husband Alex who is in the hospital in serious condition.
for a healthy and safe first pregnancy for a young couple.
for Jonathan, his mother, father, and Patrick. [website]
for recovery for Maria Carolina Zapata Sosa . [website]
for healing for Karen. [website]
for the reunion of a daughter with her birth mother and father. [website]
for employment for Mrs. Lorraine K. Borisuk. [website]

GOODBYE, JUNE!

WELCOME, JULY!