1. WEDNESDAY – St. Joseph the Worker
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.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sisters Clare Chabot, JoAnn Ciampa, Joelle Mrozoski, and Josandra Ciucci
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:
1. WEDNESDAY – Addition
Community Update – Brazil
Please hold in prayer our Sisters, their families, and the people of the affected cities
Catastrophic Flooding affects over 100 Cities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68935249
2. THURSDAY – St. Athanasius/National Day of Prayer
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – 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.
Videos showing Flooding in Rio Grande do Sul
The scenes in the videos tell the story.
ENCHENTES NO RS - 30/04/2024 - Veja vídeos de como estão inúmeras cidades do Rio Grande do Sul - YouTube [Translation: FLOODS IN RS - 30/04/2024 - See videos of how numerous cities in Rio Grande do Sul are doing] Continue to follow each segment following ads and newscasters. [3:33 minutes] Listen to the thunder, see the lightning, see the destruction done by the flood waters.
Chuva não dá trégua no RS; resgates são feitos de helicóptero | Primeiro Impacto (01/05/24) - YouTube [Translation: Rain doesn't let up in Rio Grande do Sul; Rescues are made by helicopter First Impact]
Veja imagens dos estragos causados pela chuva no RS - YouTube [Translation: images of the damage caused by the rain in Rio Grande do Sul]
Pictures from Celebration of 50 Academic Years
Villa Maria School, Stamford, Connecticut
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Can you identify the Sister in the second row of pictures (beneath the telephone)?
It’s Sister Clare Chabot!
Timeline from September 5, 1973 to September 5, 2023 - Principals
1973-1982 Sister Melrose Hajduk
1982-2016 Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj
Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj (1973-2020)
1973-1982 (Teacher); 1982-2016 (Head of School)
2016-2020 (Director of Alumni and Mission Advancement)
Silent Auction Items displayed in the Sisters’ former Dining Room
Children’s Cafeteria
Today is a new day filled with possibility (Middle Bulletin Board)
The Sister Carol Ann Commons
(Dedicated October 2023 - the beginning of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary)
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
National Day of Prayer
Theme: Lift up the Word – Light up the World
For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. 2 Samuel 22:29-31
3. FRIDAY - SS. Philip and James, Apostles/First Friday
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 Ellen Marie Burke
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update – Deceased 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.
Community Update – Living Family Member
for Sister de Lourdes Okoniewski’s grandniece, Sarah, and for the safe delivery of her baby.
Villa Maria 50th Anniversary Video
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LUwsPkjCRzcZAWbjvD-bXkh_6o_gO-tX/view?usp=sharing
Therapy Dogs Visit Sisters at St. Joseph Villa
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Left: Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt with “Silk”
Right: Sister Stella Ann Tumanow with “Muse”
Left: Sisters Therese San Miguel and Maria James Riedel with “Pippa”
Right: Sister Lorraine Molchanow, MSC and Sister Carol Anne Heitgen with “Sabrina”
Left: Sister Christen Shukwit and her sister, Pieta Shukwit – taking a break in the courtyard.
Right: Sister Maureen Carroll, MSC and Sister Theresa Molchanow, MSC with “Charlie”
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. SATURDAY - First Saturday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
5. SUNDAY – Sixth Sunday of Easter/Cinco de Mayo
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire
at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.
6. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update - BFS
BFS Retreats – Reading, PA
From the Relay
Tomorrow’s Relay will be posted in the afternoon.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
7. 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 Joana Sortica
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
70th Jubliarians Feted at St. Joseph Villa Sunday, May 5, 2024
Seated in foreground: Sister Immaculene Gudz.
Standing left to right: Sister Faith Kravat, Sister Theresa Lepara, MSC,
Rev. Ronald Bowman (Chaplain), and Sister Helene Potoczny.
Community Update – New Resident at St. Joseph Villa
Canoas, RS Brazil
Flood in the South of Brazil (Experts from daily Vatican News – article of the Cardinal of Porto Alegre, Jaime Splenger to Pope Francis)
On Monday morning, May 6, 2024, the water of the Lagoa do Guaiba was 5meters and 26cm, and the limit for flooding is 3 meters. According to experts, the Guaíba should remain at about 4m for the next 10 days.
The picture shows the population of the city of Canoas on May 5, 2024. The increase is a consequence of the floods that hit Rio Grande do Sul exactly a week ago. According to a partial balance sheet of the Civil Defense, 88 people have died, 111 are missing and 276 have been injured. In addition, more than 141 thousand people are out of their homes: more than 19 thousand in shelters and another 121 thousand displaced (in the homes of family or friends). In all, 345 of the state's 496 municipalities registered some type of problem, affecting 850, thousand people in Rio Grande do Sul.
The Pope's prayer - 05/05/2024
In addition to the closeness of Pope Francis on Sunday (05/05), who at the Regina Caeli said he prayed for the population affected by the great flood, the archbishop of Porto Alegre and president of the CNBB, Dom Jaime Spengler, has also shown himself to be close to parishioners throughout the state. He said he had been in contact with some parish priests, from the countryside and also from the capital itself:
"Here, in the metropolitan region, we have - for example, Novo Hamburgo and São Leopoldo - with practically 200 thousand displaced people. In the city of Canoas, in those days, more than 15 thousand people had to be taken from their homes. The city of Eldorado do Sul is practically taken by the waters. The mayor yesterday, in an interview, said: 'the city no longer exists'. Here in the city of Porto Alegre, we are practically isolated: there is no land contact with the cities in the region. And in some regions, the water is still rising, although the Guaíba has stopped rising."
"We will have very difficult days ahead. The water will take a long time to come down and, along with that, the concern with the care of all these people. We don't know how long this will be necessary, but also as the water enters the Patos Lagoon, we will have the entire region of Pelotas and Rio Grande, which will probably also be affected in a very particular way by these waters."
NOTICE: It includes Barra do Ribeiro where the Convent and School of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters is located.
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. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
When in the U.S. is the Ascension of the Lord celebrated?
The U.S. ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Philadelphia [see below], and Omaha celebrate the Ascension of the Lord tomorrow, Thursday, May 9, 2024. The other U.S. ecclesiastical provinces transfer the celebration of the Ascension to Sunday, May 12, 2024.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia covers five Pennsylvania counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. It is the metropolitan see of the ecclesiastical province of Philadelphia and the following suffragan dioceses [see below]: Allentown, Altoona-Johnstown, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Scranton.
A suffragan diocese is one of the dioceses other than the metropolitan archdiocese that constitute an ecclesiastical province.
Flood Update - Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
May 7, 2024 Vatican News – Portuguese Messages
The emotion of a priest: "We are small in facing the gigantic situation in Rio Grande do Sul" - "Yesterday, when I celebrated Mass, I was moved, I cried. It's very difficult because we don't know what to do. We want to help, the devastating situation in Brazil," said Father Paulo César Bernardi in testimony to Vatican News. "I apologize for the emotion, but seeing this reality is quite difficult. May Our Lady, Mother of God, Patroness of Rio Grande do Sul, enlighten all the people who are discouraged and tired." The floods have already caused 90 deaths and 132 missing people.
A man being airlifted from the flood zone.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
9. THURSDAY – The Ascension of the Lord [celebrated in some (Arch)Dioceses in the U.S. today and transferred to Sunday, May 12, 2024, in others].
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Congratulations, Sister Noemia Ana Lenhart!
St. Joseph Villa had their Staff Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at which Sister Noemia Ana Lenhart was honored for her 25 years of service. Many thanks, Sister! Muito obrigada! Many blessings for years to come! Muitas bênçãos para os próximos anos!
Left to right: Sister Josandra Ciucci (Local Minister), Sister Noemia Ana Lenhart (Award Recipient), Sister Madonna Marie Harvath (Assistant Local Minister)
Urgent: Help needed in Rio Grande do Sul – Brazil
Dear Sisters,
The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Brazil, alongside the Missionary Fraternity and JPIC are reaching out to you in solidarity during this critical time in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Our hearts ache for the communities devastated by the recent floods.
Our Resource Mobilization Center, led by Sister Samanta, is actively collecting donations to support those who have lost everything. We’ve been touched by the generosity of those friends who have already contributed.
The situation is dire. Entire cities are submerged, and thousands are seeking refuge in shelters, relying on the kindness and compassion of others. Access to essential supplies is limited due to the isolation of these areas.
As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship and serving the less fortunate, we feel compelled to respond to the urgent needs arising from the climate crisis in Rio Grande do Sul. Your support, no matter the amount, would mean the world to those affected.
If you’d like to join us in this campaign, please know that Sister Zioldé is ready to receive your donations and ensure they reach those in need securely and swiftly.
Thank you for your kindness and solidarity in this challenging time.
Warm regards,
Sister Gilbetânia
Top left, on right: Sister Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro distributing water.
Top right: A woman evacuating from her home because of the flood waters.
Bottom left: Picture of the effects of the flood waters.
Bottom right: Volunteers preparing sandwiches for distribution in shelters.
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. FRIDAY - – St. Damien de Veuster of Molokai/St. John of Avila
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 Leonil Araujo Perreira (Márcia)
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Chapter Implementation Updates
Sisters, thank you for your participation in the Chapter Implementation Assembly on April 21, 2024 that focused on global fraternity and intercultural relationships.
Evaluation
Attached find the synthesis for the fall Tau and winter Tau evaluations.
April 2024 Chapter Implementation Assembly
If you were unable to view the videos or would like to view them again, here are the links:
Chapter Implementation Red Letter Dates
Please mark your calendars with the following dates for the remaining declaration statements:
Sisters Cecilia Bondy and Carol Ann Nawracaj
Chapter Implementation Committee Co-Chairs
10. FRIDAY – Afternoon Addition – BF Sister critically ill
11. SATURDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
12. SUNDAY - Seventh Sunday of Easter/The Ascension of the Lord [transferred from May 9, 2024 in some (Arch)Dioceses in the U.S. to today]/Mother’s Day/World Communications 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 Genilse Luiza Dalmedico
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Theme for World Communication Day 2024
“Artificial intelligence and wisdom of the heart for a fully human communication” is the theme chosen by Pope Francis
for the 58th World Communication Day observed today.
12. Community Update – 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:
13. MONDAY –Our Lady of Fatima
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 Respondowska
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update – 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:
Community Update - BFS
Community Update – Family Member
From the Relay
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” So the adage goes. Many pictures arrive at the Relay office for posting. Request: Send no more than a total of six (6) pictures for posting for any event. Provide identification for each of the 6 pictures [or fewer pictures] including the date of the event, where the event occurred, and the names of anyone in the picture. The person doing the Relay will determine which picture(s) will be posted. Pictures lacking identification will not be posted.
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:
14. TUESDAY – St. Matthias, Apostle
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
St. Joseph Villa – Crowning of Mary – Sunday, May 12, 2024
Sister Faith Kravat crowns Mary
Community Update – Family Member
Update on the Flooding in Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
Please hold our Sisters in Dom Feliciano in your prayers. They are isolated because of the flood.
Vatican News: Pope calls Brazilian Archbishop in solidarity for floods - Vatican News
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. WEDNESDAY – St. Isidore/International Day of Families
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
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:
16. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update - BFS
· Please hold in prayer Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt who is having knee surgery this morning, May 16, 2024. Speedy and complete recovery.
A Moment in Time
Celebrating 130th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
1894 ~ 2024
The Health Ministry in Our Congregation
The hospitals were a vital and dynamic ministry of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. A response to participate in the healing ministry of Jesus by caring for the whole person was the focus of the health care ministry of the Sisters. In each of the hospitals in which the Sisters ministered, the people of God were served with love and compassion.
Holy Infant Hospital, the former Municipal Hospital in Hoven, South Dakota, was the first hospital in the United States taken over by the Sisters in September 1943.
In living the mission of spreading the Gospel in loving care of the sick, the Congregation continued in the health care ministry in the Midwest and later in the East.
Acceptance of small hospitals in the Midwest included:
The ministry of the Sisters in health care in the Midwest suffered adverse difficulties in obtaining the services of general practitioners and surgeons in the small town hospitals, with the exception of St. Ann Hospital in the city of Watertown, South Dakota. The Sisters who trained in the nursing profession and as various technicians were needed in the larger hospitals in the East with the purchase of and building of hospitals to care for the sick. In time, the presence of our Sisters in the health care ministry in the Midwest was non-existent.
The nursing personnel and technicians then served in the hospitals in the East which included:
In our belief in the sacredness of life and the dignity of the human person, the Sisters served all persons in need respectful of their diversity in race, culture and religion.
Archives of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
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. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates – BFS
Community Updates – Family Members
Community Update – Death of a BFS – Repeat announcement
Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
18. SATURDAY – St. John I
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 Phyllis Duncan
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
19. SUNDAY - Pentecost Sunday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26, 2024 “Seeds of Hope”
Ecological Conversion Sunday
“In the distance on the horizon we could see the great mountains… The sight of these beauties made a deep impression on my thoughts. I felt that I was already beginning to understand the greatness of God and the wonders of heaven.” – St. Therese of Lisieux, Manuscript A, 58r.
20. MONDAY – The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church/St. Bernardine of Siena
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Mary, Mother of the Church
“How did Mary become the Mother of the Church? The Father chose Mary from among all women to be the mother, according to human nature, of His Divine Son. As she is Mother of Christ in the natural order, she is also the Mother of His Mystical Body, the Church, of which He is the Head in the order of grace.”- Source: EWTN
Community Update - BFS - Living
Community Update – Family Member - Living
Community Update – 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
Community Update-Status of Sister Marie Cacciatore’s Family Members - Living
Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26, 2024 “Seeds of Hope”
Sustainable Transportation Monday
“The quality of life in cities has much to do with systems of transport, which are often a source of much suffering for those who use them. Many cars, used by one or more people, circulate the cities causing traffic congestion, raising the level of pollution, and consuming enormous quantities of nonrenewable energy. This makes it necessary to build more roads and parking areas which spoil the urban landscape” (LS 153).
LCWR
LCWR June 2024 Newsletter link: June 2024 | LCWR
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
St. Bernardine of Siena “fervently preached devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. In Venice, he persuaded rival households to exchange their distinctive coats of arms for the unifying name of Jesus, with the symbol IHS. It was because of Bernardine’s preaching that Jesus’ name was added to the Hail Mary.”[…blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”] [Source: Magnificat, October 2023 Vol. 25, No.8, p. 77]
Happy St. Bernardine of Siena!
21. TUESDAY – St. Christopher Magallanes and companions
From Sister John Ann Proach, Congregational Minister
Sisters, below is a reproduction of a message from page 4 of my May 15, 2024 letter to you that needs your immediate attention
Education Day in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Mozambique
An Invitation to the Sisters in the United States
Friday, May 24, 2024 Sister Geraldine (“Gerri”) Muller, SSJ who presented “How Do We Write Our Bernardine Franciscan Story Today” at our October 28, 2023 Education Day, will be in the McGlinn Conference & Spirituality Center to present again in English the same material (with additions) to Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Mozambique [translation into Portuguese by Sister(s) in Brazil]. Sisters from the Motherhouse and the United States are invited to be present in the McGlinn or on ZOOM to discover the updates and to experience a deeper understanding of Sister Gerri’s original presentation. TV shows have audiences. This is an opportunity to be supportive of Sister Gerri in person or via ZOOM. Participation in the United States is optional. Sister’s presentation on October 28, 2023 was informative and sobering with much to ponder deeply regarding our future. Consider coming in person or via ZOOM to hear the additions to the original presentation. If you wish to participate, please respond to Sister Deborah Ann Surgot TODAY/TONIGHT, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, so that materials may be sent out for your use.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Inez Duengersleber
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update – BFS – Additional information
Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26, 2024 “Seeds of Hope”
Sustainable Food Tuesday
“We know that approximately a third of all food produced is discarded, and ‘whenever food is thrown out it is as if it were stolen from the table of the poor’” (LS, 50).
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. WEDNESDAY – St. Rita of Cascia
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Sister John Ann Proach, Congregational Minister
Sister Gerri’s presentation on Friday, May 24, 2024, is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. [Refer to Relay of Tuesday, May 21, 2024, for full information].
Community Update – BFS - Living
Community Update – Family Members
Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26, 2024 “Seeds of Hope”
Renewable Energy Wednesday
“At present it is possible to achieve improved energy efficiency while at the same time encouraging research into alternative forms of energy” (Caritas in Veritate, 49, Benedict XVI, 2009).
Alvernia University Students in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
May 11-18, 2024
Memories
Clare of Assisi Clinic [background on right]
Above window on upper left: “You’ll only know what you’re capable of if you try!”
Sister Raimunda de Sousa Fernandes [far left in white shirt and sunglasses]
with Alvernia University Students and Dominican children
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
23. 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 Veraci da Silva Crispa
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26, 2024 “Seeds of Hope”
Waste Reduction Thursday
“We need to see that what is at stake is our own dignity. Leaving an inhabitable planet to future generations is, first and foremost, up to us. The issue is one which dramatically affects us, for it has to do with the ultimate meaning of our earthly sojourn” (LS 160).
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay posted on the Members Only area of our website or emailed via Constant Contact on Monday, May 27, 2024, because of the Memorial Day holiday in the U.S. The Regular Relay (website and Constant Contact) will resume on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. If time allows, check back during the weekend to see if any Congregational updates are posted.
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 – Family Members
Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26, 2024 “Seeds of Hope”
Water Conservation Friday
“Fresh drinking water is an issue of primary importance, since it is indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems” (LS 28).
25. SATURDAY - St. Bede the Venerable/St. Gregory VII/St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26, 2024 “Seeds of Hope”
Catechesis and Integral Ecology Saturday
“Since everything is closely interrelated, and today’s problems call for a vision capable of taking into account every aspect of the global crisis, I suggest that we now consider some elements of an integral ecology, one that clearly respects its human and social dimensions” (LS 137).
26. SUNDAY – The Most Holy Trinity
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 Philip Ann Yurkonis and Phyllis Marie Soja
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26, 2024 “Seeds of Hope”
Commitment Sunday
“Love, overflowing with small gestures of mutual care, is also civic and political, and it makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world. Love for society and commitment to the common good are outstanding expressions of a charity which affects not only relationships between individuals but also ‘macro-relationships, social, economic and political ones’” (LS 231).
27. MONDAY – St. Augustine of Canterbury/Memorial Day in the U.S.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Memorial Day - 8 Things You May Not Know About Memorial Day - HISTORY
In Memory of those who gave their lives that we might be free….
28. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update – Death of a BFS
Community Update – Death of 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.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
29. WEDNESDAY – St. Paul VI
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
A Note from Sister Mary Laurene Browne
Sister thanks all who have in any way contributed Rosaries for Liberia and thanks especially Pieta Shukwit (former Sister Mary Pieta/Mary Margaret Shukwit) and Our Lady’s Tears Rosary Makers in Laurel, Delaware and friends in Maryland who made a combined total of 21, 681 Franciscan Crowns and Seven Sorrows Rosaries. 13,000 of these Rosaries have already arrived in Liberia and the balance is enroute. Sister Mary Laurene asks, “May our Mother Mary bring all of your intentions to the Sacred Heart of her Son and [may] more of her [Liberian] people become active devotees of Jesus and Mary.”
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
30. 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
Sisters Joan Eileen Christian and Joan Marie Roosa
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update – Sister Aracy Luiza Molin – Deceased
Community Update – BFS-Hospitalized
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
31. FRIDAY - The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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 Jeanne Marie Budd and Mary Elizabeth Klier
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
2024 Directory Update
Driving ALERT
If coming to the Motherhouse or St. Joseph Villa, the Route 10 [Morgantown Road] entrance/exit through the Berks Nature Angelica Creek Park, 575 St. Bernardine Street, is closed now through Wednesday, June 5, 2024, due to construction.
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:
The Visitation
Chapel at Colegio Maria Imaculada, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
Lower portion of left stained glass window
FAREWELL, MAY!
WELCOME, JUNE!
31. FRIDAY – Afternoon Addition
Community Update – Deceased Family Member
Obituary - Anthony Frank Bruno, Sister Marie Cacciatore’s brother-in-law [husband of her sister Debbie]. https://www.nolanfidale.com/obituary/Anthony-Bruno?utm_source=obit-share&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=relationship-bar&utm_content=email
Visitation: Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 9:00 AM-10:45 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342. Funeral Mass: Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342.
