By: Odette Haddad, OSF

   On July 21, 40 members of the Secular Franciscan Order from all over the United States and Japan took time out from their summer program at St. Bonaventure University to visit our motherhouse and sisters. They were accompanied by Tibor Kauser OFS, Minister General of the Secular Franciscans, who is from Hungary.  Sisters met and welcomed our brothers and sisters for their two hour visit. Our time was spent in prayer, enjoying coffee and snacks, and making connections! During this visit we viewed the history of our congregation, listened to presentations on the 2012 Chapter Initiatives and the Mission Society, and engaged in table conversation and group sharing.  Interestingly, the theme of Franciscan Fire and Joy permeated the discussion and sharing...resembles our Chapter theme, doesn't it?  Other themes that emerged include Reconciliation and Evangelization.  In his address to the participants, Tibor stated: All Franciscans are ONE family. Our vocation is to be Holy...let us light the Fire and be Holy.

By: Joann Sambs, CSA, President of The Dwelling Place of NYC

   Members of the Order of Malta directed by their local moderator, Thomas O'Rourke, have been faithful friends and volunteers at The Dwelling Place since February of 2014. They serve dinner the second Wednesday of each month, assist with fundraising projects, and offer willing hands and hearts wherever and however they can be of service. 

   On Saturday, July 18, six Malta volunteers, Tom, Lauren, Alicia, Joe, Fuad, and George, spent the day painting the dining room. They offered to do this project after seeing that the room was in need of some updating. Thanks to a Congregational Grant approved by the Allegany Franciscan Leadership Team, the cost of paint, supplies, and the extra work hours for Mario, the Director of Maintenance, was covered. Mario directed the project sharing his painting skills with his crew of eager volunteers. 

   The residents and staff are truly grateful for the fruit of their labor of love: a fresh, bright, and beautiful gathering and dining space. Click here to view more photos

   Sr. Cheryl Wint, OSF, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, gave a talk on July 10 to the sisters at the Motherhouse about Saints Fr. Damian of Molokai and Sr. Marianne Cope, OSF, and their ministry with the lepers of Hawaii in the 1800s.

   Sr. Cheryl works in Honolulu, HI, promoting their legacy among the people and visitors to Hawaii. It was a full house and a spellbinding talk as Sr. Cheryl recounted what it was like to have leprosy and minister to those with leprosy from the 1800s to the late 1960s.

   Fr. David Couturier, OFM. Cap., Dean R. Hoge Professor of Pastoral Planning and Church Management, released a video commentary through the Franciscan Institute of which he is Executive Director on Pope Francis' recent "Laudato Si" encyclical on the environment. Visit the GTF blog to view the video in its entirety.

   An archives is only as good as its finding aids! Sister John Kevin and I are beginning the process of repackaging, labeling, and inventorying the collections of material housed in the Archives. Pictured here is our first project, St. Anthony's Hospital. Using the Inventory Worksheets laid out on the desk, Sister investigates, labels, and describes the material in each folder before rehousing it in a new folder and a new box. The inventory sheets will stay in the box with the rest of the material, allowing us to easily see what folder we should look in for certain information.