In this Issue:

Welcome Sister Death

Celebrating the Feast Day

Vocation Ministers Gathering in St. Louis

"A Beautiful Place" -

Franciscan Center Anniversary

With Gratitude

Franciscan Sisters of Allegany

Board of Directors

Welcome Sister Death

Sr. Eileen Joseph Regan, OSF

Born: August 31, 1926

Died: October 8, 2022

Celebrating the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi in Jamaica

By: Lorraine Chen, OSF

St. Francis was born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy. As a young man, he renounced his inheritance and began to live the gospel life of poverty and simplicity. Every year on October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, all the members of the Franciscan family gather to celebrate his life and to reflect on his gospel way of life and his love for all of creation. This year, Archbishop Kenneth Richards and Monsignor Michael Palud concelebrated a joyful liturgy with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and their Associates at Immaculate Conception Convent.

In his homily, Archbishop Richards said that St. Francis of Assisi was a remarkable person who made an impact on us on what we need to accomplish through Faith. We implore the Lord to enlighten us so that we begin with what is needed, and we will become what is possible, and then attain the impossible. The Archbishop continued to say that in the Franciscan tradition, no one is to be called an enemy, all must be like a benefactor. Challenges are opportunities to exercise virtues, and to intentionally embrace the life of Christ by taking up the cross and following Jesus.

On the previous day, October 3^rd, the Franciscan family recalled the Transitus of St. Francis which celebrates his passing from life to death through stories, hymns, and ritual. This was held at Immaculate Conception Convent with Sr. Maxine, F.M.S., General Minister of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, leading the service. Among those present were the Blue Sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, and the Associates from both Congregations. 

The reflection was given by Joleen Johnson, a Franciscan Lay Missionary, who resides at

Immaculate Conception Convent. She reminded us that St. Francis did not fear death, but

rather embraced death as Sister Death. The service concluded with the singing of the Blessing of St. Francis in the lobby where there is a beautiful statue of St. Francis embracing Jesus on the Cross.

As we reflect on the events in the life of St. Francis of Assisi, we continue to

live his admonition:

I have done what is mine to do;

May Christ teach you what you are to do.  

(11 Cel. 214)

Picture 1: THE STATUE - The Statue of St. Francis of Assisi Embracing Jesus on the Cross

Picture 2: THE PASCHAL CANDLE - Sr. Maxine, F.M.S. Holding the Paschal Candle during the Transitus

Picture 3: THE ARCHBISHOP - Archbishop Richards and Monsignor Palud Celebrating the Liturgy on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at Immaculate Conception Convent

Once a year the Member Area Coordinators (MACs) of the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) gather to pray, share experiences of vocation ministry, receive input from the national office and have some fun together.

This year’s meeting was held in St. Louis, MO, on September 26 through the 29th at the beautiful Mercy Center Retreat House. Twenty-four vocation directors, two board members and three staff members attended. It was so good to see many familiar faces from past gatherings and to reconnect with them; welcome new vocation ministers and to share a few tips. There were two priests and several lay ministers as well as many religious brothers and sisters in the group. All came as equal partners in this work.

Prior to our arrival, we were asked to take a “high five” questionnaire which highlights one’s gifts and talents. There were many different categories but only the top five were selected for the purpose of this gathering. Our small groups were based on our five top categories. We were at tables with like-minded people who saw the world through a similar lens.  Our prayer arose out of these groups and were particularly meaningful.

The challenges of vocation ministry continue to be diminishment of congregations, aging, lack of awareness of religious presence (unless wearing a habit), as well as the broad impact of Covid which restricted travel and hindered the building of relationships.  

We visited the Basilica and spent some time reflecting on how we view our own vocation, community, religious life, being a MAC and how we see our world today. We also explored the St. Louis Arch and had a brief visit at the park and museum. We then gathered in the afternoon to continue sharing our reality and vision for the future.

The sharing from this time together was deep and extremely helpful. I left filled with a renewed commitment and hope for the future.

On behalf of Leadership and the Congregation, we give many thanks to those that assisted during our Board of Directors meeting.

We are grateful to our sisters in Jamaica for their hospitality. Also, many thanks to Kristen Luther as Congregational Secretary, Pat Tyre as translator, and to our Treasurers, Pat Klemm, Trinita Solnek, and Stella Sabina Cunha.