Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY

Sister Kathleen Stagnaro renewed her vows as a Franciscan Sister of Allegany November 9 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, as she celebrated her 71st Jubilee as a religious sister. Many Franciscan sisters, including Congregational Minister Sr. Cathy Cahill, along with a standing-room-only congregation, joined her for the Jubilee.

We're counting down to celebrate 80 years since our arrival in Brazil! And you are a key part of this story.

We have gathered a rich archive: photos, videos, testimonies, documents, and everything that make up a beautiful narrative that has marked and continues to mark the lives of thousands of people.

This is just a small introduction video, a taste of our journey.

The Mission and Ethics Department, led by Colleen Walters, VP of Mission and Ethics at BayCare, recently organized a special celebration for the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, honoring their sponsorship of the Catholic Hospitals in the BayCare System. Leaders from BayCare Health System, including President and CEO Stephanie Conners, and Lou Galdieri, Chief Administrative Officer, joined the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany to recognize a legacy that has guided compassionate care for generations.

Since 1931, when the Sisters first brought their healing mission to the Tampa Bay area with the founding of St. Anthony’s Hospital and St. Jospeh’s Hospital, their commitment to serving the medical, spiritual, and emotional needs of all people has been central to the Catholic Identity. Today, this sacred Franciscan legacy continues across our six Catholic hospitals, where team members live out the call to meet people where they are and to serve with humility, hope, and love.

The day’s theme, “Rooted in Mission, United in Service,” reflected this enduring commitment. In a meaningful ceremony, the president of each Catholic hospital received a San Damiano Cross, a cherished Franciscan symbol of faith, renewal, and servant leadership. Each cross will be blessed and displayed in the boardrooms of their respective hospitals, serving as a reminder that leadership is always rooted in service and guided by faith.

Sr. Pat Shirley, OSF, offered a heartfelt reflection on the Franciscan legacy and the spirit of service that continues to guide BayCare’s ministry. Sr. Cathy Cahill, OSF, Congregational Minister, shared inspiring remarks reflecting on the Franciscan charism and its continued

presence in BayCare’s healing mission, while Sr. Mary McNally, OSF led a touching prayer before lunch, grounding the day in gratitude and community.

Later, Sr. Pat Shirley, OSF presented Stephanie Conners with a beautifully framed image of the Blessed Mother and her Child, a gentle reminder that Mary, like so many we serve, was an immigrant, calling us to care tenderly and inclusively for all who seek healing and belonging.

The celebration took place at the Franciscan Center, and BayCare thanks Brian Lemioi, Executive Director, for welcoming us and graciously allowing the event to be held there. Guests shared fellowship over a warm Italian lunch and received a commemorative acrylic paperweight engraved with the theme “Rooted in Mission, United in Service,” symbolizing unity and shared purpose in BayCare’s ministry.

As Reverend Mother Mary Teresa O’Neil, foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany once said, “Respond to the needs of the people.” These words remain at the heart of BayCare’s Catholic mission, calling each of us to listen deeply, act with compassion, and serve all with dignity and grace.

For generations, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany have inspired BayCare’s healing ministry. Their spirit lives on in every team member, every act of kindness, and every life touched by our mission. Together, we remain Rooted in Mission, United in Service, faithfully carrying forward a legacy of faith, hope, and compassionate care.

In the summer of 2024, the Tau Team met in Allegany and at this meeting we discussed mentoring for new inquirers.

All members agreed that mentoring should be an experience for the inquirers as they form a community, learning about the Associate Way of Life of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.

A mentoring team was established. In October 2024, a mentoring program was realized. From this group of inquirers, we are happy to share that there

were seven inquirers who took the next step to make their commitment for one year as Associates.

We are delighted to share the following Associates:

Dr. Debra O’Connor: Jamaica

Joyce Parshall: New Jersey

Brian Lemoi: Tampa Bay

Frances Siracusa: Tampa Bay

Nancy Wikstrom: Massachusetts, Tampa Bay

Sheila Chin: Toronto, Canada, Tampa Bay

Erin Chang: Jamaica, Tampa Bay

Let us congratulate our new Associates who have already begun their ministry with Franciscan hearts. Welcome and we are so excited to share this Franciscan-Clarian journey. May we also remember in prayer those inquirers who recently began this year’s mentoring process. They are four classes in and have had the privilege of meeting Sisters Chris Tenn and Carole Ann Hoppe, who graciously came to share with us.