Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY

During the Lenten Season, The Franciscan Center in Tampa is hosting a retreat for working women, via Zoom, exploring the Life of St. Clare.

Leaders will be Colleen Walters, Vice President, Mission and Ethics, BayCare Health Systems, and former Franciscan Center board president; and Sister Maria Dos Santos, OSF, Coordinator, Global Health Ministry, BayCare Health Systems, and an Allegany Franciscan.

The one-hour sessions will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Mondays from Feb. 23 to March 23. The cost is $45.

In late January, the Archives received an interesting request from two students from Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua, New Hampshire. Addy and Alyssa were working on a class project about the Franciscan Order, and they were seeking sisters willing to sit down for an interview on Zoom. On February 4th, Sisters Carole Ann Hoppe and Clare Bertero sat down to chat with Alyssa.

Alyssa interviewed the sisters about their experiences as Franciscans, including their vocations, how they live out their vows, and the challenges and joys of religious life. Clare and Carole Ann shared stories of their ministries and community life, emphasizing the importance of prayer and service to others. They also discussed how “poverty” means more than a literal lack of possessions; it also means depending on God and living with simplicity and a willingness to let go.

It was easy to feel the Allegany Franciscan joy that infused the conversation. Alyssa remarked on how quickly the time passed, and how much fun she had talking to the sisters.

Thank you, Alyssa, for reaching out!

And thank you, Carole Ann and Clare, for sharing Franciscanism with the next generation!

Fr. Thomas Hartle, OFM, 81, of St. Anthony Friary in Butler, New Jersey passed away on Feb. 5, 2026, while in Aruba. During his 49 years as a friar, he was known as a compassionate retreat leader and pastor with a wonderful sense of humor and a deep sense of joy.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Throughout his ministry spanning more than five decades, Fr. Tom conducted numerous pilgrimages to Italy, helping the faithful connect with their spiritual heritage. He was widely respected for leading retreats and days of recollection focused on Franciscan themes, sharing his wisdom and spiritual insights with all who sought guidance. His deep understanding of Franciscan spirituality made him an invaluable guide to the religious community, in general, and countless communities of religious sisters throughout the United States.

Throughout most of his ministry, he served as the spiritual assistant for the Poor Clare Nuns of the Holy Name Federation, a ministry he dedicated himself to since 1989.  

In a video recorded a few years ago, Fr. Tom reflected on his life as a friar. He summarized his vocation in one word: love.

“The Franciscan journey is an adventure in love, falling in love with God and opening yourself up and being receptive to God’s love for you,” he shared.

You can read the complete obituary here: