Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY

Four students at St. Paul’s Catholic School in St. Petersburg presented a wreath on behalf of the school at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery and Washington, DC.

A press release from the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility says the organization has “long engaged healthcare sector leaders on access and affordability of medicines, vaccines, nutrition, and health technologies especially for populations who have been systemically marginalized.”

“We are deeply concerned about proposed U.S. policy and funding changes that threaten equitable healthcare access, posing systematic risks to the economy, national security, the long-term growth of all sectors held in our portfolios and importantly, the health of all people.”

Canticle Farm is hosting a pollinator workshop at 7 p.m. May 13 at Canticle Farm North, 3809 Old State Road in Allegany. Marti Tillinger will teach participants what plants will support pollinator populations and attract them to yards and gardens.

Last week, the farm co-sponsored “The Gift of Seeds,” an event designed so participants could “bring home seeds to sow resilience in our community as we cultivate gift culture together.” The event also included an exhibit of nature-based artwork.

Farm employees are asking people to let them know what kinds of workshops they are interested in attending (or leading) by contacting Max, Programs and Community Garden Manager, at max@canticlefarm.org. 

Expect to hear more about Max – and the new Community Garden – very soon.

St. Elizabeth Mission Society Mass Cards

By: Laura Whitford, St. Elizabeth Mission Society

Help the Jubilee Sisters "celebrate their journey" with a special Jubilee Mass enrollment card from the St. Elizabeth Mission Society. As members of the Mission Society, their intentions will be remembered at Masses celebrated throughout the year in the Motherhouse Chapel. As always, they will also share in the prayers and good works of our Sisters in Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica, Mozambique and the United States.

As a sponsored ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, the St. Elizabeth Mission Society shares in its spiritual aims, one of which is to advance the awareness of God's love. Donations given for the cards are used to support the ministries of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and their Associates who work to educate, heal, clothe, feed and be present for those who are experiencing poverty in Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica, Mozambique and the United States.

Jubilee cards, as well as various other enrollment cards, can be ordered online at https://www.franciscanhope.org/shop/

or you can call the Mission Society office at (716) 373-1130 or e-mail the staff at StEliz.Office.Manager@FSAllegany.org

for more information about ordering the enrollment cards.

Jubilee cards will also be available in the Mission Society office. 

Congratulations to Allegany Franciscan Ministries Board Member Gary Hartfield, who will be honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in June.

This prestigious award, issued by the White House, recognizes individuals whose volunteer service positively impacts their communities and inspires others to engage in civic life.

A tireless advocate, entrepreneur, and changemaker, Gary lives out what it means to lead with purpose.

Last Month, the St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation hosted the Disco in the Desert Gala and raised a record-breaking $529,000 for the hospital.

A highlight of the evening was patient Marijon Reed sharing her story about a life-threatening cardiac event, illustrating the importance of a cohesive, dynamic healthcare team delivering the highest quality of care.

You can read more here:

Pope Francis

“Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Servant of the Servants of God.”

Sister Margaret Magee asked that we pass along this prayer from Liturgical Press:

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

We join the church in mourning the death of Pope Francis. Pray with us in thanksgiving for the life and legacy of our beloved shepherd:

Loving God,

we give you thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Francis.

In him you gave us a man of humility,

one who valued listening to the voices of the voiceless,

compassion for the undervalued,

mercy for sinners and justice for the oppressed.

You gave us a pastor

who led through the example of his love

for your people and your creation,

who was not ashamed to smell like his sheep.

Comfort all who mourn his passing,

and may the angels now lead him to paradise with you

to rest in your peace for eternity.

May your Spirit guide the future successor to your servant Francis

to continue the work you have begun through him,

for the good of the Church and the world.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rebeca Prado, Coordinator of Mission at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, shared with us this prayer and reflection she crafted after the passing of Pope Francis.

In Loving Memory of Pope Francis

With deep sorrow and profound gratitude,

we mourn the passing of

Pope Francis,

the first pontiff to take the name of

St. Francis of Assisi, a sign of his deep commitment to peace, humility, and care for the most vulnerable.

Here at St. Anthony’s Hospital, a ministry

rooted in the legacy of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany,

we feel a special bond with his spirit and witness.

Like St. Francis—and like the sisters who founded this place of healing—Pope Francis reminded the world that mercy is the heart of the Gospel.

Let us carry forward his legacy in our care for every person,

especially the poor and the sick.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen.