Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY

Brazil Tree Planting

By Sr. Liliane Araujo 

On April 26, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, in continuation of the campaign in honor of Pope Francis, planted tree seedlings and united in prayer for peace.

Inspired by the example of Pope Francis – a great man of God, tireless defender of the environment and those in need – the Sisters reaffirmed their commitment to creation and solidarity.

Each seedling planted is a sign of hope and caring, echoing the Pope’s call to building a more just, fraternal and sustainable world.

You can see a video of the planting here:

Message from Sr. Odette for Chetwood's Naming of Buildings

Good afternoon.

Before I say a few words, I have the joy and privilege of reading a

message from Sister Anne Martin Robonie for whom one of the buildings at

Chetwood is being named today. Although she is unable to be with us in

person, she is very much with us in spirit. Sister Anne Martin is deeply

touched to be remembered in this way and sends her heartfelt greetings and

thanks to all of you. We also remember with gratitude Sister Cecile Ho On,

who is no longer with us but whose presence we still feel through the many

lives she touched. 

Sister Anne Martin's letter:

I am humbled to hear that remembrance of my services at Chetwood Primary

School is being expressed by naming the new Tuck Shop with my name. I

thank you.

I am happy that Sr. Cecile Ho On is also being remembered today. For many

years, she served those who were financially challenged and made all the

children happy with her presence and love. She also served by working in the

Tuck Shop.

Chetwood is part of my 42 years in Jamaica. I have great love for the Jamaican people.

Thank you and God bless the teachers who served during my time at

Chetwood. We were a good team who worked together. Children who

attended during my time at Chetwood, thank you. You helped make Chetwood the good school it is.

God bless all of you.

Anne Martin

On behalf of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, thank you for inviting us

to be part of another special 100th anniversary celebration in Montego Bay. Sr.

Trinita and I are honored to be here with you to represent our sisters in

Jamaica and our entire congregation.

We are deeply grateful that you are recognizing Sisters Anne Martin and

Cecile – two women whose lives were marked by generous and selfless

service and deep love for this community. Both served at Chetwood for many

years, always putting the needs of children and families first.

Sister Anne Martin served as principal with wisdom and dedication,

always seeking the best for the children. Sister Cecile, with quiet compassion,

ensured no child went hungry. She led the CCD program and welcomed those

in need who came to the convent door. The lives of Srs. Anne Martin and

Cecile reflected the heart of our Franciscan values of humility, simplicity,

compassion and a deep love for every person. They gave of themselves

wholeheartedly, planting seeds of hope, faith, and love that continue to bear

fruit today. Your dedication of these buildings in their honor is a beautiful sign

that their legacy continues to live on in the hearts of all who knew them.

Their lives touched many, and we are proud to celebrate their memory

with you today. May their example continue to inspire all of us to serve with

generosity and love.

In closing, we wish you God's light to guide you, His peace to fill you,

and His love to sustain you always!

Sister Margaret Mary Kimmins shared an article from The Franciscan Way with us:

Fr. Michael Duffy, appears with Oscar nominee Amanda Seyfried in the Peacock murder mystery series “Long Bright River.” It’s set on Philadelphia’s Kensington Avenue, where he serves at St. Francis Inn.

Seyfried, who earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for “Mank,” has also starred in “Mamma Mia!” and “Mean Girls,” among other popular movies. She volunteered at St. Francis Inn before filming the show. She says she lost an uncle to addiction and hopes the series promotes compassion for those dealing with substance abuse.

At the end of the article is a link to St. Francis Inn (http://stfrancisinn.org) and that page features this picture of Sister Mary Augustini.

You can read the full article from

The Franciscan Way here:

More Alike than Different

By: Clare Bertero, OSF

After many years of enjoying the blessings of ministry in the field of catechesis in parish and diocesan leadership formation in New York and Boston, I am now in my “semi-retirement” years and ministering with and for the international missionary congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption (Assumptionists) in Brighton, MA. 

It is a congregation I first met in the early 70s when I was a team member for family retreats at The John XXIII Retreat Center in Cassadaga, NY. Our community had first come to know the Assumptionists when their fathers would come to celebrate Mass, as needed, at our retreat house in Alden, NY.

My ministry today encompasses the areas of communication with two newsletters, the daily updating of their website with posting articles, news, general information in the province (U.S., Canada and Mexico,) interviews of new members of the province, some development involvement with their Mass Guild (similar to our Mission Society) and the joy of facilitating and membership in two groups of their Lay Assumptionists (similar to our Associates) here in Boston and in their parish in Sturbridge, MA. In addition, the congregation in the U.S. also has communities at Assumption University in Worcester and a shelter and two parishes in El Paso, Texas.

One of the most nourishing opportunities I have at the Center is what I call “ministry of presence,” which enables me to participate and give witness in sharing our Franciscan spirit and tradition in all forms of prayer, special activities and events which often involve formation opportunities around church issues of the day, various cultural celebrations, and special events. In the resident community there are eight religious and seven young laymen (who are not seminarians) but are either working in the area or are studying for post graduate degrees in near-by colleges or universities. The house also includes six provincial staff members of men and women from Monday through Friday. In total, anyone visiting the Center could run into someone from nine different countries, which also reflects our Franciscan values of gospel living. Talk about the gift of universality and diversity of the Church!

As I said, I am most grateful to our congregation and the generosity of God’s grace to be able to minister in this corner of God’s Kingdom.

This poster was circulated around the Motherhouse and to the other Sisters who live locally. It was a reminder that it was time to put aside some money for bets for their favorite horse(s) running in the 151st Kentucky Derby!  

Throughout the house, all were busy creating their hats with assistance from the Activities personnel! The Dietary Staff was also busy preparing appetizers and desserts, as well as substantial wraps and salads, unique to this annual event on the first Saturday of May from Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. The Derby Pie and Hummingbird Cupcakes along with the Bourbon and Mint Julep Balls were delicious along with all the other special foods. Melissa kept everyone refreshed as she rolled around the “Happy Wagon”!

The opening of the betting was signaled by Jeff Scholl, Melissa’s brother, sharing his musical talent on the trumpet. Dottie Scholl’s “children” were in Allegany to celebrate her 98th birthday, so, they enjoyed the Derby with us! Happy Birthday, Dottie!

Mary Ellen Tucker and Carole Ann Hoppe were the “Bookies” and did a great job handling all the “heavy bettors”. There were 9 winners who chose Sovereignty and each received her/his big winnings - $34.00!

Barbara Bartkowiak, Miriam Natale and Lucy Cardet circulated throughout the room distributing special Derby scratch off tickets with 20 winners receiving gift cards to our own “Conveniently Yours”!

It was a wonderful time for all and exciting when the bell rang and the voice announced “They’re off” as we watched on 1 of the 7 screens surrounding us hoping “our” horse would win! As always, it was so enjoyable being together!