Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY

(Why the hat? They were also celebrating the birthday of sisters Dee and Kay Aherne.)

Two St. Bonaventure University students spent some time working on collages last week with Sr. Annie, and others, as part of the university’s Franciscan Center for Social Concern’s Friends With Sisters program. According to the FCSC page at sbu.edu: Friends with Sisters began in 2018 as a pilot program with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Partnering St. Bonaventure University students with Allegany Franciscan sisters allows each to peek into one another’s lives and offer the opportunity for young people to develop a relationship with a vowed religious woman.

Several bandmates from 1961 gathered for dinner together at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse recently. Pictured, Sisters Toni, Cathy, Kathy, Associate Sally from Connecticut, Sisters Pat, Chris, Carol and Lucy and, standing, Associate Diane from Olean and Sister Elaine.

Some of our sisters have been involved in a project with Dr. Kevin Vogel’s class at St. Bonaventure University on Environmental Science. 

On October 27 a group of eight students and seven sisters gathered in the large conference room in St. Elizabeth Motherhouse for an introduction to the project and an opportunity to meet one another. The sharing seemed to automatically connect a particular student with a particular sister, so on October 29 we were ready to engage in the sharing.

I happened to match up with two students: one from England and another from Jamestown, NY. Our discussion ended up focusing on a favorite season of the year. Asked what my favorite time of the year was, I answered, “Fall.” With that, we ended up having an in-depth conversation about letting go. As the leaves gradually depart the tree, there are some things that we need to let go of in our lives so that we can be open to the new as Spring comes upon us. 

Congregational Councilor Sr. Pat Shirley

passed this news along from BayCare:

CEO Stephanie Conners has been named as one of the influential Florida 500 by Florida Trend Magazine. This news comes as BayCare breaks ground on Pasco County’s first behavioral health receiving facility, updates Winter Haven Hospital’s pediatric emergency services and prepares to bring proton therapy to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

From Sister Cathy Cahill, Congregational Minister:

We are grateful for all the expressions of concern about our Sisters in Jamaica. The Sisters and all those staying with them are safe, thank God. With graced resilience, the Sisters are seeing how they can help others who were not so fortunate. Many of you have asked how you can help. Here is a flyer they have prepared that outlines options for assisting. As always, our prayers are appreciated and a source of encouragement for all.

Sisters and Friars held their annual Halloween Costume Contest, and the winners were Sister Lois, Sister Pat (aka Bubbles the Clown) and Father Dominic. Although there could only be three winners, everyone looked great.

The 23rd Annual “Shower for Mary" sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany is scheduled for 7 p.m. December 4 in St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.

This community event was initiated by Sr. Rita Frances Guaracsi, OSF, in 2002 to bring a focus on the many infants who are born into this world with the bare minimum of necessities to thrive. This celebration is usually aligned with a feast of Mary, the Mother of God, and near the feast of Christmas which commemorates the birth of the Christ Child who was born in a stable on a cold winter’s night. Our hope is that the generosity of the supporters of this event will assist in building a brighter, more stable beginning for the underprivileged.

Each year, two non-profit agencies are selected to be recipients of the generosity of the people in the Southern Tier. This year, one is Gerard Place, founded by 12 congregations of women religious in the Diocese of Buffalo (Allegany Franciscans included!). Gerard Place is dedicated to improving the lives of people striving to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. Our support will be to the “Healthy Mom & Baby Program”.

Likewise, the other agency, Bright Alternatives “The Center for New Hope” has an outreach to new moms and babies. Its mission is to serve those around us through love and empowerment. Currently, there are three sites – Bradford, Pa., and Wellsville and Olean, NY. In 2026, an additional office and store front is expected to open in Bolivar, NY.

Both agencies need items for Newborn (NB) through 2T. Among the needs are diapers, wipes, personal products, sleepwear, onesies, sweaters, hats, blankets, soft cloth books, to name a few.

All are invited and welcome to participate in an ecumenical prayer service in honor of Mary, Mother of God. This will be followed by refreshments in the Motherhouse dining room.

If you are unable to attend and would be interested in donating to this worthy cause, your donation may be left with the Receptionist at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, from November 30 to December 4 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.