Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY

What better time than Chapter to take pictures of sisters and their bandmates? We were so happy that so many sisters decided to take advantage of this opportunity and we’ll be sharing some of the pictures with you over the next several weeks. We’ll also make sure you get a copy when the finished products are ready. The first picture we’re sharing is Sr. Carlina and Sr. Roseanne.

Fr. Michael Reyes was back in Allegany for a visit and celebrated Mass Wednesday morning in the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse chapel. He delivered a funny, touching, and beautiful homily about God always having something better in store for you. After Mass, Fr. Michael greeted Sisters, Associates and some of his former parishioners from St. Bonaventure Parish. Fr. Michael also brought with him from Florida a banner signed by The Franciscan Center campers we told you about in our last newsletter.

The banner says,

"Thank you, Dear Franciscan Sisters of Allegany! Your lifetime of love, prayer and service continues to bless us. Thank you for inspiring us with your joyful spirit and Franciscan heart!"

The processional to Thursday morning’s Mass included Sisters and Associates carrying flags (adorned with handmade "doves") representing the countries where the Sisters minister. Fr. Stephen's homily centered on patience and peace -- Peace within ourselves as well as the world. The recessional song was the joyful "Holy Spirit" by Fr. Richard Ho Lung, MOP, from Jamaica, and, yes, there was dancing in the aisles.

In Jamaica, August 1st is Emancipation Day, commemorating the end of slavery in 1834. It's a public holiday and a significant part of a week-long celebration leading up to Independence Day on August 6th. Our morning Mass on August 1 had a joyous Jamaican flare.

Our new leadership team was elected during Chapter.

Pictured are (left to right) Sister Pat Shirley, Councilor; Sister Kathy Maire, Associate Minister; Sister Cathy Cahill, Congregational Minister; Sister Liliane Araujo Costa, Councilor.

Please keep the outgoing and incoming teams in your prayers as they work toward a smooth transition and look to the future.

Check out more on our Facebook!

It was both a joy and privilege for the TAU Team to work with and serve alongside the team of young women who volunteer at the Warming House in nearby Olean, NY.  

From a freshman in high school to a senior at St. Bonaventure University, the level of leadership demonstrated and the compassion each shared was truly an inspiration to us all. 

Each young woman introduced themselves and invited us to do the same, personally welcoming and patiently inviting us to share our unique gifts and experience in preparing the planned meal for the day. The dynamic team patiently oriented us to where we could locate the ingredients and necessary supplies, as well as help us to navigate the various kitchen equipment and dining room set up to prepare, post the menu and finally serve the meal, drinks and desserts for the day. In addition to introducing ourselves to one another and each person who we were honored to serve in the dining room, take out meals were also boxed and delivered to those who choose to come to the back door to pick up their meal. 

 No form of food service would be complete without cleaning up various pots and pans, dishes, utensils and the entire kitchen and dining room, as well as storing leftovers for another day of service. The four and a half hours we were there were full and quickly passed, but the treasured memories and immense blessings we received will remain with us always, as we look forward to returning there in the future.

In these times where food insecurity rates are rising, it is good to know that the staff and volunteers at the Warming House are there to generously share the spirits of St. Francis and St. Clare as they warmly welcome and reach out to and serve the individuals and families of the Olean and Allegany areas. While they seek to fill the physical hunger of our brothers and sisters, there is no doubt that they too, in some small way, also fill the need of each human being, to be seen and to be loved. 

Oh, how joy and kindness spreads as one steps into the Clay Center on the morning of the annual Empty Bowls event, sponsored by the Clay Center to benefit Daystar Life in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Upon entering an opened door by a cheerful volunteer, all that is donated for the fundraiser there: clay bowls, nourishing food and beverages, entertainment, assistance to your table, fellowship, tables and chairs, the Clay Center. All is contributed from the generous hands, hearts and feet by neighbors in the community for the needs of the fellow neighbors in the community.

Our Franciscan Sisters of Allegany have roots in the West Coast of Florida. So many of our sisters have laid the foundation for Daystar Life Center in St. Petersburg, to begin, and paved the way for Daystar to continue to meet the needs of its neighbors by fellow neighbors. 

From Daystar Website: “Pinellas County faces significant challenges when it comes to food insecurity. According to recent statistics, approximately 13% of the county’s population experiences food insecurity. This translates to over 150,000 individuals who do not have consistent access to enough nutritious food.

Food insecurity has an especially profound impact on children’s health and development. Inadequate nutrition during critical periods of growth can lead to stunted physical and cognitive development, increased risk of chronic diseases, and poor academic performance. These long-term consequences can hinder children’s ability to reach their full potential and perpetuate cycles of poverty.

Food insecurity also affects families and household dynamics. Parents may experience heightened stress and anxiety as they struggle to provide for their children’s basic needs. This stress can strain relationships and impact overall family well-being. Additionally, parents may make sacrifices such as skipping meals or reducing portion sizes to ensure their children have enough to eat, further compromising their own health.