Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY

We still have more band pictures taken during Chapter to share, and we’ll be doing that for a few more weeks. This week we have Sisters James Peter, Kate (standing), Margaret, and Joan Clare.

“Four Seasons with Jesus: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter,” a book dedicated to the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY, dwells with the daily Bible readings of Jesus’s earthly mission. 

Franciscan friar Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, a college president/professor emeritus and former parish priest, gently motivates readers to begin again with Jesus and early Christians as they lived the core beliefs of Incarnation and Resurrection, and to ask how the Word of God and biblical acts apply to life today. 

"Readers walk with Jesus as closely as possible," explained Fr. Mackin, "with guidance from daily scripture, a brief current reflection about those important thoughts, and then questioning faithful actions. Adults and even young readers, say preteen and up, can make better sense of Jesus's journey and their own on our planet. The purposeful walks summed up in 'Four Seasons" inform the main course in our spiritual nourishment." 

Cover artwork is by Fr. Michael Reyes, OFM.

From birth to forgiveness to resurrection, it’s useful for bridging Bible readings to current news and related opportunities.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in Good Shepherd parish, Fr. Mackin’s work has included serving as president and professor at Siena College near Albany, N.Y, Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, and Christ the King graduate theological school, as well as in parish ministry at St. Raphael’s in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Highlighting today’s need for Jesus’s prayer of simplicity (daily bread), forgiveness (as we forgive) and joy (goodness), he dedicated this new book to the Allegany Franciscans, who "bring the Good News to God's people through their ministries in education, healthcare and works of social justice." The congregation has served for over 160 years in the United States, Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica and Mozambique.

Fr. Mackin’s new volume of brief daily reflections and questions is a helpful read especially through Advent/wintertime to spring, and a fulsome companion to his books of Sunday homilies.

Published by WestBow Press, "Four Seasons with Jesus: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter" is just $4.99 for an ebook at Amazon.com and other booksellers. It’s also available as a softcover book.

BayCare has received the prestigious Promoting Environment for Excellence in Nursing Practice Icon Award from the Florida Nurses Association (FNA). The award recognizes the health system’s exceptional commitment to cultivating a supportive and innovative environment for professional nursing practice. BayCare leaders accepted the award during the annual FNA Membership Assembly. 

“This award underscores BayCare’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and professional fulfillment of our nurses and all team members,” said President and CEO Stephanie Conners. “Supporting our nurses is deeply personal to me. As a nurse, I understand the challenges they face and the strength it takes to deliver exceptional care. That’s why we’ve built a culture where nurses are empowered, valued and equipped to deliver exceptional care.” 

Pictured from left, Christine Ingram, MS, RN, NPD-BC, CPN, policy and procedure, clinical standards coordinator; Rocky Hauch, DNP, RN, PCCN, advanced professional development practitioner and nurse well-being lead; Jacqueline Munro, Ph.D., APRN, NE-BC, vice president, nursing systems and resources; Patricia “Trish” Shucoski, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive; Kristen Smith, MSN, RN, CENP, vice president, patient services, chief nursing officer, Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven Women’s Hospital, Bartow Regional Medical Center, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel and South Florida Baptist Hospital; Joanne Mayers, MSN, RN, vice president, patient services, chief nursing officer, east region; and Jennifer Ransford, MSN, RN, NE-BC, vice president, patient services, chief nursing officer, west region.

Earlier this month St. Jospeh’s Hospitals celebrated Founders’ Day, honoring the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany who, in 1934, opened the first St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. A special Mass of Thanksgiving was held in the St. Joseph’s Hospital Chapel, celebrating Founders’ Day and recognizing the Sisters’ vision and their enduring legacy of compassionate care. In the spirit of St. Francis, the hospital teams also gathered across all facilities for the annual Blessing of the Animals. From beloved pets brought in by team members to their own therapy dogs, the celebration was a heartfelt reminder of the Franciscan tradition of compassion and care for all.

Students at Southern Tier Catholic School are also getting work experience Canticle Farm doing a variety of jobs, including helping with the recent potato harvest.

Because of the continued partnership between the Olean Work-Based Learning Program and Canticle Farm, students in Olean City Schools don’t just learn in the classroom, they build real-world skills that open doors to future opportunities. This summer, one Olean student was able to take that next step through the Cattaraugus County Summer Employment Program, continuing hands-on learning while being paid at Canticle Farm. The student helped build the community garden beds at the farm. School officials say this story highlights what their program is all about: Connecting students to meaningful experiences, fostering growth, and preparing them for their futures.

Sisters in St. Elizabeth Motherhouse have been keeping busy working on a variety of fall-themed craft projects. They’ve been making suncatchers, fall wreaths, apple basket paintings and ghosts dressed for the season. Sisters also went on a drive through the area to see the beautiful fall foliage.

The St. Bonaventure University board of trustees held its September meeting at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. The board took a noontime break for dinner, and to visit with the Sisters. Following the meal, University President Dr. Jeff Gingerich gave the Sisters an update on what's happening "across the street,” which included an update on construction of the Jandoli School of Communications’ Henretta Communication Center, set to open next year.

The Franciscan Center was just one place that had a Blessing of the Animals as part of its Feast of St. Francis celebration.

Friars from Sacred Heart Church in Tampa, as well as Fr. Michael Reyes, blessed dogs, cats, a pony, squirrels, rabbits, and a guinea pig, along with the Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department mounted patrol and the sheriff’s department K9s.

Each participant also received a prayer card and handcrafted needlepoint cross.