Motherhouse Sisters Respond to the Unjust Separation of Families 

By: Melissa Scholl OSF

   We had seen the news reports, the pictures, the response of our Church leaders, and the call from our very hearts to respond to the atrocity of infants, toddlers, children, and teens being separated from their parents at our Texas-Mexico border. This injustice implemented by the Executive Branch of the United States government ignited a need to respond.

   Beginning June 18, we set up a laptop in the dining room. D uring lunch, sisters had the opportunity to email Tom Reed , our New York R epresentative in the Legislative House . For those sisters who do not utilize email, letters were written, collected, and sent via fax on June 20.

   The act of child detention is against everything we believe as Franciscans, as Catholics, and as members of the caring world community. Knowing that numbers of voters' opinions can change policy, we joined our voices to the growing national outcry, and we will continue.  

Gazebo erected at Motherhouse 

By: Mary Lou Lafferty OSF, Local Minister

 

   For holidays, and at various times throughout the year, monetary donations/gifts are sent to the Motherhouse Sisters. Often, the message included is, "We would hope that this donation/gift will be used directly for the Sisters at the Motherhouse."  

   In 2016, all monies received were used to buy flat-screen televisions for each Sister, which were mounted to the bedroom walls. The project for the gifts received in 2017 was to have a gazebo made by the Amish, so that the Sisters could enjoy the beauty of the hills and the delightful weather of the spring and summer, and early autumn.  

   The gazebo is screened with a handicapped walkway, ramp, and screened door entrance. There is room for six Sisters to sit comfortably, as well as two Sisters in wheelchairs. We are most grateful for the generosity of our benefactors.

Sr. Magaret Magee Honored at Franciscan Federation Conference 

 

   Congratulations to Margaret Magee OSF, who was recognized at this year's Franciscan Federation Banquet on June 13 at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Buffalo. Twenty-two of our Sisters and Associates were present to share in this joyful celebration and recognition.

   The theme for this year's conference was "Franciscans and Muslims: Lessons from the Past & Prospects for the Future." Margaret was among several recipients from other congregations who received this award. She was our selection as she fit the criteria outlined by the Federation.

   Margaret has reached out to our sisters in/from Bolivia and Brazil with a sensitivity to their cultures and languages. As president of Franciscan Action Network (FAN), Margaret engages in promoting guidance and leadership for action and advocacy for DREAMERS, immigrants, and their families. Through promotion of the movie, The Sultan and The Saint, Margaret encouraged greater awareness and deeper understanding of the need for Christian-Muslim dialogue for the common good. Being present at premiers of film, she brought a Franciscan presence, welcoming all, engaging in deep listening and group interaction, and being a witness to unity in our diversity. Margaret shares her deep love of Franciscan spirituality through the daily Facebook reflections, inviting others to seek God's presence in contemplative listening and attentiveness.

   Congratulations, Margaret!

From the Jamaica Observer  

   Ground was broken (June 19) for the construction of five additional classrooms and four technology laboratories at Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS) in St Andrew, Jamaica, for approximately $76 million.

   The project, slated for completion by early 2019, is being spearheaded by the school's Home-School Association (HSA) and aims to provide additional space for the student population, which averages just under 1,700, as well as increase the use of technology in the school's curriculum.

   Funding is being provided through a partnership involving the Ministry of Education and private sector stakeholders collaborating with the HSA.

    Minister of Education, Youth, and Information, Senator Ruel Reid, took part in the ceremony. He welcomed the initiative, which he described as the school's response to the Ministry's call for more schools to be built and expanded to facilitate the of quality high school education.

Franciscan-Clarian Art Reflection 

By: Colleen Brady OSF 

 

   When asked recently to select a favorite picture of St. Francis  and/or St. Clare of Assisi, I began pouring over the multitude of artwork, sketches, and photos available on the internet. This picture caught my eye. 

   I saw Francis and Clare as ordinary people, friends who are meeting on the path, so happy to see each other. They are holding on to each other with hands on arms, as if they wanted a firmer grip. Their faces are unlined, eyes seeing only each other. Their habits are similar in their desire to follow Lady Poverty.

   The love that binds them is more than human. It is a Divine Love uniting and flowing through each other and outward to creation.
   Man and woman, simple and yet complex, joined in the love of Christ, called to holiness, called to witness.

              

   The presentation will be held in the Meeting Room. Lunch is included in the cost, which is $10. P re-registration is required.