Catholic Sisters Week - March 8-14, 2022
The Impact Rochester Franciscan Sisters Had on My Life
Sister Lalonde Ryan
Submitted by Donna Frey
CST Class of 1968

I first met Sister Lalonde Ryan during her first year as the Choir Director at the College of Saint Teresa (CST). There was a group of us whom Sister Lalonde befriended and seemed to gravitate toward, including Midge Richmond Hudrlik, Mary Ann Mullaney Bresnahan, Claudia Marion Bendel, and Kay Clark Tutewohl. We all started in the choir with Sister Lalonde and stayed with her through senior year. Even while I lived in Rochester at the Saint Marys Hospital campus, Sister Lalonde still allowed me to come back to Winona and stay in the choir. I so enjoyed it!

Since my days at CST, Sister Lalonde and I have corresponded over the years, and we became good friends. We have been a great source of support for one another during challenging times. She always seems to sense when I need her the most! Whenever I’ve been sick or not feeling well, I will receive a joy-filled call or supportive card in the mail. Sister Lalonde’s compassion and friendship are a treasure!

Thank you, Sister Lalonde, and all the Sisters of Saint Francis who have gone above and beyond for Teresans everywhere. What a blessing you have been to all of us! 
Reflections from College of Saint Teresa Alumnae
The College of Saint Teresa (CST) was a Catholic women's college in Winona, Minnesota. Previously a women's seminary, it became a college in 1907 and was operated by the 
Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester, Minnesota until its closing in 1989.

In recognition of Catholic Sisters Week, we asked several alumnae to share their memories of the Sisters serving at CST and the impact the Sisters had on their lives.