Mission Cross at the Motherhouse in Philadelphia | | New Life for the Sacred Art of BTSR | |
The natural beauty of Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat truly offered Peace in the Pines. Whether hiking the trails or simply gazing out the window while in prayer, the physical spaces seemed to naturally draw retreatants into a deeper and living connection with our Triune God. Throughout the buildings and grounds sacred art, religious carvings and statues inspired prayer and meditation for decades.
Where are they now? The magnificent crucifix of the Chapel, the statue of Our Lady watching over the entrance to our property, the mission bell at the head of the vast front lawn, the Blessed Mother of the Grotto, the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue at the retreat center entrance…. so many iconic images that touched so many hearts over the years. What will become of them?
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They have gone forth on mission. Like the Sisters who have always moved from place to place, adapting to new needs and new surroundings, the many religious objects that served at Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat will now serve at new missions in Alabama. In the coming months, we will share with you stories of their new life at new missions. Through careful planning, the Sisters’ stewardship of these precious objects will continue to foster faith and glorify the Triune God.
| | Women of Trinita Continue Gathering | | |
Many years ago, a group of young mothers began meeting on Wednesday mornings at Trinita, under the guidance of Sr. Ann Miriam Gallagher, MSBT. The core purpose was to provide a place for peer support and faith sharing among mothers. The passing years saw many changes, and the group adapted and grew with those changes. The MOMs group became the WOW group which later became the Girls Night Out group. Trinita was always the “hearth” where they gathered. The closing of Trinita has brought another change.
This past April, these women came to Mother Boniface Spirituality Center at the MSBT Motherhouse for a retreat led by Sr. Olivia Montejano, MSBT and Sr. Deb Wilson, MSBT (photos below). They determined, at that time, that Trinita’s closing would be a new beginning for them and planned a new way forward.
| | On a beautiful September evening they gathered at Patricia Kenyon's home around the theme of Gratitude (photo below). It was there that the Girls Night Out program became the Women of Trinita, defining themselves as Warmhearted, Open, Meaningful, Eloquent and Nurturing. Stories of many beautiful memories were shared that evening, filled with gratitude and their deep love for Trinita and the MSBTs, remembering always Fr. Judge's call to Be Good, Do Good and be a Power for Good. | | The group will meet again in December at another member’s home. Laurie Janecko, former Program Coordinator at Trinita, will facilitate an evening on the “Spark of the Divine,” drawing inspiration from Deuteronomy 14:1, “We are born with this divine spark. It remains the truest part of us.” The Women of Trinita are also looking forward to their second annual retreat at Mother Boniface Spirituality Center in March of 2026. | |
Marigolds and Memories:
A Time to Remember, to Heal
and to Celebrate Life
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The month of November has long been a time for Catholics to remember their beloved dead. As the month opens, Mother Boniface Spirituality in Philadelphia is offering a morning of reflection inspired by the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos. Participants will bring a photo of their loved one or other memento to place on the common altar called an ofrenda. There will be times of guided reflection, poetry, music, shared stories and silent prayer as the practices of this scared tradition are explored. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. And, through this time, may our beloved dead be remembered, our grief be healed, and the gift of life be celebrated.
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The Jubilee celebrates the milestone anniversary years of Sisters' vowed religious life.
Below we highlight three of our 2025 Sister Jubilarians.
May God continue to bless their faithful service!
| | | | Sr. Nancy Ann Bacci of Jesus Crucified was born in Cambridge, MA. Nancy was a member of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, our lay branch, before entering the MSBT. Over her 60 years, she has primarily served in healthcare as a Licensed Practical Nurse. | | | | Sr. Marie was born and raised Cape Cod, MA among many MSBTs. She was drawn to the idea of being a missionary to the Americas. As a Clinical Social Worker, Sr. Marie served in Florida, South Carolina, New York and Pennsylvania. | | | | Sr. Joan Louise was born into a large, faith-filled family in Dedham, MA. She has served in Alabama, Mississippi, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. She celebrates today the stirring that attracted her fifty years ago, which now sets her heart on fire with Love of God and His people. | | |
To read about Jubilarians
Sr. Carmen Rita Lopez celebrating 75 years,
And, Sr. John Christopher Langford & Sr. Maria Lauren Donohue
celebrating 60 years click here.
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"What's In Our Attic"
Videos from the MSBT Archives
| | Sr. Deb Wilson, MSBT began a video series earlier this year designed to explore the treasurers of our MSBT Archives and to reflect on the meaning they may hold in our daily living. Click below to watch the most recent video. You can view previous videos in the series and subscribe to our YouTube channel to be sure to catch future editions. | | The Pope's October Prayer Intention | |
For collaboration between different religious traditions
Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity.
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Thank you for your continued support
of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity. | |
Our mission is not completed.
Although we say goodbye to our beloved missions of Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat and Trinita, we do not say goodbye to you.
The good that you have done and encountered at these historic missions lives on, as does our connection with you.
Thank you for being a partner in our mission to serve the
poor and abandoned and to develop a missionary spirit in the laity to
be a power for good.
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Ministry of Prayer
Click here to submit special intentions you would like our
Sisters to include in their daily prayers.
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Be Good! Do Good! Be a Power for Good!
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