MSBT Updates 
July 2026

Mission Cross at our Motherhouse in Philadelphia

Family Retreat Day in Philadelphia

Mother Boniface Spirituality Center was buzzing with activity and excitement on the last Saturday in June during a rather spontaneous Family Retreat Day centered around the theme, "Be a Power for Good!". Sr. Olivia Montejano, MSBT and Sr. Maria Rincon, MSBT had briefly talked about the possibility of hosting such a retreat when they learned of an unexpected Saturday availability at Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (MBSC). What began as a "someday" conversation suddenly became a "why not now?" opportunity.

Jumping in with both feet, they quickly reached out to families in the area, primarily from South Philadelphia. Some of the families had participated in Trinita's Family Life Development Program in the past, some had been to retreats at MBSC, and some were new to us. 

Sr. Maria Rincon, MSBT shares our charism with families during retreat

The retreat was truly a community effort. Volunteers who helped coordinate the retreat included a wonderful blend of local members of our MCA (Missionary Cenacle Apostolate) and many of our MSBT Sisters, all generously sharing their time, energy and talents. Our MCA friends went above and beyond, not only serving throughout the day, but also donating snacks, program supplies and a treasure trove of toys, books and games. One of the highlights of the day was a visit from a local beekeeper, who arrived with his beehive in tow.

With families, volunteers and team members gathered together, more than 70 people filled the halls and meeting rooms with laughter, prayer, conversation and the joyful buzz of community coming together. The Family Retreat Day offered the respite and rejuvenation of a fun Summer day away together. It provided time and space for prayer, as individuals and as families. And, it encouraged and inspired families to continue to, "Be Power for Good!".

Marking the 250th Anniversary

The MSBT joined nearly 200 other congregations of women religious as signatories of a Declaration of Commitment in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States of America. The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) reflected on the nearly 300 year history of Catholic Sisters in the United States. The Declaration was written, "In the spirit of prayer, discernment and fidelity to the values that inspired women religious, beginning in 1727, to respond to the humanitarian needs of those they encountered in the United States."

The Declaration of Commitment was brought to the United States Congress on June 25, 2026, with the stated hope, "May this proclamation, our prayer and our actions heal and strengthen the fabric of our nation".

New Mission for BTSR Sacred Art

This Summer, our MSBT Novice, Sr. Chris Rome, had the opportunity to visit many of the people and places that were formative to her before entering the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity. While at Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat several years ago, Sr. Mary Anne Pierson, MSBT invited her into the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. Through the shared experiences and connections with MSBT Sisters and MCA in Holy Trinity, Sr. Chris's prayer and apostolic life flourished. Through prayer, community support and service to others she reflects on the smaller "yeses" that arose in her during this time that led her to the larger "yes" of entering the community. After a period of vocational discernment and Candidacy, she entered the MSBT in August of 2025 taking the name Sr. Christine Ocab Rome of the Holy Trinity.

Eugenie Konde, MCA (left) and Sr. Chris Rome, MSBT (right) at

St. Anne Catholic Church in Columbus, GA

During this Summer's visit, Sr. Chris visited St. Anne Catholic Church in Columbus, Georgia where she and fellow MCA member Eugenie Konde had been active community members. The statue of Jesus that stood across from the front doors of the retreat center at Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat now welcomes the faithful here at St. Anne's. BTSR ended programming in 2024 and the remaining Sisters moved in the Spring of 2025. The decision to close BTSR was difficult, but necessary. Our MSBT Sisters have always moved from place to place, adapting to new needs and new surroundings. Like the MSBT Sisters, much of the sacred art that once served BTSR now serve at new missions. Seeing BTSR's statue of Jesus at it's new mission gave Sr. Chris a sense of solace, gratitude and continued trust in the providence of God as she continues to live out her "yes" to being sent forth on mission.

Video Series "What's in Our Attic"

There is a ten-part video series entitled "What's in Our Attic" that explores some of the treasures in our MSBT Archives and invites us to reflect on what meaning they may hold for us today.

The series was created and presented by MSBT Archivist, Sr. Deb Wilson. Links to the videos were included in MSBT Updates from October 2025 through January 2026. There are a number of people who began receiving these emailed MSBT Updates since that time, so we are providing this link to view the entire ten-part video series here.

Archive of Previous MSBT Updates

These monthly MSBT Updates began in October 2025. New people have been added to the list of email recipients each month since. For those who would like to view previous monthly issues, there is an online archive available on our MSBT website.

For respect for human life.

Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.