By Sister Ellen McClure, OSF My memories of Advents past are those of eager anticipation. I join Mary as she prepares to deliver her baby to the world. I can only imagine how excited she is as Jesus kicks and moves around within her body. In truth, in my days as a young nurse, I
FEAST OF ST. LUCY – DECEMBER 13th By Sister Ann Helene, OSF The feast of St. Lucy is celebrated each year on December 13. Lucy lived on the island of Sicily around the year 300 and is considered one of the early martyrs; the Roman Emperor Diocletian put her to death, because of her faith.
Advent Wreaths remain a visible part of Advent S. Fran Gangloff My Mom had the idea to make small Advent wreaths from beads and wire. She made dozens and dozens of them for family and friends. When arthritis prevented her from doing so, I took up the task. I made hundreds of these wreaths to
By Patrick J. Buechi Staff Reporter - WNY Catholic - December 2018 Sister Mary Helen Buscarino, OSF, has come a long distance from her Italian birthplace, and she has met a lot of people along the way. Her life as a Franciscan sister has given her opportunities to help others, and she used every one of
Advent, from the Joy of Children by S. Renee Kopacz I have wonderful Advent memories attached to my many years of teaching in various country towns and working in our Divine Child kindergarten (in western New York state) for 25 years. Little children are so precious and full of awe. Each Advent I would set
Women wearing the Franciscan habits of a century ago reenact the arrival of Mother Marianne Cope and six companion Franciscan Sisters before a Mass commemorating the 135th anniversary of that event in the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. Mother Marianne was the superior of her order in Syracuse, New York, in 1883 when
Dear God, We ask you to protect all those suffering from the wildfires in California. • Help those who have lost their homes, to find a place to live • Help those who have lost a loved one, to find peace in You • Help those injured, to heal • Help all firefighters, to continue
By Sister Marianne Ferguson, OSF Scientists tell us that these beautiful colored leaves that appear during the fall season are really in full color all the time because the chlorophyll that gives the leaves their green color fades away in Autumn. Then we can see the orange, yellow and red colors that were in the
Our hearts are heavy, and our souls pained. The slaughter of our brothers and sisters in faith gathered in prayer at Tree of Life Congregation is a profound tragedy. The intrusion of anti-Semitism and violence into God's sacred space is an abomination which must be condemned. The Leadership Conference of Women Religious extends its sympathy
Sister Ellen McClure, OSF The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities in Millvale, Pennsylvania expressed their concern and compassion for the families and friends of the victims in the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue with a large sign stating, “We pray for and support our Jewish friends - Shalom.” They placed