In Loving Memory of Richard J. Urbanski by His Family
So reads the sign outside a room at St. Mary of the Angels’ health care center in Williamsville, New York. Mary Ann Urbanski, a former laboratory technician, wanted to dedicate a room in memory of her late husband, Richard, in tribute to their 50-plus-years of marriage, and to the years she spent working and distributing Communion in area hospitals.
A few years ago she stopped by the Western New York regional house chapel to pray and quickly realized, “This is my spot. It is so peaceful, and there is something very spiritual that embraces you when you come here. You can just feel the cohesiveness and love in the atmosphere.” Since then, she has become more and more involved with our sisters, and is an active participant in many of our celebrations and activities.
A mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mary Ann wants to help others, and feels very connected to our sisters. “You can’t beat the nuns!” she says. “They genuinely care about me and my family, and their Franciscan hospitality is so wonderful!”
Mary Ann is one of our newest Franciscan Associates in western New York, volunteering to support our sisters and to deepen and grow her spirituality in the love of Sts. Francis and Clare. She volunteers at special events, sponsors a child at our Timau Mission in Kenya, is becoming involved with our Adopt A Sister program, and is also a very loyal benefactor.
“The more you give, the more that comes back to you.” she says. “I welcome the opportunity to become more involved. It means so much to me!”
Thank you, Mary Ann, for being the kind and giving woman that you are. It makes a profound difference in the lives of many, especially our sisters.
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Mary Ann Urbanski becomes one of the newest Franciscan Associates in the western New York region.
