In this Issue:

Peak of the Week!

Welcome Sister Death

Catholic Sisters Week

Thank You from The Franciscan Center

St. Elizabeth Motherhouse Can & Bottle Drive

HNP Francis Award

CARE Facilitator Training

Women's History Month -

Motherhouse Feature Wall

"Pathway to Peace & Inner Freedom:

Reflections on the Twelve Steps"

Mission Society Easter Cards

March 20

World Storytelling

Day

The unofficial holiday celebrates the tradition of oral storytelling and encourages participants to tell and listen to stories from different cultures and in different languages.

Story Telling Day wasn’t always celebrated globally. The first such day was observed in Sweden in the early 1990s and was called Alla Berättares Dag, or All Narrators Day.

Soon storytellers around the world picked up the holiday and it has now become a global “celebration of oral storytelling.”

Each celebration since 2004 has a theme associated with it, including strong women, dreams, neighbors, water, and monsters and dragons.

March 21

Common Courtesy Day

The day is a reminder that our treatment of others speaks volumes about our character and our

moral fiber.

Common courtesy refers to basic practices and behaviors that are considered to be acceptable and appropriate in a given social and cultural setting. Because of this, it is possible that what is considered common courtesy in one society, may be considered rude and unacceptable

in another.

People who are kind and polite tend to find themselves being treated in kind and with more friends and admirers. The bottom-line is: it pays to follow common courtesies. What goes around, comes around.

March 25

Waffle Day

Waffles have, as far as we know, three holidays in the year dedicated to them – On March 11, March 25, and August 24.

Known as Våffeldagen, legend has it that the holiday was mistakenly created due to a mispronunciation of Vårfrudagen. Vårfrudagen or Our Lady’s Day is a Christian holiday also known as Annunciation.

Today, many countries around the world celebrate March 25 as Waffle Day.

Waffles are dough or batter cooked between two hot plates, usually made of iron. The dish is thought to have originated in Europe and is now enjoyed all around the world for breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert.

In the United States, Waffle Day is celebrated on August 24. The unofficial holiday commemorates the day in 1869 when the first waffle iron was patented.

The healthier version, Oatmeal Nut Waffle Day, is celebrated on March 11.

To see where we found these fun holidays and check out more from around the world, visit: www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun 

Born: Geraldine Ellen Donovan, July 28, 1936, in Utica, NY

Died: March 2, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY

Daughter of: Gerald and Anne O’Hare Donovan, Utica, NY

Sr. Geraldine entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on August 21, 1955; was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1956, and professed her final vows on August 16, 1963. She joyfully lived the Mission and Charism of the Franciscan Sisters for over 67 years.

Geraldine attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and Utica Catholic Academy, Utica, NY, graduating in 1954. Following graduation, she studied liberal arts at Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY. After entering the Congregation, Gerry attended Barry College, Miami, FL, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She pursued graduate studies at Boston University, Boston, MA., graduating with a Masters Degree in Nursing Education Administration and a Ph.D. in Sociology.

Gerry served in various ministries during her many years in the Congregation. She ministered in Florida, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York. She was an instructor at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, Providence, RI; an adjunct professor and assistant to the academic dean at Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY; Administrative Assistant for Quality Assurance at St. Francis Hospital, Miami Beach, FL; Vice President of Mission/Ethics at Allegany Health System, St. Petersburg, FL; and Formation Director, Archivist and Congregational Historian for the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, Allegany, NY. She served as Minister of Welcome/Hospitality and a Retreat Team Member of The Franciscan Center, Tampa, FL – an apropos assignment for a woman of Gerry’s character.

A lifelong learner, Gerry maintained professional memberships and affiliations with national nursing associations and religious study organizations. She enjoyed traveling, reading, writing (was a published author), playing the organ/piano, singing and spending time with her beloved dog, Maeve. Gerry brought light and love simply by sharing a smile, a word of encouragement, and a sweet giggle after a little joke. 

Gerry retired from active ministry in 2009 to care for her family members at their time of need. In 2015, she was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse where she lived until her death.

Sr. Gerry is predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Anne O’Hare Donovan; brothers: The Reverend Monsignor William Donovan, Gerald Francis Donovan, who died in infancy; a sister, Sr. Mary Lourdes Donovan, OSF, an Allegany Franciscan and former Congregational Minister. She is survived by a brother, The Rev. James Michael Donovan; and a sister, Sr. Bernadette Mary Donovan, OSF, an Allegany Franciscan and several cousins.

A wake service is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 4:00PM in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 9:30AM in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc.

646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.

Born: Jean Ann Hayes, July 8, 1941, in Lackawanna, NY

Died: March 3, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY

Daughter of: John and Margaret Jacobsen Hayes, Lackawanna, NY

Jean entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on September 8, 1959; was received into the Congregation on July 2, 1960 and professed her final vows on July 2, 1967. For 64 years, Sister lived her commitment to Franciscan values through her ministry and life in community.

Sr. Jean attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grammar School and Bishop Quigley High School, in Buffalo, NY, graduating in 1959. Jean attended St. Elizabeth’s Teachers College, graduating from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters in Education/Reading with a Minor in Speech.

Her ministry in education enabled her to teach in Congregational Schools in New York – including St. John’s in Olean, NY; also in Virginia, New Jersey and Connecticut. Sr. Jean was principal at Our Lady of Victory, Allegany, NY and St. Cecelia, Pennsauken, NJ. Jean was Local Minister at Blessed Sacrament Convent, Waterbury, CT.

In 2008, Sr. Jean returned to Allegany, NY, living and serving as Local Minister at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. It was during her tenure and with her guidance, the renovations to the Motherhouse were completed. At the completion of her term as Local Minister in 2016, Sr. Jean volunteered at the switchboard until her retirement in 2022.

She is predeceased by her parents, John and Margaret Jacobsen Hayes and a brother, John Joseph Hayes, Jr. She is survived by one brother, Dennis Hayes and a sister, Mary Kreuzek.

A wake service is scheduled for Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 4:00PM in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 10:00AM in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com. 

Catholic Sisters Week is an important week for the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, and all women religious.

Learn about the history and what Catholic Sisters Week means to women religious by reading our special newsletter and the official Catholic Sisters Week website.

Also visit our Facebook for Daily CSW Prayers.

Two members of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany will be awarded the Holy Name Province’s Francis Medal during the Mass for the Feast of St. Joseph at St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Florida on Sunday, March 19.

Sr. Patricia Shirley and Sr. Mary McNally are being recognized for their assistance providing healthcare to friars, during the pandemic and beyond. Both sisters are also celebrating their 60th year as an Allegany Franciscan Sister.

Fr. Anthony Carrozzo, OFM, former Provincial Minister of Holy Name Province, will present the medals. He said Sister Mary “is well known to many friars of our Province but especially to those who have been patients at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, where (she) has ministered for many years. She has not only been an unfailing advocate assisting us in settling into the hospital but also visiting us regularly throughout our stays at the hospital. She has proven time and again to be our sister not only in name but also in fact.”

He said, “Sister Pat became widely known among the friars at St. Anthony’s Friary when she seemingly appeared out of nowhere to assist us during the recent and ongoing pandemic. Seeking out locations, filling out forms, organizing caravans to the vaccination sites – she was the warm, reassuring sister whose presence confirmed that all would be well. Sister Pat continues to help us in our in-house nursing needs.”

St. Anthony Hospital founded by the Sisters is just blocks away from the friary where a number of the friars reside.

“It is quite an honor that our sisters are being recognized for their presence and ministry,” said Sr. Margaret Magee, Congregational Minister, who will be attending and participating in the Mass.

Sr. Joan Carberry will also be offering a reading during the Mass. More than a dozen Sisters are expected to attend.

Fr. Vincent Laviano OFM will celebrate the Mass. Fr. Jerome Massimino OFM will read the citation for Sr. Mary. Fr. John Marino will read the citation for Sr. Pat.

Established in 1998, the Holy Name Province's Francis Medal recognizes individuals who have displayed an uncommon contribution to the advancement of the ideals and values of St. Francis of Assisi.

To view the program, click here.

CARE (Conversational Approach to Relational Effectiveness) Facilitator training in February at the Franciscan Center in Tampa, FL. Attendees included our Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, Ted & Beth Dunn, and translators.

1st Row: Father Olmes Milani (Translator), Margaret Magee, Helen Roberts, Teresita DeSouza, Beth Dunn (Presenter), Odette Haddad, Pat Tyre

2nd Row: Sr. Marilisa da Silva (Translator), Gwen Melhado, Aldenir Mota Ribeiro, Colleen Brady, Judith Terrameo, Trinita Solnek, Jo Streva, J. Miriam Natale, Kathie Uhler, Pat Shirley

3rd Row: Nancy Christopher, Goianira Silva, Lilian Cristina Pinheiro, Sr. Mary Ann Mayer (Translator), Bernadette Schuler, Cindy Matthews, Maria Isabel Pereira, Cathy Cahill, Melissa Scholl, Tedd Dunn (Presenter)

4th Row: Liz Schumacher, Margaret Foley

Not Pictured: Margaret Mary Kimmins

What brings you joy?

That’s one of the questions Local Minister Sister Judith Terrameo asked the sisters she’s highlighting on a wall in the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse to celebrate Women’s History Month.

The answers range from “God” and “good music” to “life” and “cats.”

Sr. Judith said she was surprised and delighted by the answers she received, and especially delighted that many of the sisters said God brings them joy because “God is our primary focus, isn’t He?”

She said the reaction to the wall has been wonderful as staff and others visit frequently. Three new posters have been added each day all month.

“Whenever we can shine a light on these women it’s great,” Sr. Judith said, explaining that it’s a positive experience for the sisters as well as the people learning more about them.

This is not the first time Sr. Judith has done a project like this. She was the chaplain at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, NY, and was on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Each month she would choose a focus and in March she “zeroed in on women in history who made an impact.”

She said when she came (to Allegany) she decided to focus on the sisters during Women’s History Month.

“Our sisters have had just as much of an impact as any other women in history,” she said.

They have made that impact in a variety of fields. The posters also include the sisters’ professions. Among them are nurse, librarian, teacher, historian, principal, accountant, pastoral care and local minister.

Sr. Elaine Cote, who currently works in medical claims at the Motherhouse, said some of the sisters may not have gone to school to learn about the profession in which they found themselves, but “God gave us the credentials.”

Credentials and joy.

Other answers to the question about joy include “seeing people happy,” “kind words said with a smile,” “all of God’s creatures,” “to wake up in the morning to the gift of a new day in which to give praise and thank God,” “Allegany hills, sunsets, praying together and wins by the St. Louis Cardinals,” and “hot tea and Lorna Doone cookies.”

And what brings Sr. Judith joy? Seeing the sisters happy and trusting God to lead her.

She hasn’t decided yet how long the posters will stay on the wall but said they will be up “for a while.”

To purchase a copy at $5.00 each, please send a check payable to

“Franciscan Sisters of Allegany” and mail to:

Franciscan Sisters of Allegany; Attn: Claire Majot; P.O. Box W, St Bonaventure, NY 14778.

Or if you are visiting the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse cash can be accepted.

Send your special prayer blessings to friends or loved ones this Easter with Mass enrollment cards from St. Elizabeth Mission Society. As members of the Mission Society, their intentions will be remembered at Easter Sunday Mass and in other Masses celebrated throughout the Easter season in the Motherhouse Chapel. They will also share in the prayers and good works of our Sisters in Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica, Mozambique and the United States. 

As a sponsored ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, the St. Elizabeth Mission Society shares in its spiritual aims, one of which is to advance the awareness of God's love. Donations given for the cards are used to support the ministries of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany who work to educate, heal, clothe, and feed those who are experiencing poverty in Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica, Mozambique and the United States.

Jubilee & Easter cards, as well as various other enrollment cards, can be ordered online at https://www.franciscanhope.org/shop/ or you can call the Mission Society office at (716) 373-1130 or e-mail the staff at StEliz.Office.Manager@FSAllegany.org for more information about ordering the enrollment cards. Jubilee & Easter cards will also be available in the Mission Society office.