MERIDEN, CT (11-20-2021) - The 30th Annual Franciscan Christmas Fair held Saturday, November 20, on the campus of the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden, welcomed hundreds of people of all ages. The sunny, picture-perfect weather matched the joyful disposition of fair-goers, many of whom expressed their enthusiasm to be back in-person at the fair. Last year the Franciscan Christmas Fair was a virtual event featuring videos of Living Creches from the past and online shopping. The event benefits Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. Click on photos to enlarge.

ROME (11-04-2021) - Pope Francis announced today the appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE as Secretary General of the Vatican City State. As a Community dedicated to serving the Church and the Holy Father, we hold Sister Raffaella in prayerful support as she assumes her new mission within the Church. Sister Raffaella, a native of Rome, has served the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples since 2005. She professed her perpetual vows in the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in 2007 and was elected as a member of the General Council in 2017. She holds a Master of Organizational Behavior degree from the University of Hartford, a degree in political sciences from Free International University of Guido Carli, and a Doctorate in Social Sciences from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas where she is currently a professor.

Cardinal Fernando Filoni blesses the shawl with the insignia of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem presented to Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE as she is invested in the Order. MERIDEN, CT (09-20-2021) - The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist rejoice to announce the investiture of Co-foundress Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem as a religious dame. The Order's overarching purpose is twofold: to foster Christian holiness, and to support Christians in the Holy Land. As a religious dame, Mother Shaun's support will be that of prayer and apostolic relationship. Soon after the founding of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, Mother Shaun and Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother Foundress, sent Sisters in 1978 to take steps toward establishing a center in the Holy Land. Mother Shaun's dedication to the mission in the Holy Land has continued throughout the past 43 years as she has served the Community as Vicar General, Mother General and Mother Co-foundress. By inviting Mother Shaun to be a religious member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Fernando Cardinal Filoni, Grand Master of the Order, recognized and honored Mother Shaun's many years of heartfelt spiritual and practical commitment to the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist's presence in the land of Christ. Through the years, the Sisters have served the Church in the Holy Land in various ministries - the Franciscan Custody, the Latin Patriarchate, Catholic Relief Services, Bethlehem University, Little Plot Preschool, teaching, counseling and pilgrimages - in Jerusalem and surrounding villages. In 1996 the Sisters founded the Holy Child Program, a therapy and educational center to address the needs of children [...]

Monsignor John Bevins celebrates Mass in the Prayer Garden of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, Meriden, Connecticut. MERIDEN, CT - The Motherhouse Community of Sisters, Brothers, Apprentices and friends gathered in the Prayer Garden on September 11 for a Mass to commemorate the 100th birthday of Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother Foundress. Mother Rosemae died in 2016 and is buried in the cemetery adjacent to the Prayer Garden. Prayers for all those affected by the September 11, 2001 tragic attack on the United States were also included in the Mass. Monsignor John Bevins celebrated the Mass on a rock altar built in the 1970s in honor of Mother Rosemae, the "rock of the Community." In his homily, Monsignor Bevins spoke about the solid-as-a-rock foundation laid by Mother Rosemae with the assistance of Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Co-foundress, for the growth of the new religious Community. He commended all those who carry on the legacy of Mother Rosemae to continue their work for the Church in union with her spirit of prayer, joy and dedication. Click on photos to enlarge. Mother Rosemae Pender, FSE September 11, 1921 - June 26, 2016 Remember the Rock from which you were hewn and the Spirit to which you are called.

Sister John Frances LaFever (center) with Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General (left), and Mother Barbara Johnson, Vicar General. MERIDEN, CT - Sister John Frances LaFever professed perpetual vows as a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sunday, August 15, 2021. The Reverend Christopher Tiano, pastor of Mary, Queen of the Apostles Parish, Derby, Connecticut, was the principal celebrant. In his homily, Father Tiano emphasized the overflowing graces, like a river, that Sister John Frances will receive in living out her vows through the intercession of Mary. He challenged all present to be a river of grace for others. Concelebrants were Monsignor John J. Bevins, pastor emeritus of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Waterbury; and Reverend Jeffrey V. Romans, pastor of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish, Cheshire. Deacon Donald Philip of Meriden and Deacon Tom Grodek of Holy Spirit Parish, Annandale, Virginia assisted. Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General, received Sister John Frances' vows and expressed gratitude for the many people who have supported her process over the years. She specially thanked Father Tiano for his meaningful homily that beautifully captured the spirit and heart of religious life. Sister John Frances' parents, Janet and Kevin LaFever, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Annandale, Virginia, accompanied Sister John Frances in the entrance procession. Their daughters and spouses, Jessica and Paul Dexter, and Cynthia and Dave Trouteaud and son Alex also were present. Click on photos to enlarge. [...]

Sister Clare Hunter, FSE renews her vows during the jubilee Mass honoring her 25 years of vowed religious life. MERIDEN, CT  - The Franciscan motherhouse Chapel of St. John was the setting for a jubilee Mass celebrating the 25th anniversary of vows of Sister Clare Hunter, FSE on Sunday, July 18. Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General, received Sister Clare's renewal of vows during the Mass. Mother Barbara Johnson, FSE, Vicar General, and Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Co-foundress, each blessed Sister Clare, after which all of the Sisters renewed their vows. Sister Clare's parents, Janice and David Hunter of Cheshire, Connecticut, were seated with Sister Clare. The Very Reverend Paul Scalia, Diocese of Arlington, was the celebrant. Concelebrants were Reverend Daniel Hanley, Diocese of Arlington; Reverend Douglas Mosey, Congregation of St. Basil; Reverend Jeffrey Romans, pastor of St. Bridget of Sweden Parish, Cheshire; and Reverend John Paul Walker, OP, pastor of St. Mary Parish, New Haven. Following the Mass, a reception was held for all present. Later in the evening, the Franciscan Sisters hosted a private picnic for the family and out-of-state guests. Sister Clare lives with her Franciscan Community and is Assistant Professor of Fundamental Theology at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, Florida. During her 25 years of vowed life, Sister Clare's missions have included teaching at St. Paul High School in Bristol, Connecticut, campus ministry at University of St. Thomas, Houston; directing the Respect Life Office, Diocese of Arlington; and teaching in Burlington, Vermont. Click on photos to enlarge. [...]

Sister Christianna Hamman, Sister Mary Kolbe Heffern, Sister Francesca Silver and Sister Faith Marie Woolsey move furniture into the dining room. LEWISTON, ME (07-23-2021) - The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist received a hearty welcome when their cars and box truck arrived in Lewiston on July 5 for their move into the St. Croix Parish convent. Priests, religious women and lay faithful were on hand to unload the truck, clean rooms, pick up donated beds and chapel items, move furniture and prepare the house for the Sisters. A crew of eight Sisters from the motherhouse accompanied Sister Christianna Hamman and Sister Francesca Silver as the two Sisters begin the new mission in Maine. The next morning, Father Seamus Griesbach offered Mass and reserved the Blessed Sacrament in the newly set up convent chapel. As newcomers to Lewiston, the Sisters continue to experience the friendliness and wholeheartedness of parishioners and are enthused about this new mission. Click on photos to enlarge.

Sister Christianna Hamman, FSE Sister Francesca Silver, FSE MERIDEN, CT (04-21-2021) - The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist are pleased to share that the Community has accepted an invitation from the Most Reverend Robert Deeley, Bishop of Portland in Maine, to serve in the diocese, specifically in Auburn and Lewiston. The diocese published on April 20 the following article about the Sisters’ upcoming new ministry. The article was also picked up by the Bangor Daily News. Two Women Religious to join the staff at St. Dominic Academy in Auburn and Lewiston AUBURN — Starting in the 2021-22 academic year, two Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist will join the staff at St. Dominic Academy as teachers while also overseeing and enhancing campus ministry on both the Auburn and Lewiston campuses. Sister Christianna Hamman, FSE, and Sister Francesca Silver, FSE, will each bring extensive experience along with enthusiasm and excitement to work with Maine youth when they arrive in the summer to prepare for their new roles at the academy. “The diocese is grateful for the upcoming arrival of Sisters Christianna and Francesca to provide spiritual care and a full-time presence at both campuses. They will serve as shining examples to our young people that we all have a vocation, a call from God to live out our lives in a particular way,” said Bishop Robert Deeley. “Through the example of their lives, the sisters will assist the faculty and staff at St. Dom’s in helping our children understand their call in life, the beauty and importance of the Eucharist, and the fulfillment that comes with serving others.” “They will be a presence on campus in a way [...]

MERIDEN, CT (03-27-2021) - Sister Marie Benedict Elliott and Sister Francesca Silver, who were given their religious names in the memorable year of 2013 which saw the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of Pope Francis, professed their perpetual vows on Saturday, March 27. The Mass of Religious Profession was celebrated by the Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of Hartford, in the Franciscan Sisters' Chapel of St. John. Reverend Matthew Gworek assisted as Master of Ceremonies. In light of the current capacity restrictions, only the Sisters' family members and the Franciscan Community of Sisters and Brothers were present at the Mass. As part of the ceremony of religious profession, Archbishop Blair asked the Sisters the "Questions by the Church" to ascertain their free choice to vow themselves to Christ and His Church as women religious, and to serve the mission of the Church and of the Community. Each Sister enthusiastically explained her purpose and vision to give her life in this way. Sister Marie Benedict Elliott and Sister Francesca Silver professed vows of chastity, poverty and obedience for life within the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General, received their vows and spoke of the individual gifts they, as radiant spouses of Christ, bring to the Community. Mother Miriam affirmed Sister Marie Benedict in her mission of education and the poignant sensitivity and respect with which she encounters her students. Her love of the Church and its teachings call her to promote Truth as a namesake of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Following Sister Francesca's pronouncement of vows, Mother Miriam spoke [...]

MERIDEN, CT (02-14-2021) - The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist joyfully welcomed a new novice during a simple ceremony in the Chapel of St. John. Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General, received Janice Tumanon of Vancouver, B. C. into the novitiate, and gave her the name Sister Mary Christa. Prior to entering the Community, Janice was employed as a medical laboratory assistant/phlebotomist at St. Paul Hospital and at Women's and Children's Hospital in Vancouver. She then worked at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver as an administrative assistant for the Chancery and for the Archbishop's Office. The new novice had chosen the Scriptural account of the Visitation, Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, for the reading to open the ceremony. Mother Miriam explained that Sister's new name picks up on her devotion to Mary and her growing relationship with Christ during her formation. Mother Barbara Johnson, FSE, Vicar General, assisted in the clothing. She, Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Co-foundress, and Mother Miriam blessed Sister Mary Christa. Sister Mary Christa is the daughter of Irene and Theodore Tumanon and is the younger sister of her brothers Andrew and Theodore, Jr. Click on photos to enlarge.