MERIDEN, CT (07-17-2026) - Twelve Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist were celebrated by the Community during the perpetually professed July retreat as they reached milestone years of vowed religious life in 2026. Highlighting the day was a Jubilee Mass with Reverend Christopher Tiano, pastor of St. Paul VI Parish in Hamden as principal celebrant. The Sisters renewed their vows after the homily. Sisters celebrating 75 years are Sister Catherine Biehl, Sister Mary Ann Schmitz and Sister Mary Timothy Prokes. Sister Mary Ann and Sister Mary Timothy were present by teleconference during the Mass. Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Co-foundress reached 70 years of vowed life. Sister Barbara Cline, present by teleconference, marks 65 years. The 60 year jubilarians are Sister Janet Marie Bagniewski, Sister Margaret Dahl (present by teleconference), Sister Kieran Foley, Sister Suzanne Gross, and Sister Therese Gutting. Two Sisters were honored for 25 years, Sister Raffaella Petrini and Sister Frances Zajac. The jubilarians' photos were placed at the base of the altar. Following the Mass, the Community enjoyed a festive meal together during which each jubilarian was honored with a testimonial.

LEWISTON, MAINE (05-17-2026) - Sister Jacinta Coscia, FSE received a Doctor of Ministry in Liturgical Catechesis from Catholic University of America at the commencement ceremony on May 17, 2026. Sister Jacinta studied for three years in the University's online program and participated in the in-person component during the past three summers held in Washington, DC. The title of Sister Jacinta's treatise was "Forming a Group of Women Parishioners to use their Gifts of the Feminine Genius to be the Listening Church for Catholics Affected by Church Closures.” Her project consisted in training women to be empathetic listeners for those who were alienated by closings in order to bring them back to practicing their faith. She executed her project at Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston, Maine. Sister Jacinta has lived at the FSE center in Lewiston for the past three years. Sister Jacinta's newly-earned DMin degree adds another professional credential to her educational preparedness to meet needs of today's Catholics. Sister Jacinta also has received a Bachelor of Education from Southern Connecticut State University, a Bachelor of Education and Formation from LUMSA University in Rome, a Master of  Education from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Congratulations to Sister Jacinta for your latest achievement which will benefit the entire mission of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. Sister Jacinta on the campus of Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.

SOUTH BEND, IN (05-17-2026) - The University of Notre Dame awarded an honorary degree to Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE during commencement ceremonies held at the Notre Dame campus stadium. She and six other distinguished leaders were selected to receive this prestigious honor. Sister Raffaella serves as president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State. Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. in mid-March announced Sister Raffaella as the primary speaker for the commencement ceremonies: “Sister Raffaella is an extraordinary leader who works tirelessly for the common good and radiates the peace, love and hope of Christ. As the highest-ranking woman in the Vatican, she embodies the future of women’s leadership in the Church, having served Pope Francis and now Pope Leo with deep wisdom, unfailing dedication and true humility,” Father Dowd said. “It is a privilege to have her address the members of the Class of 2026 and their loved ones who are sure to be inspired by her words and prophetic witness.” Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE delivers commencement address. The crowd of over 20,000 heard Sister Raffaella's words of hope, "Your time at Notre Dame here on this beautiful campus has prepared you well to embrace the future with hope . . ." Continuing the theme of hope as promoted by Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV, she reminded the graduates that "Christians are always called to communicate hope." She then illustrated "how do we do that?" and pointed out attributes of hope - hope is generative, active, collaborative, participatory and engaging, and "you will be people of hope" if those attributes are demonstrated [...]

MERIDEN, CT (03-30-2026) - Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in every center are celebrating with solemnity the sacred days of Holy Week. This week before Easter concludes the Lenten season and is a prayerful experience offered by the Church to reflect on, pray about, and identify with the sufferings of Christ in the days surrounding his Passion, death and resurrection. The liturgies on the days of Holy Week are rich in Scripture, symbol and ritual. Since their early years the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist have found spiritual and community nourishment in celebrating these days in unique ways within the community, with special foods and a focus for each day based on the Mass readings. The days of Holy Week are days "set aside" from a usual routine and become memorable. In several centers, lay faithful participate in the meaningful liturgies and services including Tenebrae in the night just before dawn on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Below are a few images of the Palm Sunday blessing of the palms and procession at the motherhouse Chapel of St. John, Meriden.

MERIDEN, CT (02-11-2026) - On this date two years ago, Sister Bernadette Agustin entered novitiate and received her religious name commemorating St. Bernadette of Soubirous. Today, Sister Bernadette professed first vows during the Community Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. A young girl of 14 years, living in the village of Lourdes, France, Saint Bernadette received the gift of an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary on this date in 1858. The Blessed Virgin appeared to the youth seventeen more times. The place of the apparitions, Lourdes, has become an international shrine of prayer and healing. Our Lady of Lourdes affirmed the dogma of her Immaculate Conception during one of the apparitions. With a prayerful and enthusiastic spirit, Sister Bernadette began the next step in religious formation with the profession of vows for three years. Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General, received the vows and confirmed Sister Bernadette's readiness for this step. The Mass was celebrated by the Reverend Christopher Tiano, pastor of St. Paul VI parish, Hamden. Father Tiano blessed the medal of the Community and the new cincture of three knots presented to Sister by Mother Barbara Johnson, FSE, Vicar General. After receiving blessings from Mother Miriam, Mother Barbara, Mother Shaun Vergauwen FSE, co-foundress, and Father Tiano, the Community sang the blessing of St. Francis for the newly professed Sister. Sister Bernadette has been serving Catholic students at the campus ministry of Quinnipiac University the past year. The university is within Father Tiano's parish. Click on photos to enlarge

In a spirit of joy of the Word made Flesh, and Mary's profound gift of motherhood to the Church, we Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist wish you abundant blessings during the new year!

MERIDEN, CT (10-12-2025) - Sister Marie Emmanuel Tessier professed first vows during the Community Mass on Sunday, October 12, in the Chapel of St. John, the motherhouse chapel. The Reverend Lawrence Bock, senior priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford, and friend of the Community, celebrated the Mass. Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General, received Sister's vows for the customary three-year period. Sister Marie Emmanuel completed her two-year novitiate experience during which time she was mentored in discovering the meaning of religious life, living in community, Franciscan spirituality, the charism of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, prayer, the theology of the vows and the teachings of the Church, along with work on the land and with animals, cooking, caring for the house, hospitality to guests, and daily tasks of community life. Sister Marie Emmanuel's request for vows emphasized her love of the Community, gratitude for her vocation and for the love and support of her Sisters. Mother Miriam, in response, affirmed Sister's life-giving spirit within community and welcomed her into this next phase of formation. Sister Marie Emmanuel is the oldest of nine children of Carole and Robert Tessier of Warrenton, Virginia. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from George Mason University with a major in biology and a minor in music. Sister Marie Emmanuel is a veterinary technician at Becket & Associates Veterinary Services in Glastonbury, working with large and small animals in a variety of tasks at the work site and on farm calls in the neighboring area. She shares in the care of the Sisters' goats, sheep, chickens and bees at the formation center. Frequently, she is called upon to sing at the Sisters' Masses [...]

The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist invite young adults who are discerning or are interested in learning more about Franciscan spirituality to a weekend commemorating the passing of St. Francis into eternal life and celebrating his feast day. Time for prayer, work with creation and discussion. Call 203-237-8084 or email (see email address on flyer).

BRIDAL VEIL, OREGON (07-05-2025) - Sister Helen Jean Brinkman, FSE, a vowed Franciscan religious woman for 77 years, entered eternal life on July 4, 2025 after a brief illness. On the day America celebrates its birth as a nation, and begins a year-long celebration of its 250 years, her death seemed like God's stamp of approval on this life-long enthusiast of American history. Sister Helen Jean's own history began on March 7, 1928 when she, Frances Catherine, and her twin Franklin John were born to parents Alois and Helen Brinkman in Edgar, Wisconsin. The twins would be the second and third of eight children. As a youth, Sister Helen Jean was active in the high school band and glee club, and in the St. John the Baptist parish choir. She continued her love of singing throughout her life, as her low alto voice resonated in parish churches and Community choir. As a young girl, she also enjoyed skating and hiking. In 1945, Sister Helen Jean entered the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wis., professing first vows in 1948 and perpetual vows in 1954. She taught in Wisconsin Catholic elementary schools in La Crosse, Lyndon Station, Menomonie, St. Mary's Ridge, and was a teacher and principal in Greenwood, Eau Claire and Stratford. In 1964 she was assigned as postulant directress at St. Rose Convent. In 1969 she was appointed superior of the Holy Trinity convent and taught history at Viterbo College until 1974. She was actively involved in the Community's program of renewal of religious life in the 1960's and early 70's and was part of a core group of Sisters who led the founding of the [...]