ROME  (10-14-2018) - As an entire Community, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist rejoice today in the historic canonization of Pope Paul VI during whose papacy and with his approbation the Community was founded. A representative group of Sisters was present at the canonization ceremony and Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Thousands of people from all over the world gathered under sunny skies to pray and to celebrate Pope Paul VI and six other new saints: Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador; two priests, Francesco Spinelli and Vincenzo Romano; two women religious who founded religious orders, Maria Catherine Kasper and Nazaria Ignazia of Saint Teresa of Jesus; and Nuncio Sulprizio who died at the age of nineteen in Italy. The teachings of Pope Paul VI not only guided the founding of the Community but continued to underlie its growth and approach to mission. His encyclical, Populorum progressio (On the Development of Peoples) has inspired the Sisters in their apostolic outreaches to believe in the potential of each individual to become the person God has called each to be, "In God's plan, every man is born to seek self-fulfillment, for every human life is called to some task by God. At birth a human being possesses certain aptitudes and abilities in germinal form, and these qualities are to be cultivated so that they may bear fruit" (par. 15). Pope Paul VI spoke clearly in his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi (On Evangelization), words that ring true with the Sisters in their efforts to be a corporate "wordless witness," whose very presence speaks to others of hope and faith. Frequently the Community reflects on the challenge of par. 21: "Above all the Gospel must [...]

Sister Damien Marie Savino, FSE, Ph.D. on the steps of the Pontifical Academy of Science in the Vatican where the Expanded Reason Awards Conference was held. ROME  - Sister Damien Marie Savino, Ph.D. participated in the "Expanded Reason Awards" Conference held at the Vatican the last week of September 2018. The conference is sponsored by the University Francisco de Vitoria in collaboration with the Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI. The purpose of the Expanded Reason Awards is to acknowledge researchers and professors who view the whole of the human person and expand beyond a narrow scope of one area of science, thus integrating science, philosophy and theology in their vision of the dignity of human beings. The annual conference is inspired by the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI. Sister Damien Marie is the Dean of Science and Sustainability at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The abstract of Sister Damien Marie's presentation follows: Abstract While the Catholic intellectual tradition has always upheld the uniqueness of the human person, much prominent scientific research has come to an alternative conclusion – namely, that the gap between humans and other animals is not as wide as was once thought and that humans are not significantly different from other animals. How can we address this apparent “disjunct” between philosophy/theology and modern science? In the context of “expanded reason,” can we open up a richer dialogue on this question, one that seriously considers scientific findings and brings them into meaningful dialogue with Catholic philosophy and theology? This paper proposes that the method of disputatio is an effective means for bringing the modern sciences into dialogue with philosophy and theology in relation to questions of the human [...]

Sister Carmina Rose Muscat Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General, and Sister Carmina Rose MERIDEN, CT (09-02-2018) - The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist joyfully welcomed postulant Courtney Muscat into canonical novitiate in a private ceremony held in the Chapel of St. John, the motherhouse community's chapel on Sunday, September 2, 2018. In her words of acceptance, Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General, gave Courtney the religious name of Sister Carmina Rose. Courtney expressed in her request for novitiate, her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. "Carmina" connects her with the ever-present guidance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is also her confirmation name and the name of her great-grandmother, a name from her Maltese heritage. "Rose" is in honor of Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother Foundress. Courtney experienced Mother Rosemae as an inspiring witness to holiness. Mother Rosemae's death during her jubilee Mass became a defining moment in Courtney's discernment process. Mother Miriam assured Sister Carmina Rose that Mother Rosemae will continue to be a guide and inspiration for her life as a religious woman. Sister Carmina Rose, daughter of Sam and Cathy Muscat of East Hampton, Connecticut, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut. She earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Connecticut in 2016. Since graduation, she has worked for Hartford Health Care at Backus Outpatient Rehabilitation Network, Norwich, Connecticut, and the past 20 months at Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network Wallingford, an outpatient clinic. The ceremony of reception began with a Scripture reading by Sister Collette Maritim, FSE, after which Courtney read her request for novitiate. Mother Miriam responded to the request, acknowledging [...]

MERIDEN, CT (08-12-2018) - Sister Christianna Hamman, a native of Greenville, Michigan, professed vows of chastity, poverty and obedience for life at a festive Mass held in the Chapel of St. John, in Meriden, the motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of Hartford, was the principal celebrant with nine priests and two deacons assisting. Sister Christianna professed her vows into the hands of Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General, who welcomed her with joy as a permanent member of the Community. Sister Mary Elizabeth Endee and Sister Bernardone Rock were official witnesses. Following her profession of vows, Sister Christianna received blessings from Mother Miriam, Mother Barbara Johnson, Vicar General; Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Co-foundress; and Archbishop Blair. Chris and Mary Hamman, parents of Sister Christianna, presented their daughter to the Community at the entrance procession. Sister's siblings, Luke Hamman of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Micah Brown of Florida; Rebekah Hamman, Jesse Hamman and his wife, Grace, and Alec Magnuson, all of Michigan, were special guests. Several friends of Sister Christianna and the Hamman family traveled from Michigan for the occasion. Sister Christianna will be missioned to the new Franciscan center in Burlington, Vermont, and will teach at Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington. Sister's professional expertise is in secondary education with specialties in math and Spanish. Archbishop Leonard P. Blair places a ring on Sister Christianna's finger as a sign of Sister's perpetual, spousal commitment to Christ and His Church. [...]

“Pilgrimages evoke our earthly journey toward heaven and are traditionally very special occasions for renewal in prayer.” Catechism of the Catholic Church 2691 MERIDEN, CT (08-08-2018) - by Sister Jeanne d'Arc Paquette, FSE As we boarded the plane in Hartford, CT, I knew this pilgrimage would be a little bit different. We did not need our passports or foreign money. We did not need hotel reservations or tour guides. What we did need was a pair of good walking shoes and a copy of our former Community’s history, “A Chapter of Franciscan History.” This was not a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Rome or Assisi but a much more humble and immediate part of our birth as a congregation. We were headed to Wisconsin. Originally, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist were members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, WI. The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration were once members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Milwaukee, WI. The three Communities share a common foundation of Bavarian lay people desiring to help German immigrants in America in 1849. Now, in 2018, the newest Professed Sisters and Sisters in Formation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist had the privilege of rediscovering the roots of our religious life. We began in La Crosse at St. Rose Convent with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The Sisters were joyful and hospitable, warmly inviting us to share in their daily life and meals. We were welcomed into exploring the heritage room, archives, Viterbo University campus, and the beautiful convent grounds. It was especially meaningful for each of us pilgrims [...]

MERIDEN, CT (07-07-2018) - The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist have known His Eminence Jean-Louis Cardinal Tauran as a wise and trusted man of the Church, a close collaborator, and an esteemed friend. Two of our Sisters, Sister Catherine Mary Clarke, FSE and Sister Judith Zoebelein, FSE had the opportunity to experience Cardinal Tauran’s gracious leadership in their work in the Vatican Apostolic Library and the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue respectively. In mid-June, while visiting the Community’s motherhouse where he was scheduled to present a talk on inter-religious dialogue and enjoy a few days of quiet retreat, Cardinal Tauran became gravely ill and was hospitalized. His Eminence entered eternal life on July 5, 2018. As a friend, Cardinal Tauran has visited the Franciscan motherhouse in Meriden on occasion. In 2009, he celebrated Palm Sunday Mass in the Sisters’ all-purpose room as their chapel was too small to accommodate the worshipers. After Mass he encouraged the Sisters to build a new, larger chapel and promised to be the celebrant at its dedication, whenever that might be. In 2014, his suggestion became a reality and, true to his promise, Cardinal Tauran was the principal celebrant at the Mass of dedication with concelebrants Archbishop Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop Emeritus Daniel A. Cronin and many priest friends. In 2011, the Cardinal paid a visit to the motherhouse at the time of the Sisters’ annual Franciscan Sports Banquet fundraising event, and led the opening prayer for the 600 people present. As the President of the Council on Inter-religious Dialogue at the Vatican, Cardinal Tauran has served the Catholic Church in fostering mutual respect among persons of different religions. He has been a strong leader [...]

LOWELL, MI (07-05-2018) - Congratulations to Sister Ann Frances Thompson and her Franciscan Driving Horse Cadet Corps for winning first place in nearby Ada, Michigan's Fourth of July Parade in the business non-profit category! Sister Ann Frances' students from her Carriage Driving Horse Camps drove in the parade, demonstrating their newly-acquired skills. They were acclaimed by parade-watchers and family members alike for their charming entry to the parade. See feature on Sister Ann Frances to learn more about her accomplishments in the field of equine therapy.

Bishop Caggiano joins Bridgeport seminarians Ricardo Comin and Deacon Chris Ford on a mulching project with Franciscan Brother Leo Maneri during the seminarians' retreat. MERIDEN, CT (06-30-2018) - The Franciscan Community of Sisters and Brothers welcomed thirty seminarians of the Diocese of Bridgeport for a work retreat June 24-29 in coordination with Father John Connaughton, Director of Vocations for the diocese. The days included daily Mass, prayer and conferences, work experiences on the land, and evening dinner with the Franciscan Community. Small teams of seminarians were assigned work projects for the week - mulching flower beds on the Walter Acres, refurbishing stone pathways, transplanting peonies, clearing logs from the woods, assisting with children's camp activities and helping with the adventure leadership camp for youth. One day the men added their muscle to help load bales of hay from the field to the barns. The Sisters and Brothers enjoyed the lively presence of the men and the opportunity to work in collaboration with them and their mentors. The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, joined the group on the last day and offered Mass for the men and the Franciscan Community. A few comments about the week: "I was really pleased at the way the week with the Sisters went. Bishop Caggiano often speaks about how important renewal in the priesthood is to renewal in the Church.  Fostering friendships and fraternal charity among the men who are in formation for priesthood for the Diocese is an essential part of building up the local presbyterate.  As I watched the way the guys worked and prayed and played together over the course of the week I was filled with great hope for the future of the Diocese [...]

MERIDEN, CT (06-24-2018) - Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin, Archbishop Emeritus of Hartford, noted the significance of the crowd gathered to celebrate the second death anniversary of Mother Rosemae Pender, FSE, Mother Foundress, at a Mass in the Franciscan Sisters' Chapel of St. John. In his homily, the Archbishop spoke of Mother Rosemae's influence in the Church as represented by the cross-section of priests, religious men and women, and dedicated lay faithful present to honor the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist's foundress on the solemnity of the birth of St. John the Baptist. Archbishop Cronin spoke of Mother Rosemae as a "John the Baptist person." As John represented the end of the Old Testament prophets, and prepared the way for the coming of Christ, he bridged the old and the new. The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist were founded as a result of Vatican II, and, as Mother Rosemae had lived religious life for years before the Vatican Council, she brought forth the new Community out of the former way of religious life into a new expression, along with Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Co-foundress. The growth and outreach of the Community, as signified by the many persons in attendance at the Mass, is a tribute to the efforts of the foundresses and their openness to the workings of the Holy Spirit, the Archbishop continued. At the conclusion of the second anniversary Mass, the congregation processed outside for the ringing of the chimes dedicated to the memory of Mother Rosemae. The Franciscan Sisters expressed gratitude for the eight priest concelebrants, the two deacons, the eight religious orders present for the Mass. The afternoon concluded with a reception for all in the Chiara Center. Mother [...]

MERIDEN, CT  (05-27-2018) Sister Mary Mercy Lee, former editor of the well-known Catholic Digest, professed her first vows of chastity, poverty and obedience during the Eucharistic liturgy on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 27, 2018. Two years ago, Sister Mary Mercy, then Robyn Lee, resigned her position with the Catholic Digest and was received into the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. During novitiate she studied the theology of vows and learned how the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist live them in daily life as a corporate body. Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General, received Sister Mary Mercy's vows and affirmed Sister's growth during her novitiate and her deepening understanding of Franciscan community life. Mother Miriam graciously and wholeheartedly welcomed Sister Mary Mercy as a professed Sister of the Community. Mother Barbara Johnson, Vicar General, presented Sister with the cross of nails, the official FSE symbol, and a new cincture with three knots representing the three vows, worn as a daily reminder as well as a public witness of the core of religious life. In the past year, Sister Mary Mercy was a religion teacher at St. Paul High School, Bristol, Connecticut.