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.

Wishing you a joyful, prayerful Christmas Season! Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist

MERIDEN, CT (11-30-2020) - Natalie Yuen of Vancouver, British Columbia, was received into novitiate on November 22, the Solemnity of Christ the King in the Chapel of St. John by Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General. In her formal request for entrance into novitiate, Natalie recalled significant moments in her life that led her to this request. Mother Miriam, in accepting Natalie's request, welcomed her into this next phase of formation and assured her that the Community will be a strong support as she continues to grow as a religious woman. As is customary, Mother Miriam blessed the habit, veil and cincture with which Natalie would be clothed by Mother Barbara Johnson, FSE, Vicar General. Upon her return to the chapel, dressed in religious garb, Natalie received her religious name from Mother Miriam - Sister Anne Therese. Mother Miriam explained that St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, and St. Therese of Lisieux, a patroness of missionaries, have special significance in Sister's vocation journey and in her heritage. Sister Anne Therese, the daughter of Bandy Unaphum, was raised in Calgary, Alberta, and in Richmond, British Columbia. She attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems. She worked in Finance and Human Resources Management for ten years at the UBC Center for Sustainable Food Systems. At the UBC Center, Sister Anne Therese learned first-hand methods of experimental farming and gardening which she enjoyed. She shared with the Franciscan Community that these experiences have served as rich spiritual analogies during her faith journey, as God tending to [...]

When St. Francis knew he was dying, he asked to be laid naked on the ground at the Portiuncula and there he welcomed Sister Death. With his grieving Brothers surrounding him, he entered eternity singing. Immediately, a flock of swallows circulated above as though they were carrying his soul to heaven. Sister Marie Benedict shares the account of Francis' final moments on earth.

At times, Francis retreated to Mt. La Verna, a high mountain that had been given to him and the Brothers as a place of contemplation. While deep in prayer, suddenly Francis was overcome by what he thought was a vision. Sister Jeanne d'Arc relates this dramatic spiritual experience that marked Francis with the wounds of Christ.

Francis cared lovingly for his Brothers and encouraged those who were ill. In this episode, Sister Marie Benedict explains how Francis related to the individual needs of a Brother, and shares suggestions for how we might imitate his kindness.

Francis' passion to spread the Good News of Christ impelled him to take on a daring mission: to convert the Sultan in Egypt, known for his opposition to Christians. Sister Jeanne d'Arc tells the story.

As a young woman, St. Clare of Assisi became an ardent follower of St. Francis. Under the mentorship of St. Francis, she founded the Second Franciscan Order, the Poor Clares. at San Damiano, the place where St. Francis first heard Christ's call to him to "Go, rebuild My Church!" Sister Marie Benedict shares the dramatic story of the beginning of young Clare's vocation.

Looking for direction for their lives, Francis and his first Brother, Bernard of Quintavalle, decided to go to St. Nicolo Church and open the Gospel three times to see what the Word of God said to them. Sister Jeanne d'Arc Paquette relates the story to us. St. Francis and Bernard moved with alacrity to follow the inspiration from the Gospels.