MERIDEN, CT – December 2, 2017 marked the 44th anniversary of foundation for the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist as they commemorated the first Foundation Day on that date in 1973, the First Sunday of Advent. Each year the Sisters celebrate the historic event on the First Sunday of Advent and observe December 2 as a day of prayer and fasting.
By decree of the Vatican’s then-named Sacred Congregation for Religious, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist were established as a separate religious order in the Church, with pontifical status, pending the approval of a Constitution to be submitted in due time. The fifty-five Sisters who formed the founding group were members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. At midnight of December 2, they transitioned to being Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.
Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Co-foundress, lights the Advent wreath at the beginning of the Mass celebrating the 44th anniversary of the FSE Community. Father Douglas Mosey, CSB (right) blessed the wreath, assisted by Deacon Donald Philip.
Franciscan Apprentices, Franciscan Brother and Sisters greet Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Co-foundress (center), after a Mass commemorating the 44th anniversary of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist’s founding.