MERIDEN, CT (03-10-2024) – “The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist are a blessing for the Archdiocese of Hartford engaged in so many diverse ministries. It seems fitting that as you have recently celebrated 50 years as a Pontifical Religious Order of Women that the Archdiocese of Hartford would also recognize this great milestone,” wrote The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of Hartford, in a letter to Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General, and to Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Co-foundress.

The Archbishop continued, “I am pleased to inform you both that the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist have been chosen as one of the recipients of the Twenty-Third Annual Saint Joseph Archdiocesan Medal of Appreciation. This medal is presented in recognition of dedicated service to parishes of the Archdiocese of Hartford. However, this year I wish to present a medal to you, on behalf of your entire community, to recognize your outstanding service to the Archdiocese itself.”

The Saint Joseph Medal of Appreciation ceremony which included Daytime Prayer, Benediction and presentation of awards, was held March 10 at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Hartford. Filled to capacity, the Mother Church of the Archdiocese seated numerous priests, hundreds of parishioners, family members of award recipients, the Meriden Franciscan Community and the FSE General Council. Archbishop Blair presided with Coadjutor Archbishop Christopher Coyne and Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miquel Betancourt in attendance.

The Saint Joseph Medal of Appreciation was given to lay persons recommended by their pastors, representing 89 parishes. The Saint Joseph Archdiocesan Outstanding Service Award was presented to five lay professionals and Mother Miriam and Mother Shaun.

In this year of celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, the Franciscan Sisters are grateful for the award of recognition and gratitude from the Archdiocese to the Community in the persons of Mother Miriam and Mother Shaun.

The livestreamed video of the event can be viewed at the Archdiocese Facebook account.

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