Motherhouse Chapel of St. John celebrates new Holy Father
MERIDEN, CT (05-08-2025) - The Chapel of St. John at the Franciscan Sisters' motherhouse saw an immediate change as the white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, signifying a new pope had been elected. Brother Leo Maneri, Franciscan Brother of the Eucharist (pictured on ladder), and Land Care Assistant Frank Critelli, with the help of Sister Monica Navalta, FSE were at the ready to change the bunting over the main entrance of the chapel from the black mourning cloth to a [...]
FSE Community joins the Church and the world in prayers for Pope Francis
MERIDEN, CT (04-21-2025) - The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist join millions of people around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis. We pray the Blessing of St. Francis of Assisi that our Holy Father will be welcomed into the joy of eternal life after a faithful and loving life of service to the Church. May the Lord bless and protect you May the Lord shine his merciful eyes upon you May he show His countenance to you And give you peace. May [...]
Sister Judith Gebelein, FSE, beloved nurse, enters eternal life
FALLS CHURCH, VA (03-04-2025) - Sister Judith Gebelein, FSE entered eternal life today at Virginia Hospital in Arlington, following an acute respiratory complication. Her Community of Sisters kept vigil in prayer with her as Sister Judith prepared to be welcomed into her eternal home. Sister Judith has lived at the FSE Falls Church center since 2006 when the Sisters first began ministering in the Diocese of Arlington at the invitation of the Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde. Prior to being assigned to Falls Church, Sister [...]
Pope Francis appoints Sister Raffaella Petrini as President of the Governorate of Vatican City State
ROME (02-15-2025) - Pope Francis announced today the appointment of Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE as President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and President of the Governorate of Vatican City State. We Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, as a Community dedicated to serving the Holy Father and the Church, offer Sister Raffaella our prayerful support as she assumes this new mission for the Church. The announcement published on Vatican News states: Pope Francis has appointed Sister Raffaella [...]
Sisters join thousands of pro-life advocates at National March for Life
WASHINGTON, DC (01-24-2025) - Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist from Meriden, Connecticut, Lewiston, Maine, Falls Church, Virginia, and Boynton Beach, Florida centers joined thousands of pro-life supporters for the National March for Life in Washington, DC. The theme for the 2025 March is "Life: Why We March." The Connecticut Sisters participated in the Archdiocese of Hartford's Respect Life Ministry pilgrimage to the nation's capitol to witness to the dignity of human life. The busload, comprised of priests, religious men and women, lay faithful adults and [...]
Sister in Jerusalem featured for her work with migrants and asylum seekers
JERUSALEM - Sister Maria David Magbanua, FSE, was highlighted in a recent National Catholic Reporter's Global Sisters Report for her service with the children of migrants and asylum seekers in Jerusalem. Sister Maria David has been the director of St. Rachel Center for the past three years, carrying out this ministry under the auspices of the Latin Patriarchate's Vicariate for Migrants and Asylum Seekers. St. Rachel Center provides services as a day care program, after school and youth programs, [...]