Memorial chimes dedicated to Mother Foundress
MERIDEN, CT (July 2017) – A new structure adorns the gathering space at the entrance of the Chapel of St. John, the Franciscan Sisters' main chapel. A large set of chimes, a gift to the Sisters from the Franciscan Brothers of the Eucharist, now hangs from a wooden frame to greet all who walk to the chapel. The chimes are dedicated as a memorial to Mother Rosemae Pender, FSE, Mother Foundress, who died in June of 2016. The [...]
Celebrating the Sisters’ 50th jubilee of vows
Sister Sarah Doser (left) and Sister Anthony Marie Greving pose with Bishop Peter F. Christensen after the Mass celebrating the Sisters' 50th jubilee of vows. Bishop Christensen was the principal celebrant of the Mass which was attended by parishioners, friends, and families of the Sisters. Sister Anthony Marie renews her vows into the hands of Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Mother General, a traditonal part of the ritual of jubilee celebrations. Bishop Christensen and the jubilarians are surrounded by the Community of Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. Front row, from [...]
Franciscan Apprentice ordained priest for Duluth diocese
DULUTH, MN (06-11-2017) - Deacon Steven Langenbrunner who has been a Franciscan Apprentice of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist for many years, was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 2017 by the Most Reverend Paul Sirba at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Duluth. Bishop Sirba, in introducing the candidates to the crowded audience, said of Deacon Steven, that he is a "spiritual son of St. Francis" and his living of Franciscan spirituality will be a source of life for him in his priesthood. [...]
Sister Jeanne d’Arc Paquette professes first vows
MERIDEN, CT (05-14-2017) - Sister Jeanne d'Arc Paquette professed her first vows of chastity, poverty and obedience for three years during Mass on Sunday, May 14th in the Chapel of St. John. Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Mother General, received the vows and in light of the day's celebration of Mothers' Day, encouraged Sister Jeanne d'Arc to continue her growth in the maternal aspects of her call as a religious woman. The professed Sisters renewed their vows in affirmation of the life of vowed commitment Sister Jeanne [...]
Mother Shaun Vergauwen awarded honorary doctorate
MERIDEN, CT (05-06-2017) - Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Mother General, was honored by Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Cromwell, Connecticut, at its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 6th as the college awarded Mother Shaun an honorary doctorate. The Very Reverend Douglas Mosey, CSB, President-Rector, read aloud the decree citing Mother Shaun's accomplishments in founding, with Mother Rosemae Pender, FSE, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. The decree acknowledged their carrying out a creative vision for religious life in fulfillment of the call of Vatican II for renewal [...]