Monsignor John Bevins celebrates Mass in the Prayer Garden of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, Meriden, Connecticut.
MERIDEN, CT – The Motherhouse Community of Sisters, Brothers, Apprentices and friends gathered in the Prayer Garden on September 11 for a Mass to commemorate the 100th birthday of Mother Rosemae Pender, Mother Foundress. Mother Rosemae died in 2016 and is buried in the cemetery adjacent to the Prayer Garden. Prayers for all those affected by the September 11, 2001 tragic attack on the United States were also included in the Mass.
Monsignor John Bevins celebrated the Mass on a rock altar built in the 1970s in honor of Mother Rosemae, the “rock of the Community.” In his homily, Monsignor Bevins spoke about the solid-as-a-rock foundation laid by Mother Rosemae with the assistance of Mother Shaun Vergauwen, Co-foundress, for the growth of the new religious Community. He commended all those who carry on the legacy of Mother Rosemae to continue their work for the Church in union with her spirit of prayer, joy and dedication.
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Mother Rosemae Pender, FSE
September 11, 1921 – June 26, 2016
