In The News

It was with a heavy heart that Sister Diana Lynn Eckel, Congregational Minister of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, shared the news February 13 that Dr. Robert Helmer, President of Lourdes University, will be leaving at the end of the academic year.  He will become President of Baldwin-Wallace College, in Berea, Ohio.  Dr. Helmer has lead Lourdes, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis, for 10 years. read more ...

More than 350 bags of personal hygiene items like toilet paper, soap, toothpaste and shampoo were assembled February 10 into individual family-size bags as the culmination of the two-week Franciscan Village “Have a Heart” Restock Drive.  Six area organizations that help the needy with food, shelter and clothing will each receive more than 60 bags for families. read more ...

As the Sisters of St. Francis we proclaim Our Lady of Lourdes as our patroness Sisters of St. Francis of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes.  We celebrate this day as one of our special community feasts.  You are invited to visit and pray at our Lourdes shrine, built in 1929 in the northwest corner of the grounds of the Franciscan Village.  Join us in the celebration of the Eucharist in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 11. read more ...

In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.  The Diocese of Toledo will celebrate with a Mass at Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on February 12, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. 

Construction of a "guest house" to support the ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania in Haiti began last fall and is coming along on schedule. Sylvania Franciscan Health, the health and human services ministry of the Sisters, is building a two-story, five-bedroom “guest house” that will be used by medical teams and others who come to support this ministry.
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The Sylvania Franciscans have a rich history with art, artifacts, and architecture inside and outside the different buildings on campus. Seven bell-shaped light fixtures are perhaps some of the more unlikely or somewhat obscure items that enhance part of the cloister walk outside of St. Clare Hall at Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio and inside its corridor (there are 4 outside and 3 inside). The 4 outside fixtures have recently been refurbished. They are filigree, with 4 crosses on each, and are solid brass; 24” high and 22” in diameter at the bottom. They had been painted black at some point. Interestingly, there is no history recorded about these fixtures that can be found in the community archives. read more ...

Christians from around the world will join together this week using prayers and resources prepared by Christians in Poland - including representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church and Old Catholic and Protestant Churches. The theme this year, is based on the biblical passage from Corinthians - "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ." read more ...

Trinity Hospital Twin City recently added three leaders to its management team.  One of these new leaders is Sister Dorothy Jayne Krupp, a Sister of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio who was selected to assume the newly created position of Director of Mission Integration/Spiritual Care. read more ...

More than 50 people from around Toledo and as far as Detroit, attended a Human Trafficking Conference on January 11 in the Rosary Care Center on the grounds of the Franciscan Village.  Conducted by STOP, a collaboration of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania and Tiffin, the Notre Dame and Ursuline Sisters, the conference was held on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and emphasized a theme of pastoral responses to this human rights issue from a multi-faith perspective.  read more ...

The week of January 9-14, 2012 celebrates National Vocation Awareness Week.  This special celebration begins with the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus.  Jesus began his public ministry as he stepped out of the waters of the Jordan to the voice of heaven proclaiming him as "beloved".  In what ways do you follow Jesus out of the waters of the Jordan?  How do you use the gifts of the Holy Spirit with which you were baptized?  Read more...

Watch videos of how a few Sylvania Franciscans used their gifts from the Holy Spirit to become a Sister of St. Francis.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Sylvaniafranciscans/videos 

January 1st is celebrated as the beginning of the New Year, a time to begin anew.  Happy New Year!  The Church celebrates this day as the feast of the Solemnity of the Mother of God, the octave day of Christmas.  For Mary, the birth of Christ was the pinnacle and cause of her extraordinary glory.  And for us, through her, we have received the Author of Life.  As Franciscans we have a special devotion to Mary.  The Franciscan Village displays hundreds of images of Mary under many titles.  These images can be found throughout the grounds, a lasting legacy of Mother Mary Adelaide Sandusky, Foundress of the Sylvania Sisters of St. Francis.  All are invited to tour the grounds and delight in the images of Mary. read more ...

Sister Gretchen Faerber was honored recently for her 25 years of ministry by the Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Sisters, Associates, Rosary Care Center residents and staff, partners in ministry, volunteers and friends.  Sister Gretchen was presented with a gift from the Congregation and a reception took place in the Rosary Care Center dining room where guests enjoyed fresh fruit displayed in specially prepared fruit bowls and an anniversary cake. read more ...

Sister Nancy Ferguson and Sister Magdala Davlin were part of the Trinity Health System float in the recent Steubenville, Ohio Christmas parade.  As one of the largest employers in the area, Trinity Health had a float that featured a live Nativity scene and musicians playing songs that reminded people that "Jesus is the reason for the season". read more ...

More than 35 parents and children participated in the recent Franciscan Advent Family program on the grounds of the Franciscan Village.  Attendees heard St. Francis of Assisi tell how he started the tradition of the nativity crib almost 800 years ago as a way to place the emphasis of Christmas on the birth of Christ rather than the secular materialism of gift giving. read more ...

At a surprise assembly, Sister Mary Jo Mike was recently honored for her 20 years as Principal of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary elementary school in Biloxi, Mississippi.  As a tribute for the occasion, a statue of St. Francis of Assisi was erected outside the school building.  read more ...

Approximately 70 people attended the first Advent with Francis event that recently took place.  Each table was set and decorated by the host or hostess assisted by invited guests.  Bethany House, a sponsored ministry of the Sister of St. Francis was the beneficiary of financial donations, Kroger gift cards, toiletries and other Wish List items.  The St. Francis Guild provided two car-loads of toys for the children and families of Bethany. read more ...

Founded on December 8, 1916, the feast day of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Congregation took the name Sisters of St. Francis, Province of the Immaculate Conception.  Under the direction of Mother Mary Adelaide Sandusky, 23 Sisters from Rochester, Minnesota originally came to teach in the Diocese of Toledo schools.  Today, the Sylvania Franciscans minister in 11 states and Haiti. read more ...

More than 200 Sylvania Franciscan Villagers gathered for a buffet meal and then walked from the Franciscan Center to the center of campus where a huge tree decked with hundreds of festive lights was lit.  Villagers gathered around the tree and sang Christmas carols as part of the celebration of this annual event. read more ...

Nicholas dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra (an ancient town in Lycia, Turkey) while still a young man.  Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.  His feast is celebrated around the world on December 6 with treats of small gifts, fruit or nuts, and special Nicholas candles and cookies put in shoes the night before.  St. Nicholas gifts are meant to be shared, not hoarded for oneself.  read more ...

Sylvania Franciscan Sister Nancy Surma recently implemented a Mission Integration Team at Trinity Hospital Twin City in Dennison, Ohio.  Trinity Twin Cities is the newest hospital member of Sylvania Franciscan Health, the sponsored health and human services ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania.  As Vice President of Mission Integration, it is Sister Nancy's role to promote the mission and core values throughout all the organizations that make up Sylvania Franciscan Health. read more ...

The Christmas holidays are a stressed filled time of the year and it's easy to miss the true meaning of this sacred season.  Sylvania Franciscan Sister Karen Zielinski offers tips for a healthier and more balanced Christmas.  Read them in the attached article from the December issue of the St. Anthony Messenger.  read more ...

Sister Rosine Sobczak, Director of the Life Lab of Lourdes University announced that the Life Lab has recently been named a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).  As a Wildlife Habitat, the Life Lab's outdoor garden space is part of a worldwide network of mini-refuges supporting plant and animal life while working to conserve natural resources. read more ...

Sister Nancy Ferguson and Sister Magdala Davlin, along with the Trinity Health System Mission Integration Committee, and the faculty and students from Trinity School of Nursing extended a helping hand October 22 at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh as part of National "Make a Difference" Day.  read more ...

In honor of his friendship with Lourdes President Emerita Sister Ann Francis Klimkowski, OSF, Ph.D., Rabbi Alan Mayor Sokobin, Th.D., D.D., J.D., gave a pro bono lecture as part of the Lifelong Learning program at Lourdes University on November 13, 2011 entitled "Judaism: Survival in a Hostile Sea".  read more ...

The annual Chili & Soup Fundraiser for Women Blessing Women which took place on November 6, 2011 at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, Ohio was a great success!  The Sylvania Franciscans had several delicious entries available and helped serve a record number of people who came to support and taste the diverse array of soups, chili and desserts.  Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to help women age 18 and over living in poverty to achieve success, gain confidence and obtain jobs. read more ...

All Souls' Day is a day of remembrance for friends and loved ones who have passed away.  The official name of the celebration in the Roman Rite liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church is "The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed".  This comes from the ancient Pagan Festival of the Dead, which celebrated the Pagan belief that the souls of the dead would return for a meal with the family.  Candles in the window would guide the souls back home, and another place was set at the table.  Children would come through the village, asking for food to be offered symbolically to the dead, then donate it to feed the hungry. read more ...

Sister Jane Mary Sorosiak’s new 700-piece ceramic mural depicting the miracle of Jesus feeding 4,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish was the feature story on a October 21 TV13 segment called “People, Places and Things”.  Rebecca Reigner, a features reporter to the local ABC outlet in Toledo, interviewed Sister Jane Mary about her most recent commission that was installed on the south wall of the new Lourdes University Dining Hall.  Read more... 

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Portiuncula Chapel located on the grounds of the Sylvania Franciscan Village, the Catholic Chronicle recently published a story and video on their website.  The Chronicle, the official news publication for the Diocese of Toledo, conducted interviews with Sister M. Jeremias Stinson, Superintendent of Environmental Stewardship, Gardens, Shrines and Woodland Management, and Sister Barbara Vano, Director of Campus Ministry for Lourdes University and a resident expert of Franciscan history.  The chapel is a replica of the one in Assisi, Italy, known as the birthplace of the Franciscan Order.  To read the story and watch the video, click read more ...

Roman Catholicism and Islam are worldwide religions with histories spanning over 1,500 years.  Out of 6.7 billion people worldwide, over 1 billion are Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Catholic and over 1 billion are Muslim, so it is important to understand these two religions.  In 2007, Pope Benedict stressed that the path to true dialogue lies in "effective respect for the dignity of every human person, on objective knowledge of the religion of the other, on the sharing of religious experience and, finally, on common commitment to promoting mutual respect and acceptance among the younger generation."  To meet this end, a Catholic-Muslim Dialogue was sponsored by the Lourdes Arab American Student Association (LAASA) on September 15, 2011.  Sylvania Franciscan Sister Barbara Vano took part in this dialogue in part 1 of 3.  read more ...

The Leadership Team for the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania recently traveled to Centerville, Ohio to participate in the dedication of a Wellness Center at the St. Leonard Franciscan Living Community.  The 22,000-square foot Franciscan Center is part of the St. Leonard continuing care retirement community, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis.  read more ...

Sister Nancy Ferguson and Sister M. Magdala Davlin, both ministering at the Trinity Health System in Wintersville, Ohio, represented the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio at the October 14 Vocation Fair in Steubenville, Ohio.  Conducted in conjunction with Religious Vocations Awareness Day, the vocation fair had more than 100 religious congregations from around North America exhibiting.  read more ...

If you are used to coming to Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel or All Good Things, the art and gift shop located in Madonna Hall , by taking the driveway off Convent Boulevard closest to the railroad tracks you will have to use another route.  Effective October 17, that road closed at Rosary Care Center for construction of Our Lady of Grace Hall, the 17-unit assisted living facility being built for the Sisters of St. Francis.

To get to Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, All Good Things, Regina Hall or any of the offices in Umbria Hall, you can use the entrance further west on Convent Boulevard by the Franciscan Center.  Turn left at the first stop sign, right at the second stop sign and follow the road on the north side of the grounds that takes you by the statue of St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio (on the right) and Portiuncula Chapel (on the left).  You can either park in the lot next to Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel or in the circle drive that goes in front of Umbria Hall.  Construction of the assisted living facility is expected to be completed in June, 2012 and the road will reopen at that time. 

Approximately 200 people gathered at the Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center Saturday, October 15, 2011 to celebrate the Sylvania Franciscan presence in Haiti with a wonderful evening of music and dance.  Guests enjoyed original piano selections composed by pianist, Sally Drennan Mossing accompanied by Rini Ng, cellist and Carolyn Loebig, flutist.  Haitian Folkloric Dancers brought some of the beautiful and gentle Haitian culture alive while the Sylvania Franciscan Chorus concluded the evening with a special song of peace and a Franciscan song of blessing.  read more ...

In the Roman Catholic tradition, the month of October is a time when the prayer known as the Rosary is highlighted.  First used in the 13th century, a rosary is a string of beads with a crucifix used for prayer and reflection on the life of Jesus, especially as seen and experienced by his mother, Mary.  For more information on the rosary as a form of prayer, go to the following links:

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture//liturgicalyear/overviews/months/10_1.cfm

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Audrey Bagnowski, a Sylvania Franciscan Associate, was chosen as one of two Michigan state employees to receive a 2011 Michigan Rehabilitation Services Employee Champion Award on October 4, 2011. read more ...

October 4 was the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order of women and men religious, of which the Sylvania Franciscan Sisters are a member.  In honor of their patron saint, who was known for his love of nature, the Franciscan Academy of Lourdes University held a blessing of the animals.  The Sisters celebrated with dinner in the Rosary Care dining room and Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. read more ...

Sister Paula Blevins, a member of the Tri-State Community Band, honored the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks by playing in a concert Sunday afternoon in the Steubenville, Ohio amphitheater.  Sister Paula, who is a supervisor of the Microbiology Lab at Trinity Health System in Steubenville, has played clarinet in the band since 1982.  read more ...

Associate members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio and their Companion Sisters gathered for their annual retreat on Saturday, September 10, 2011.  The theme of the retreat was, "Jesus, Our Daily Companion" and was led by Sister Shannon Schrein, OSF, Ph.D., Chair of Theological Studies at Lourdes University. read more ...

Over 300 people gathered to celebrate, support, and honor the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio at their 12th Annual Fundraising Gala which took place on September 24, 2011 on the grounds of the Sylvania Franciscan Village read more ...

September 11 marks the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America.  Elaborate memorials have been constructed, or are under construction, at the three sites where hijackers intentionally crashed four airliners on that fateful day.  All over the United States people will unite and gather together to take solace in their memories and the hope and ideal of what America stands for.  The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio offer their prayers for continued healing and hope on this sacred day of remembrance.  read more ...

Sylvania Franciscan Sister Joan Jurski was recently named Director of Franciscan Spirituality Experiences for the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio.  In this newly-created position, Sister Joan will look for opportunities to share the Franciscan values with an expanded audience of people in and beyond the Sylvania Franciscan Village who want to enhance their spiritual life.  read more ...

Sylvania Franciscan Health, the health and human services sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, moved out of their offices in Umbria Hall on August 26.  They had been located on the second floor of Umbria since their inception in 1984.  They are moving to make room for Sisters who will be relocated from Regina Hall, which is scheduled for renovation later this year to make room for Lourdes University offices.  A group of Sisters and staff from the three entities gathered last Friday morning in the Madonna Hall parlor to wish them well in their new location.  read more ...

The St. Francis Guild held a late summer gathering on August 28, 2011 in the Evergreen Room at Rosary Care Center in the Sylvania Franciscan Village.  Guild members enjoyed time renewing friendships and visiting, as well as playing games, taking part in a 50/50 raffle for a beautiful quilt made by residents of Rosary Care Center, and sharing a meal together. read more ...

Lourdes College officially changed its name to Lourdes University at the Academic Convocation on August 19, 2011.  Lourdes has grown in many ways over the years most recently adding to its master's degree program offerings and off-site programs that are more characteristic of a university than a college.  This university status will significantly enhance Lourdes' strong values, clarity of purpose, and directness of intent.  Lourdes University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. read more ...

Friday, August 19, 2011 was a time of great excitement mixed with some anxiety for the new residential students of Lourdes University.  Friday was "Move-In Day" at Lourdes Commons! read more ...

Madrid, Spain will host World Youth Day from August 15-21, 2011.  For Catholics, it is one of the world's most exciting events.  World Youth Day is responsible for the upsurge in Catholic youth work in many countries, including the United States. Although the Sylvania Franciscans could not be in Madrid, Spain to celebrate with the youth of our world, we join the many thousands in prayer and powerful energy, and go forward to share the message of Jesus Christ. read more ...

The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio have selected Mayor Craig A. Stough, of Sylvania, Ohio, to receive the 2011 St. Francis Award and Gayle Lampkowski, of Ottawa Lake, Michigan, to receive the 2011 St. Clare Award.  Recipients of these two awards are selected for their unique and exemplary contributions to society and modeling Franciscan values in their everyday lifes.  read more ...

Sister Ann Carmen Barone, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, recently received the 2011 Franciscan Federation Award.  Sister Ann Carmen was one of more than a dozen nominations from her community and received the award at the Federation's Annual Conference July 29, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. read more ...

Today, August 11, is the feast day of St. Clare of Assisi.  Clare was the co-foundress of the Order of Poor Ladies, or Clares, and the first Abbess of San Damiano.  She led the order of Poor Clares for nearly 40 years through a life of service and absolute poverty, yet with a joyous spirit of mystical union with Christ.  Many miracles were attributed to her, and Francis of Assisi himself turned to her for guidance when he doubted his ministry. 

Clare established a Franciscan life of religious joy and devotion for women that allowed them to express their love in purity and humility.  She was the first woman to write her own Rule for a monastic house, determinedly avoiding the domination of many bishops and several popes who attempted to change her steadfast devotion to poverty.  Through her missionaries and letter writing, she is credited with inspiring the establishment of 22 monastic houses and was affiliated with 110 convents altogether.  read more ...

Five Sylvania Franciscan Sisters spent the day on August 7, 2011 celebrating their Catholic faith and Christian life with over 20,000 people who hold similar values and focus.  "The Fest", sponsored and organized for the past 11 years by the Diocese of Cleveland, is an annual Diocesan Family Festival.  This year's theme was "Hearts on Fire." read more ...

Approximately 40 people showed up Saturday morning, August 6, 2011 at the Sylvania Franciscan Village for the start of the MultiFaith GROWS Faith Garden Summer Tour.  The tour began at the polyhouse (the Congregation's year round garden) and the outside garden (Garden for the Poor).  Sister Jeremias Stinson and Sister Grace Ellen Urban briefly explained how the polyhouse works and what they have been able to grow year round.  Plans for attempting to grow fruit trees and bushes were also shared. read more ...

Enjoying a late summer's afternoon, approximately 45 Sisters of St. Francis and Associate members came together on Saturday, August 6, 2011, for their annual picnic at the Motherhouse of the Sylvania Franciscan Congregation located in the Sylvania Franciscan Village. read more ...

Sister Nancy Linenkugel, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, was recently appointed chair of the Xavier University, Cincinnati, Department of Health Services Administration.  She will begin her new ministry on August 16, 2011 and is an alumna of the program, having received her master's in Hospital & Health Administration from Xavier in 1980. read more ...

Portiuncula, Italian for "little portion," is a small chapel nestled on the 89 acre grounds of the Sylvania Franciscan Village.  It was built by the Sisters of St. Francis between 1935 and 1936 as an offering of thanksgiving for surviving the difficult economic times of the Depression.  The Chapel has become a place for prayer and reflection for Sisters and visitors alike.  On August 2, 2011, the Portiuncula celebrated its 75th Anniversary on the Sylvania Franciscan campus with Mass and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. read more ...

The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio along with Sylvania Franciscan Village representatives Lourdes College, Sylvania Franciscan Academy and All Good Things had display tables at the Exclaim! 2011 festival.  Approximately 5,000 area Catholics and Christians attended the all-day event.  read more ...

For the first time in a number of years, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio held a summer service opportunity called "Step-Up...Step-In."  The program is designed for Catholic single women ages 18-45, who desire to be more involved in making a difference in our world.  This year one recent high school graduate stepped up and expanded her knowledge about service, prayer, faith, and the Sisters of St. Francis. read more ...

The life and work of Sister Dorothy Sienko, OSF, who died March 6, 2010, was memorialized at Trinity Medical Center East in Steubenville, Ohio at a plaque dedication where Monsignor Kurt Kemo presided over the ceremony held in the Trinity East Chapel.  read more ...

The Sisters of St. Francis and their sponsored ministry, Sylvania Franciscan Health (SFH), officially broke ground for an assisted living building that will be adjoined to Rosary Care Center (RCC).  The new facility will consist of 17-units and is scheduled to be ready for use in the summer of 2012. read more ...

After more that 30 years as a ceramic artist, Sister Jane Mary Sorosiak shows no signs of slowing down. Sister Jane Mary and Sister Margaret Hall recently traveled to St. Leonard's retirement community in Centerville, Ohio to oversee the installation of the Sister's news ceramic work. read more ...

The 89 acres of the Sylvania Franciscan Village campus, which is "home" to the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, hold many memories and traditions.  In times past many of the Sisters would be "home" for the summer and looking for ways to celebrate with one another.  What better way to beat the heat than with a cool scoop of ice cream and a chance to share stories! read more ...

Every fall, millions of Monarch butterflies migrate from the north to areas in Mexico and the southern United States where they hibernate through the winter months.  Monarch migration is truly one of the world's greatest natural wonders, yet it is being threatened by habitat and plant loss in North America.  In order to combat threats to the Monarch butterfly, waystations are being established across the continent - Lourdes College's Life Lab has recently been approved as one of Ohio's Monarch Waystations by the Monarch Watch organization.  read more ...

Sister Antoinette Dudek, OSF made her final commitment to the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio on June 26, 2011.  Sister Antoinette professed final vows in a special ceremony in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel.  Final profession is an acknowledgement that God owns everything we are and everything we have and that we are simply stewards of the life and resources God has given us; it is also a commitment to God and an acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as the center of one's life and the source of love for God and everyone else. read more ...

Thirteen Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio renewed their vows and celebrated a combined total of 725 years of dedicated service as consecrated religous to the Church and God's people on June 25, 2011 at a special Mass of celebration in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel.  May they have the grace to witness more celebrations in the years to come and experience the closeness of the presence of God in their lives always.  read more ...

The Sisters of St. Francis are meeting June 21 - 24 at their motherhouse in Sylvania, Ohio for their once-every-four years General Assembly.  Sisters from ministries around the country are coming to meet and discuss their missioin, charism and life together as a Congregation.  The theme for this Assembly is Refounding: Transforming into our Franciscan Future.  Chapter delegates will be chosen in preparation for the election of a new Leadership team next spring.  

Sylvania Franciscan Sister Ann Francis Klimkowski received the Centenary Award from Toledo Bishop Leonard Blair June 12 at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral for her outstanding service. read more ...

Sister Mary Thill, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, was recognized for her outstanding work in the civic and Church community on June 12 in a ceremony conducted by Bishop Leonard Blair in Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Toledo. read more ...

The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio recently received a $9,000 grant from SOAR! (Support Our Aging Religious) to purchase lift chairs for residents in Rosary Care Center (RCC), the long-term care facility for women and men religious located in the Sylvania Franciscan Village.

This is the 11th grant, for a total of $141,141 the Sisters have received from SOAR! a Washington, D.C. based non-profit begun in 1986 to help Catholic religious and clergy throughout the United States and Puerto Rico maintain financial stability in the care of their elderly and infirmed members.  For more information, go to www.soar-usa.org                                                                     read more ...

Sylvania Franciscan Sister Mary Jo Mike was recently named Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Franciscan Services Corporation (FSC).  She was appointed by the Congregational Minister and General Counsel of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio and has replaced Dr. John J. Hall, a retired physician from Bryan/College Station, Texas.

FSC was established in 1984 and is the formal expression of the sponsored health and human services ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. FSC member organizations, located in Ohio, Texas, and Kentucky, include five hospitals, seven long-term care facilities, four assisted living facilities, independent senior houseing, a counseling center, and a long-term shelter for victims of domestic violence.

Sister May Jo has been a member of the FSC Board since 2004.  She is the Principal of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Elementary School in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she has ministered for 20 years. "We are delighted and proud that Sister Mary Jo has been selected for this important position," said Sister Diana Lynn Eckel, Congregational Minister for the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania. "This speaks strongly about our relationship with our lay partners.  She has the experience and skills to work with the Board to move the system forward."