In This Issue
Allegany Franciscans Website
FSA Jamaica Website
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UPCOMING MEETINGS

CL Meetings
July 11, July 26, August 15
 
Annual Meetings with Sponsored and Congregation Ministries
June 26-30, Allegany
 
Franciscan Spirituality
July 7-9 St. Clare's, Tampa

Assembly Planning Committee (APC) Meeting
July 17 via Zoom
 
LCWR Assembly
August 8-12, Orlando, FL

Issue 5.12
June 26, 2017
Live  Laudato Si

Answering Pope Francis' urgent call in Laudato Si

I pledge to:
* Pray for and with creation
* Live more simply
* Advocate to protect our common home

Sign the pledge at livelaudatosi.org
Franciscan Federation Conference
By: Margaret Magee OSF

   The 2017 Annual Franciscan Federation Conference was held at the Adam's Mark Hotel, Buffalo, NY, from June 16 to 19. The theme of this year's conference was "Bonaventure's Journey into God: Franciscan Inspiration for the 21st Century."
   Conference presenters Fr. Andr é Cirino OFM (Immaculate Conception Province) and Secular Franciscan, Josef Raischl OFS, gave an overview of the life, ministry, and theology of the 7th General Minister of the Order, St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio.
   Many years ago, Andr é and Josef developed a retreat experience on Bonaventure's classic manuscript: Itinerarium Mentis in Deum (the Souls Journey into God). Their conference presentations focused on the highlights of this retreat and many of their  writing s on this work and its meaning for us today. André also made an insightful presentation on Bonaventure's writing, Five Feasts of the Infant Jesus.
    The third presenter, Joanne Schatzlein OFS  (Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, Milwaukee, Wisconsin), shared on two topics, An Encounter with the Mystical Christ, and A Sense-able Approach to Bonaventure for Today. Watch the Federation website, www.franfed.org, for printable copies of these presentations.  Click here for the Federation Press Release with information on the JPIC Resolutions. 
 
   Mark your calendar for the next Annual Federation Conference  which will again be at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Buffalo, NY from June 11-14, 2018.

Intercultural Formation and Vocation Meeting

   In January 2014, an Intercultural Formation and Vocation Meeting (ICF) brought together in Tampa our sisters in leadership and these ministries (from Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica and United States). The goals of the recent ICF gathering in Kingston, JA were relationship-building, strengthening a sense of the unity in our diversity, viewing these ministries in light of Franciscan-Clarian spirituality/charism today, and finding ways to continue in collaboration.
   Sr. Anne Amati, OSF (Aston Franciscan) led us in a retreat day of reflection and sharing.   She also facilitated our exchange of ideas, concerns, etc.  Translators were most helpful. The following commentary was offered by Sisters Elvira Donaldson and Maria Miranda (La Paz, Bolivia).                                        

 Lucy Cardet, OSF


COMING TOGETHER IN FRATERNAL WELCOME   
   Our Intercultural Vocation and Formation Gathering of FSA which took place on May 20 -23 at Immaculate Conception Convent in Jamaica was one of listening and sharing our concerns regarding Consecrated Life.
   We believe, that as Religious, we are called to the encounter, that is, to "be the encounter" with Jesus and with brothers/sisters.  Our experience was one of a fraternal gathering with the taste of friendship, welcome, listening and generous service. 
   Since our arrival in Jamaica, we felt the warm hospitality of our sisters, making us feel AT HOME, and in so doing, reflecting the gift of our Charism, which is so characteristic of the Alleganies.  Likewise, we take this opportunity to highlight the collaborative working together of the organizers who knew how to create this space of encounter [coming together] and enriching dialogue.
   May the shared search for the love of God in our personal and Congregational life be the strength for continuing in our journey, with our identity brought together in the diversity of who we are.

Lourdes CEO Receives Prestigious Medical Award
Submitted by: Patricia Shirley OSF, Healthcare Coordinator  

 Alexander Hatala, the President and CEO of Lourdes Health System, has received the prestigious "Outstanding Healthcare Executive Award" given by the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Awards and MDAdvantage.
   Mr. Hatala joined the Lourdes Health System in 1986, and has overseen the transition of Lourdes into one of the leading health systems in the region, with the Lourdes cardiovascular program being recognized as one of the best in the nation. 
   The Outstanding Healthcare Executive Award recognizes "an executive in a healthcare-related organization or field who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the enhancement of patient care and medical practice in New Jersey." Mr. Hatala received his award during a recognition dinner on May 3, 2017.
 
Clergy/Religious Appreciation Dinner
By: Joan Carberry OSF   

   The Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes of St Paul's Parish, St Petersburg, held their annual Clergy/Religious Appreciation Dinner on June 10. The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany were recognized for their commitment and years of service to the parish, school and the community.
   Recognized from St. Paul's were Kathleen Stagnaro and Joan Carberry. Marita Flynn, Margaret Mary Foley, and Mary McNally were recognized from St. Anthony's Hospital and visiting from Allegany, Sister Margaret Magee. 



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July 5, 2017 - July e-newsletter
PLEASE NOTE: Due to scheduling conflicts, there will be ONE e-newsletter in July (released on July 10). The next newsletter will be released on August 14. Thank you!