“Holy Week is a
privileged time when
we are called to draw
near to Jesus; friendship with Him is shown
in times of difficulty.”
— Pope Francis

“Easter is the only
time when it is perfectly safe to put all your
eggs in one basket.”
— Evan Esar (Humorist)
Enjoy a little humor for Easter & March Madness

What does the Easter Bunny get for making a basket?

Two points, just like everyone else!
Easters of Yesteryear
Holy Week and Easter were sacred in my family. The days of Holy Week were spent window washing and doing a thorough cleaning. The Easter services were cherished. On Holy Thursday after Mass, we visited the area churches to pray, and Good Friday meant no radio at all and absolute silence from 12 to 3 p.m., then services at Church. No one touched any candy or the Italian Easter Pie until after the Easter Vigil service. Our traditional Easter foods were the Italian meat and cheese pie, egg bread and roasted lamb with, of course, homemade manicotti, ravioli or lasagna!
— Sister Frances Marie Duncan
 
As a 9-year-old, I was deeply impressed when Sister said that it would be the ultimate act of love to keep silence on Good Friday from noon to 3 o’clock. I was sure I could do this. However, I knew my brother would try to get me to talk. My Aunt suggested I take my books and paper dolls down to the cellar, and she would keep my brother away. Fine. I spent 12 to 3 p.m. in perfect silence. Boy, was I going to get a big jewel in my crown in heaven! Just one little problem — in those days, the Easter ham had to be cooked. The roaster was in the cellar, and I had become good friends with it during my great silence. I kept my promise to the Lord as I nibbled ham on, of all days, Good Friday!
— Sister Barbara Ann Webster
Throughout Women’s History Month, our alumnae have honored members of the School Sisters of St. Francis who touched their lives back then and who they consider to have been especially influential in who they are now.
Women of Strength
& Influence
A 1971 St. Francis Academy grad
pays tribute to teachers who became lifelong friends and role models
Stirring Her Skills
& Self-Esteem
A 1966 Mount Assisi Academy alum recalls a Sister’s enduring influence
on her confidence and career
We have received so many wonderful responses that this series will continue into April. Do you have a Sister Story to share? Submit it through our Alumnae Portal.
Of Mary Magdalene
& Colorful Easter Eggs
Just in time for Easter, our own Sister Nancy Celaschi delves into the enduring legend of the first witness to the Resurrection and how she inspired the egg-coloring tradition we still practice today.
Never Underestimate
Your Own Influence
Sometimes we look at women who have touched our lives but forget that we, too, have impacted others. I worked at Harborcreek Youth Services near Erie, Pa., a home for troubled boys. Before Mother’s Day, I had the boys write the names of their mothers or someone who was like a mother to them. After Mass, I found my name in the box a number of times. Years later, I was walking carefully over what looked like ice on the way to the church door. I heard someone running behind me, rushing to open the door for me. I thanked him and told him that someone had trained him well. “You did,” he responded. “I was in Harborcreek.” The true blessing is that he was still attending Mass!
— Sister Roselyn Kuzma
Enriching Easter
Open your heart to God’s message of love when you join Sister Marguerite Stewart for Simply Prayer: He is Not Here ... He is Risen! at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6. The program will be conducted entirely online through Zoom. Freewill offerings accepted.
A Grace Beyond Compare
An excerpt from “Living Lent” by Sister Karen Buco
 
Days passed and with your Apostles a last meal you did lovingly share,
giving with love, your own Body and Blood; a grace beyond compare.
To stay with us always you did this great and so wondrous a thing,
that we might receive many graces and blessings that you bring.
 
Your life also would be given with love, for three hours you hung upon the tree,
asking your Father from above to forgive our sins; to look kindly on others and me.
Since you have done your Father’s holy will, new life to mankind your death fulfilled.
Now gently taking you down from the cross, your Mother and friends shared the loss.