“Of all the wonderful things in the wonderful universe of God, nothing seems to me more surprising than the planting of a seed in the blank earth and the result thereof.”
— Julie Moir Messervy (landscape architect)
Sister Gracy Kundukulam displays some of the colorful bounty from her small garden at San Damiano Convent in Pittsburgh.
Gifts from God’s Garden
Gardens large and small yield a bounty of blessings for our Sisters and our friends in faith. Whether its fresh produce donated to needy families in the Lehigh Valley through our Monocacy Farm Project or the small batch of ripe tomatoes picked from a single porch-grown vine at Mt. Assisi Place, the earth provides food on our plates and fuel for our spirits amid a pandemic.
A multi-generational group picks produce at the Monocacy Farm Project.
The first batch of colorful tomatoes harvested from Sister Pat Marie's plant.
One-on-One with Our Sisters
As we endure the COVID-19 pandemic and other unrest in our country, our Sisters reflect on what brings them strength and solace, share fond memories, and offer wise words for our friends in faith.
What message would you share with those who feel especially lonely or isolated right now?
“Depending on physical health and strength, develop a hobby of some sort. Keep your body moving, perhaps with a small garden or challenging oneself to learn something new, like computer skills. Or read!”
— Sister Irene Novak

What traditions or activities that made Sundays particularly special in your family home?
“Going to Mass each Sunday with my family, singing in the children's choir, going to afternoon Benediction, and having a pasta meal.”
— Sister Maria Derecola
If you could spend a summer day anywhere without worry, where would it be?
“Summertime always included days at the beach with the family, enjoying the fun of being together in the water and jumping in the waves. Beautiful castles were built in the sand with all kinds of imagination! This would be followed by a wonderful cookout. I would so enjoy being at the beach on vacation with my family, enjoying days that end with watching the sun set over Lake Erie!”
— Sister Georgette Dublino
Gala Goes with the Flow
Our St. Francis Center for Renewal is among the small businesses nationwide that have been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The retreat ministry has responded with online programming and on August 29 will host Coming to America, its 10th Annual Star Struck Gala & Silent Auction, completely online. A bevy of great items will be up for auction beginning at the start of Gala Week on August 24. Get registered by August 20 to take part from the comfort of your own home and be entered into a special prize drawing.
Making Phonics Fun
Sister Rosalia Giba remembers one school year that got off to a very “cool” start: “My favorite back-to-school memory is from when I was teaching grade school. I just loved every minute. I couldn't wait for the first day of school. For weeks before school started, I was busy making art decorating my classroom. I remember one year when I had first grade, I made big igloos and penguins with phonics words on them. It just happened that there was no border above the blackboard, so I used the entire wall from the blackboard to the ceiling. It looked like Antarctica. The look on the faces of those children made all my work worthwhile. And needless to say, they really learned their phonics.”
Golf Outing Canceled
Out of an abundance of caution and due to circumstances beyond our control, the School Sisters of St. Francis have canceled our 22nd annual Golf Outing previously scheduled for August 29. We hope to resume the event next year.
Did You Know?
In addition to fresh produce, our Monocacy Farm Project also has beautiful summer flowers for the picking as part of its Pick-Your Own program. Join us on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Saturdays. Details