Sylvania Franciscans celebrate 93 years |
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Thursday, 31 December 2009 14:06 |
SYLVANIA—The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania celebrated the 93rd anniversary of the founding of the congregation Dec. 8.
Responding to a request in 1916 from then Toledo Bishop Joseph Schrembs to serve as teachers for the Polish immigrants in the diocese, the Rochester Franciscans sent 23 teachers to staff three area schools. A year later, the sisters purchased 89 acres in Sylvania, where they established their motherhouse. A year after that a flu epidemic caused the sisters to branch out into health care.
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| The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio celebrated its 93rd anniversary as a women’s religious community Dec. 8, 2009. Established in 1916 to staff three schools in the Diocese of Toledo, the Sylvania Franciscans now minister in 12 states and the island country of Haiti. Enjoying the anniversary celebration are, from left, Sister Cecile D. Glodek, Sister M. Marguerite Polcyn and Sister Nancy Ann Johnson. (Photo courtesy of Sylvania Franciscan Sisters) |
Today, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania serve in 12 states and the island country of Haiti ministering in education, social work, health and human services, religious, parish and spiritual direction.
In honor of the occasion, the sisters gathered in their dining room to celebrate and then attended Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel to give thanks for the past and reflect on the future.
Sister Mary Jon Wagner, assistant congregational minister, spoke to the gathering and invoked a favorite prayer of Mother Adelaide Sandusky, foundress of the Congregation:
“Dear Lord, grant that all may become holy religious, serve you with a spirit of zeal and self-sacrifice, persevere and keep well, and have a spirit of peace and harmony in our community.”
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Last Updated on Thursday, 31 December 2009 14:06 |
