ALLEGANY, N.Y. — The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany honored Holy Name Province at their anniversary event April 24 here. Provincial MinisterJohn O’Connor, OFM, was the keynote speaker.
The evening, which was a public celebration of the Sisters’ 150th anniversary, began with Mass and a reading of the Sisters’ history at St. Elizabeth’s Motherhouse in Allegany.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Edward Kmeic, of Buffalo, and concelebrated by John and Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM, along with local parish priests and friars. Fr. Robert, Provincial Minister of Immaculate Conception Province, gave a homily honoring the Allegany Sisters.
The service was streamed live on the Internet to sisters in the motherhouse, as well as to Allegany Sisters’ mission sites around the world.
Mary Jane Telford, member of the 150th Anniversary Planning Committee and program coordinator of the evening, described the Mass as beautiful, with the chapel full of Franciscan sisters, friars and friends. The staff member of nearby St. Bonaventure University added that Robert Campagna’s homily was “wonderful.”
The service was followed by a social hour and dinner at Premier Banquet Center in Olean, N.Y. The dinner was attended by more than 335 people, including approximately 100 Franciscan sisters from Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica, and United States.
Distinguished Partner in Ministry Awards were presented to 10 groups and individuals, including Holy Name Province. St. Bonaventure University and Immaculate Conception Province also received awards.
The evening, which Associate Minister Sr. Mary Lou Lafferty, OSF, said was “wonderful” and “truly Franciscan,” concluded with the sisters singing a Franciscan blessing to the attendees.
John said he enjoyed the anniversary celebration of a Franciscan community that has a long association with Holy Name Province.
The Allegany Sisters will complete their celebration of the 150th anniversary on Aug. 2, 2009.
Shown in the photo with John O’Connor is Sr. Patricia Reid, OSF, councilor and member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany Congragational Leadership.