Franciscan Sisters of Peekskill

Our Sister Giovannina (Reginalda) Gemin went home to God early Wednesday morning, April 21st. Sister spent almost 70 years cooking and managing the kitchen for the Sisters at Mt St Francis and the children of St. Joseph's Home. We depend upon her intercession from her new home in heaven. Wake: Monday, April 26 at 10 am with the funeral Mass at 11. THANK YOU, Sister, for the great example you have shown to so many people.

We invite you to visit our new website: peekskillfranciscans.org We hope you enjoy it!

A Reflection for your Holy Thursday... THE UPPER ROOM It was the season of Passover, the season of remembrance and the season of questioning once again why this night held something different from any other. We had celebrated our Holy Days together twice before, but all of us sensed a tinge of expectation as we looked ahead to the arrival of today’s dusk....Continue reading

NATIONAL VOCATION WEEKDay 6 I am Sister Anne James! But 63 years ago I was Frances Guerin, a senior in high school who with four of my friends loved to hang out with the Franciscan Sisters in my parish and help them doing church work. So much so that my Mom asked many times why I didn’t just move my bed down to the convent! She had no idea what she was asking and I didn’t either, at the time. All I knew was that I liked hanging out with those Sisters. As months went b...y I really liked the joy they always seemed to have and I realized I wanted a piece of that happiness. I guess that was the wish everyone has for themselves! BUT - I began to do something about it. I sent my letter asking Mother Roberta to accept me as a postulant two of my friends did too! On September 8th, 1957 at the age of 17 years and 11 months I entered the Novitiate at Mount Saint Francis and now 63 years later have found my own real joy and happiness in doing the work of the Lord in many varied places teaching middle school for many years, even high school which I never wanted to do, and even going to prison (as a volunteer!). All of these experiences brought their own true joy and happiness and fulfillment! See more

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY to Fr. Reinbold. Sisters, Lay Associates, Villa ladies, and friends and family came together to celebrate with him, and he was able to enjoy his special day!

NATIONAL VOCATION WEEK DAY 5 Sr. Lisa Grace Carlone is a Junior Sister of our province. She has been professed for five years and now will be preparing to make her final commitment of Perpetual Profession as a Franciscan Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart. During non-COVID times, Sister Lisa is a volunteer at the Peekskill office of Birthright, and serves on our staff at Mt. St. Francis and Villa St. Francis as sacristan and switchboard duty. She enjoys reading, music, the outdoors, and helping the older Sisters whenever she is able.

NATIONAL VOCATION WEEK DAY 4 Sr. Peter Francis Nolan, a native of Verplanck, NY entered our Franciscan Sisters in 1959. After teaching grades 2,5, and 6 she was given the opportunity to fulfill one of her early dreams, to become a registered nurse. Sister studied and graduated from St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing and is licensed by the State of New York. After serving for many years in our Sisters’ Infirmary, she worked in 2 area nursing homes, and after retiring she now is on the team of our Infirmary again. Sister also serves as the Treasurer for the Franciscan Province. In her own words: God has been very good and has given me all the graces to meet all of the challenges which he placed before me. Sister Peter Francis is in her 62nd year of religious life and still going strong!

NATIONAL VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK Day 3Sister Anna Maria Not and Sister Gloria Aranguiz Sister Anna Maria, originally from Italy, and Sister Gloria, a native of Chile are responsible for the Franciscan Community Development Center in Fairview, NJ. They are always kept busy with the distribution of food, clothing, and school supplies to the many needy people in their town. During the year they collect hats, coats, and scarfs which they bring to St. Francis of Assisi Church i...n New York City for those on the bread line. In the Christmas season they provide the needy with gifts cards so that they can get a hot drink and a warm meal. They have been especially busy since the arrival of COVID 19 and are working non-stop to prepare food packages for what seems to be an endless number of hungry families. Local merchants have been more than generous in providing nutritious food on a daily basis. Sister Anna Maria is also the Assistant Provincial for the community, and Sister Gloria is a member of the Provincial Council. Both are great examples of women who live the Corporal Works of Mercy. See more

NATIONAL VOCATION WEEK DAY 2 Today we would like to recognize our three Sisters who have returned home to God during this past year. Sister Theresa Ann Kallimanisas we remember Sister Theresa we can’t help but think of someone who had a great passion for little children, music, famous singers, movies, and a strong devotion to our Lady through the rosary. She always showed how much she loved her God, her community, and her family and friends. As she is singing her way thro...ugh heaven, we count on her to remember all of us and intercede for the needs of our congregation. Sister Helen Marie Cahillwe remember Sister Helen Marie as a quiet person who made a lasting impression on so many people through her gentleness and the inspired hymns she wrote and sang while playing her ukulele. Her love of literature showed in her teaching days and the last years of her life centered around God, her family and friends, and her preparations to go home to God. Sister Ann Patrick Boddiea Sister who enjoyed life and was ready and willing to be part of anything that was happening. Her smile, her sense of humor, and her willingness to help out wherever needed were attributes that bring a smile whenever we think of her. Her love of children and teaching the little ones brought much joy to her life as a teacher. We will always remember the valiant fight she fought as she battled her many bouts of cancer, always trusting that God would give her what she needed. We count on her intercession as we continue our journey home to the Father.

NATIONAL VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK Day 1... Sister Julia Marie Kennedy, FMSC Sister Julia Marie Kennedy is our oldest Sister in the St. Francis Province; she is 93 years young and has been a Franciscan Sisters for 63 years. Born in County Kerry, Ireland, Julia, worked at her family’s dairy farm. In 1949 she came to the United States for a three-month visit. During this time her aunt introduced her to Sister Ellen Joseph, who gave her a Novena prayer and suggested that she... pray for a vocation. Her immediate response was: No way am I going to be a nun! but prayed the Novena anyway. In her own words: I guess it worked! Sister taught middle school children for most of her religious life. When she retired from teaching, she was part of our Motherhouse staff, and now lives in our Sisters’ Infirmary where she spends her days praying, talking with her friends, and playing cards with the nursing staff. She is still the life of the party and enjoys a good laugh. It is always a delight to stop and have a wee little chat with our Sister Julia. See more

Reread SLOWLY...let it sink in...

Today is the feast day of St. John Paul II, one the most beloved modern day saints of our Church. JPII, we love you! https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/johnpaulii/ #EWTN #Catholic #JPII #stjohnpaulii

Have a blessed day!

Sister Angelene was our "blesser of animals" during our day of celebrating St. Francis. Dogs, fish, a turtle, and some local squirrels were our audience for the afternoon!

Let us celebrate together, as brothers and sisters, the Feast of St. Francis. Like him, let us be signs of peace and joy to all God's creatures. HAPPY FEAST DAY!