SISTER NORBERTA KRALOSKY
“There is so much I am thankful for that it’s hard to know where to begin. I often think how lucky I am for being here at this point in my old age. Every day something else hurts, however, our very efficient nurses (at Mt. Assisi Place) always know what to do to take away the pain. Then there are good cooks who always have foods that I like and happy servers that bring it to my place at the table. What I like most is that there are many smiling faces I meet on the way to and from the dining room. Everyone seems so happy all the time. What more could I ask for in my old age? There are many other nice blessings about being here, but I thank God every day that I am well taken care of.”
SISTER GEORGETTE DUBLINO
“The unprecedented experience of the pandemic has shown me what I have taken for granted. Surely, there have been moments of unhappiness because of restrictions. But the gift of time has revealed what really is meaningful in my life as a woman religious — my Sisters; time to deepen my prayer; time to be present and helpful in my own Community; time to be mindful of Sisters near and far, especially on their special days; and time to share with my family and friends, especially the lonely and suffering. My life has become centered not on happiness, but on what has made my life more meaningful that was not so possible before all this came to be. How very blessed I have been!”
SISTER JEAN MAKOVSKY
“I am working very hard each day to develop an attitude of gratitude I am so grateful for the gift of my family and their love. I am blessed with so many beautiful people God has put into my life. I also am grateful for our many special caregivers. Thank you for all your kindnesses to so many.”
A Gathering of Gratitude
AS WE CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING ANd begin to PREPARE OUR HEARTS FOR ADVENT, OUR SISTERS REFLECT ON THEIR SPECIAL BLESSINGS
SISTERS OF MONOCACY MANOR, THIRD FLOOR
Sisters Francine Garganta, Marie Bernadette Kelleher, Ann Marie Yenca, M. Virginelle Makos, Marguerite Stewart, Mary Martha Zammatore, Anita Kuchera and Barbara Destefano — who all live on the third floor of Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. — got together and made a list of things for which they are grateful:
That a vaccine was made to combat COVID
That we were able to receive Eucharist during COVID
That we had more time for prayer and contemplation
Our religious vocations
At Monocacy, we have a balance — the beauty of the grounds, our life shared in Community, and time for solitude
The gift of the sacraments
The beauty of Creation
In the midst of the challenges of change, we can rely on God’s Providence
Use of our property to serve St. Francis Center for Renewal, Retreat Center, Kolbe Academy, Lehigh Valley Child Care, Chrysostom Academy, and Monocacy Farm Project
Our farm as means to sow “the seeds of faith”
Our caregivers, employees, Associates and benefactors
Sister Marguerite Stewart
Sister M. Virginelle Makos
Sister Mary Martha Zammatore
Sister Ann Marie Yenca
Sister Barbara DeStefano
Sister Marie Bernadette Kelleher
Sister Anita Kuchera
Sister Francine Garganta
Sister Irene Novak
Sister Anne Kutch
Sister Marietta Bankos
Sister Rosaria Shina
Sister Amata Shina
Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger
the villa clare community
The Sisters who reside in Villa Clare at Monocacy Manor take stock of their many blessings:
Sister Rosaria Shina — “I am thankful for life!”
Sister Irene Novak — “I am grateful for the visible evidence of God’s Providence in the loving care we receive each day.”
Sister Jean Makovsky — “I am blessed to have plenty of contemplative time for prayer and reflection.”
Sister Anne Kutch — “I thank God for family, friends and each other.”
Sister Amata Shina — “I am thankful for how invigorating and encouraging it is to enjoy the presence of the Sisters in community.”
Sister Marietta Bankos — “We are blessed by our loving and compassionate healthcare aides.”
Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger — “I am grateful for the many grace-filled opportunities to give lovingly and to receive gratefully.”
SISTER ADELINA GARCIA
“I am thankful for the gift of life. I have been so blessed by so many people and so many opportunities. I always say, ‘I am God's spoiled child.’”
SISTER GRACY KUNDUKULAM
“I am thankful for almighty God, for His infinite love and for giving me the gift of vocation, my family and my Community.”
SISTER PAT MARIE BURANOSKY
“With Francis, our brother, we give thanks and praise for Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brothers Wind and Air, Sister Water, Brother Fire and our sister Mother Earth.”
SISTER TERESA MISYAK
“I am thankful for life, religious and civil liberty, faith, family and friends (including my provincial and congregational Sisters) and ministry.”
SISTER ROSELYN KUZMA
“The other day my brother, Mike, asked all of my family what was the best part of our day. He and a number of my siblings answered, ‘Going to mass.’ After not having mass every day since March 19, 2020, I have to say that having mass now on Sunday through Friday is certainly the thing I thank God for everyday. I also thank God for the opportunity to be able to visit the Blessed Sacrament at any time in our chapel (at Mt. Assisi Place). I pray for all of you who prayed for us as we were quarantined. May God bless you and keep all of us healthy.”
SISTER NANCY CELASCHI
“Every time I am asked ‘What are you thankful for?’, I can start a list that would need at least a ream of paper ... or two. However, I always end up remembering one of my favorite prayers of St. Francis, one he really did say, and that is, ‘We thank you, Lord, for yourself.’ To me that is the heart of gratitude, and the heart of Giving Thanks.”
SISTER LORITA KRISTUFEK
“I am deeply grateful to God for the gift of my life and the gift of God’s presence in the Eucharist. I feel privileged to be able to attend Mass daily and to receive the Eucharist, which gives me both Divine and physical Energy. God’s unconditional love is, foremost, my greatest gift. Likewise, I thank God for the gift of my vocation as a Franciscan religious woman for 60 years and for the gift of my Sisters in Community, my family and all of the good friends and people who have supported and cared for me during my 78 years of life. Alleluia! Praise God for being our God and creating our universe and all of creation for us to enjoy. May we all share in the glory of God here on Mother Earth and once again in the Heavenly Kingdom!”