About

The Class of 1968 from St. Francis Academy in San Antonio, Texas, hosted Sister Elaine Hromulak and associate Lynn Cosgrove (former Sister Kenneth) for a wonderful, whirlwind weekend in October 2013 to celebrate the class’ 45th reunion.

The fun and festivities began almost as soon as their plane touched down on Friday. First stop was the school cafeteria – the girls’ favorite spot from the 1960s – where a group of alumnae were decorating for the reunion. Sister Elaine and Lynn also toured the former convent area, which looks much different today from when it was a sisters’ residence.

The visitors then visited the present convent, where Sisters Yolanda Escamilla and Jo Goolish were working in the yard to repair a drain pipe. They took a break from their work to treat Sister Elaine and Lynn to a delightful meal at Furr’s Restaurant in honor of the Feast of St. Francis.

On Saturday morning, they visited Rose May Alanis (Class of 1965), who is battling late-stage cancer. “She told us her only regret is that she will not live long enough to instill the Catholic faith and morals in her grandchildren,” Sister Elaine says. “But we were edified by her deep faith and resignation.”

Soon it was time for the reunion. After about an hour of hugs, greetings and laughter with the girls, the celebration began with Father Nick Baxter (former Father Tobias), chaplain of SFA in the 1960s, presiding. Sister Elaine and Lynn shared their memories and stories of those early days, and also offered a summary of the School Sisters of St. Francis’ 100th anniversary. “We encouraged them to continue living their faith and stay connected to and pray for the sisters,” Sister Elaine says.

Sunday morning brought breakfast at aTaqueria Mexico restaurant, followed by Sunday evening dinner at MiTierra Restaurant & Marketplace with many alumnae. The visitors were immersed in the traditional fiesta atmosphere and were crowned San Antonio Fiesta Queens by their former students!

On Monday morning, Sister Elaine and Lynn enjoyed a delicious farewell breakfast at the home of Mrs. Esther Hernandez, mother of Armandina Garcia Hernandez. Some of Esther’s alumnae friends also were there.

By Monday night, the visitors were back home in Pittsburgh. “We were totally exhausted,” Sister Elaine said. “But we were so grateful for the weekend celebrations with our beloved SFA girls.”