Sister Barbara DeStefano

2019 Woman of Strength Award Winner

Each spring during St. Francis Center for Renewal’s Star Struck Gala, the Women of Strength Awards are bestowed upon women who exemplify strength of character, Christian Values, courage, generosity, persistence, optimism, integrity and community service. Among the honorees in 2019 was our own Sister Barbara DeStefano.

Recently our St. Francis Center for Renewal completed a year of celebration for 70 years of service in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. So many individuals have contributed to bringing our Center to where it is today. One such person, whom we all know and love and surely recognize as a Woman of Strength, is Sister Barbara DeStefano.

Sister Barbara has ministered in our Center for a total of 30 years, with an additional five years as director. Her loving and welcoming spirit, her creativity, her gift as a fine presenter, and — we can't forget — her special gift of humor are but a few of the many gifts she has so generously brought to our St. Francis Center for Renewal over these many years.

Barbara was born in Philadelphia into a very loving and very Italian family. Here she learned the importance of family, of her faith and, especially, a love for life that includes the need to make this world a better place to live. 

After completing her studies in theology, religious studies and liturgy, she entered our community. After completing her initial formation in the community, Barbara taught in our St. Francis Academy until it closed in 1987. She endeared herself to her students and contributed much to the excellence of the Academy.

After the closing of the Academy, Barbara joined Sister Anita Kuchera as co-director of our retreat center. Together they began the challenging work of converting the classrooms into a chapel and retreat meeting rooms. The retreat center took on a whole new face! Retreats took place, not only on the weekends, but during the week, as well. Twilight retreats were introduced, as well as the very popular, monthly Simply Prayer. As new groups began to use the Center, it was clear that we were growing.

For a short period of six years, Sister left the center to minister as director of liturgy at the Catholic Community of St. Matthias in Somerset, N.J. This highly active parish offered her the opportunity to develop and use her education and skill in theology and religious studies. On the completion of six years, Sister Barbara returned to St. Francis Center for Renewal. Renewed and refreshed, she came with new and innovative ideas for the growth of the Center. 

Today we are recognized as an ‘Oasis of Peace.’ We provide a place of quiet for those seeking God in this busy, often chaotic world. This very special woman, Sister Barbara DeStefano, has devoted much of her life to make that happen, and we are grateful for her and all that she is.

— Sister Marguerite Stewart