COURTESY PHOTO

The seven candidates who made their first covenant as associates of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor are, from left, Pat Wahl, Monica Smith, Ron Penick, Dave Roth, Patty Stinson, Barbara Bugg and Karen Beagle.

Franciscan associates make first covenants

By Eileen Connelly, OSU

ARCHDIOCESE — On Aug. 26, approximately 100 Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and associate members of the congregation gathered at St. Clare Center in Cincinnati to participate in the annual associate liturgy, picnic and covenant ceremony.

During the ceremony, seven adults — Karen Beagle, Barbara Ann Bugg, Ron Penick, Dave Roth, Monica Smith, Patty Stinson and Pat Wahl — made their first covenants as associates of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. Committing themselves to live more deeply the Gospel, following the example of St. Francis of Assisi and Blessed Frances Schervier, who made Jesus Christ the inspiration and center of their lives. Associates share a special bond and vision with the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and aspire to live the Franciscan values of simplicity, poverty, humility and contemplation. Since their founding in 1845, the Sisters have a long history of collaboration and co-ministering with lay people and recently celebrated 25 years of this relationship with laypeople as associates of the congregation in union with the church.

Present from leadership and accepting these covenants were Sisters Tiziana Merletti, congregational minister, and Joanne Schuster, United States area councilor. Sister Marilyn Fischer, U.S. area associate team coordinator, was also present. The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor have associates in Brazil, Italy, Senegal and in the United States.

The ceremony was a meaningful occasion for the associates and Sisters alike as they celebrated their faith and the spiritual bond they share. "There is a real connection with those who share common values and common interests," said Penick. "We have camaraderie and a sense of purpose."

Being an associate "encourages me to live the Catholic Christian values I aspire to," added Anne Baker.

"The fact that men and women have a desire to be bonded with a religious group shows that people are hungering for companionship and encouragement in their search for God," noted Sister Josetta Marie Lonnemann.