Franciscan Sisters Honored by Friars
March 29, 2023 | St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, Florida hosted a Francis Medal presentation to Sister Mary McNally, OSF and Sister Patricia Shirley, OSF on March 19. 2023.
March 29, 2023 | St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, Florida hosted a Francis Medal presentation to Sister Mary McNally, OSF and Sister Patricia Shirley, OSF on March 19. 2023.
Established by Holy Name Province of the Order of Friars Minor, the Francis Medal "recognizes individuals who have displayed an uncommon contribution to the advancement of the ideals and values of St. Francis of Assisi." The medal has been presented to selected lay persons and religious in several areas around the Province.
Father Anthony Carrozzo, OFM, former Provincial Minister of Holy Name Province, awarded the medals. He emphasized to the Franciscans in attendance that while "the Francis Medal is being presented to two sisters...they are models for all of the sisters."
Sister Mary, who is celebrating her 60th year as an Allegany Franciscan Sister, is Vice President for Mission at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg, where she has ministered for many years. "She has not only been an unfailing advocate assisting us in settling into the hospital but also visiting us regularly throughout our stays at the hospital," said Father Anthony. "We honor her with the Francis Medal with our prayerful gratitude."
Sister Patricia, also celebrating her 60th Jubilee, serves on the BayCare Board of Directors. She assisted during the recent pandemic to navigate paperwork and organize caravans to vaccination sites. "Sister Pat was the warm, reassuring sister whose presence confirmed that all would be well," Father Anthony recognized. "She continues to help us in our in-house nursing needs."
A Franciscan connection makes all the difference. Providentially, the hospital founded by the sisters is just blocks away from the friary where a number of seniors reside.
The Franciscan movement began with the compassionate spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and has endured for more than 800 years. Following his vision, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany's tradition of bringing health and hope to those in need dates back 150 years to Allegany, N.Y. The Congregation's mission of ministering to the medical, spiritual and emotional needs of individuals endures today in the U.S.A., the Caribbean, South America and East Africa.
More information: www.alleganyfranciscans.org
