NEWS FROM THE WESTWOOD CLARES

Our God is a God of surprises! An American Pope!? We begin our Tidings by rejoicing with you over the good news of Pope Leo XIV’s election and we join with you in supporting him with our prayer.

May

Following our visitation with Fr. Russel Murray, OFM, and Sr. Mary Connor, OSC, our Chapter of elections on May 30th witnessed another new beginning. Our new Abbess is Sr. Mary Veronica McGuff. Our new Vicaress, Sr. Mary Rigodon. Councilors: Sisters Clare Frances McAvoy, Judith Ann Crosby, and Mary Francis Hone.

July

On July 26th, Sr. Clare Frances celebrated her 70th Jubilee from entrance. We gifted sister with the Drone she’s been wanting. It’s just a basic model but she’s having fun flying it.

August

Fr. Brian Smail, OFM, preached our Triduum in honor of Saint Clare. We’re always happy to have our friars with us, as we are further away from them since we moved here. We were so happy he returned for the Solemnity of St. Francis. Our Franciscan sisters joined us, as they often do, so we took a picture of the three Orders together to commemorate St. Francis’ 850th Anniversary.

September

Our little Guest House is increasingly booked. Sr. Mary Veronica’s sister, Dr. Pat Schneider, up from Louisiana, enjoyed its cozy peace during her stay. A previous owner enlightened us concerning the history of the farm house as a hiding place for the Underground Railroad. Our address- Gay Street – is named for Moses Gay’s 1000 acre farm on this land at that ime. Another welcome guest was Fr. James Koury, a Melkite priest with Roman faculties who was down from Utica, NY for a few days. He was a faithful friend at JP for years, one we could always count on for Mass and conferences, as well as his delicious culinary arts. We recounted happy memories while enjoying lunch with our dear friend.

October

Fr. Tom Boudreau, who regularly offers Eucharist for us, celebrated his 30th year of Ordination on October 4th. Since his big day was fully booked, we invited him to a little party beforehand. We had heard a lot about Uno, his parish’s adorable Boston Terrier mascot. He was the star of our little party.

Creation

Although September was dedicated to the celebration of God’s creation, surrounded as we are with natural beauty, every day of every month proclaims that every tree, every flower, every little critter is holy and is sustained by God’s love.

Building for New Members

Our land is one of the three largest conservancies in Westwood. The parameters within which we can build are designated. We still have some loops to jump through before we can build the 12 additional rooms we need for new members. Our new chapel will also be larger to accommodate more people. An extension to our refectory is also needed for the new sisters.

Saint Francis

Saint Francis has arrived! At last, the statue that welcomed everyone to our home in JP is now here to greet our new friends here in Westwood. Fr. John Tokaz, OFM Cap., gave us a wonderful retreat centered upon Franciscan Spirituality. This week was made extra special by daily Benediction. Now we go forward in peace and hope, trusting that all is progressing in God’s good time.

October

On October 12th, we commemorated the 150th Anniversary of Mother Maddalena’s arrival in the USA. A large plaque with an explanation of this day was placed in the chapel so the people could learn about her. On October 15th we united with all our Sisters and Brothers of the Three Orders for the Franciscan Day holy hour.

December

At last, we were able to get us all together for a Christmas Picture.

With love and blessings to all from your Poor Clares of Westwood.