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Press Release
The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, located at Stella Niagara near Lewiston, are celebrating 150 years of ministry in the U.S.
On June 5, 1874, four sisters arrived in New York from their province in Germany to teach German immigrants at St. Ann and St. Michael Parishes in Buffalo.
Since that time, the sisters have served in various capacities throughout the U.S., including the establishment of schools, orphanages, hospitals, food banks and homeless shelters, refugee assistance and service to the marginalized.
Notably in Western New York, the sisters currently sponsor Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, Stella Niagara Education Park, Francis Center’s women’s respite and children’s programs, and the Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara.
The Franciscan Sisters at Stella Niagara are inviting the public, friends and benefactors to join a Mass of celebration at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 at the chapel in the motherhouse.
A reception, with tours of the campus. will follow. Additionally, a short film produced by Sister Diane Gianadda, titled “Leonarda’s Journey,” will be shown to those who wish to learn more about the founding sisters. Space is limited and registration is required by calling the advancement office at 716-754-2193.
Stella Niagara is located at 4421 Lower River Road and online at www.stellaosf.org.