Faithful Franciscans

06/16/2026

Wondering about God's call in your life? Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance through the wisdom of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. We invite you to our free, online Life Decisions/Discernment in the Franciscan Spirit retreat on Sunday, July 26, 2026. from 12-5:30 p.m. Eastern U.S. time. Sr. Diane Tomkinson, OSF will guide participants through a Franciscan discernment process that can assist with their own unique life choices (vocation, relationships, education, job transition, volunteer or intentional community year, relocating, etc.). This retreat is particularly helpful for those discerning religious life, and for young adults or others exploring their next steps. See the link for further details.

Are you considering big decisions in your life? Join us for our free, online retreat, Life Decisions/Discernment in the Franciscan Spirit. Inspired by the wisdom of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, this retreat guides participants through a Franciscan discernment process that can assist with thei...

06/08/2026

Sr. Florence beautifully lived her Franciscan call, in the spirit of our foundress, Mother Francis Bachmann, who was also a wife, mother, widow and Franciscan sister. May Sr. Florence rejoice in eternity with all her relations!

Please join us as we pray for Sr. Florence Petsch, 94, who died in Assisi House on June 4, 2026. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 44 years.

Born in Fort Washakie, Wyoming, she graduated from Fremont County Vocational High School and attended Central Wyoming College. She was a Shoshone Tribal member from the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. After being married and raising a family, she was widowed at a young age. Following a period of discernment, she pursued her call to religious life, entering the congregation in 1979 at the age of 48 and professing her first vows in 1982. She ministered primarily in pastoral care.

May she now rest in the love she so generously shared with others.

Read her full obituary: https://osfphila.org/obituaries/sister-florence-petsch/

06/05/2026

Our sisters, companions and co-workers joined in prayerful witness outside our Motherhouse as part of the Toll the Bells beginning to Wear Orange weekend, uniting with others of good will to remember those lost to gun violence and to work for an end to violence.

05/06/2026

04/24/2026

Blessing the fields at Red Hill Farm for Earth Day!

04/07/2026

Christ is Risen! May we share the good news.

Christ is risen! Peace is possible.

Lent taught us to break down walls. Easter gives us the strength to build bridges. The risen Christ is the ultimate bridge — between heaven and earth, mercy and justice, death and life.

Saint Francis showed us what it looked like to be an instrument of peace and 800 years ago challenged his followers to do the same.

“Unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.” That’s our Easter calling. That’s our joy.

Peace and all good to you and yours! Wishing you abundant Easter blessings today and always.

04/02/2026

Sr. Ruth is 100 years young!!!

🎉 Happy 100th Birthday, Sr. Mary Ruth Thomas! 🎉

This Easter Sunday, we celebrate not only new life—but 100 years of it. 💛

For a century, Sr. Ruth has lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love—caring for others as a nurse and educator, forming generations of caregivers, and meeting people where they are.

Her wisdom is simple, yet powerful: “Love your brothers and sisters. That’s all you need to do. Just love them.”

You can read all about her story—from her childhood growing up on a farm in Alabama to her decades of ministry as a nurse, educator, and healthcare leader, forming generations of nurses in Pennsylvania and Maryland. You’ll also learn about her years in Philadelphia at St. Agnes Hospital and her work with the Medi-Call van in the 1970s, as well as her deep love for South Philadelphia, where she shared, that’s where “I became an honorary South Philly Italian.”

Join us in wishing her a very happy 100th birthday! 💛
https://osfphila.org/sister-mary-ruth-thomas/

04/01/2026

Congratulations to Sarah and to the first recipient of the Sarah O. Hanley scholarship, Alina T. of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Villanova, PA. What a joy to celebrate two inspiring women!

We are proud to celebrate a very special moment for the Sisters of Saint Francis Foundation!

At this year’s Women in Philanthropy Award Ceremony, a scholarship was named in honor of our own Director of Mission Advancement, Sarah O. Hanley. The Sarah O. Hanley Scholarship for Young Philanthropists recognizes young leaders who embody a spirit of generosity, service, and commitment to making a difference—values Sarah models each and every day.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Alina T. of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Villanova, PA. Your dedication to philanthropy and service is inspiring, and we are so proud to see you carry this mission forward.

Please join us in celebrating both Sarah’s incredible impact and Alina’s bright future!

(Sister Diane Tomkinson and Sarah pictured below.)

03/26/2026

How is God calling you to say "yes" today? For those considering religious life, the vocation ministers of the NRVC Delaware Valley Area invite you to our retreat weekend April 10-12, 2026. Registrations requested by this Friday, 3/27!

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation—the moment Mary said “yes” to God’s call, even without knowing what lay ahead.

That quiet, courageous yes changed everything.

Where might God be inviting you to say yes?

If you’ve been feeling a nudge, a stirring, or a sense that there’s something more—this could be your moment to listen a little more closely.

Our upcoming Vocations Retreat is a space to pause, reflect, and explore where God may be leading you.

Registration closes this Friday, March 27.
https://osfphila.org/events/discernment-retreat/

03/18/2026

Our "No Risk, No Gain" documentary screening is rescheduled to March 30th. Hope you can join us!

Out of an abundance of caution due to the threat of severe weather tonight, we are postponing the showing of our documentary.

The event has been rescheduled for two weeks from today, on Monday, March 30 at 6:30 P.M. (doors open at 6 P.M.).

Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize everyone’s safety. We look forward to welcoming you soon for a wonderful evening together! Stay safe tonight! 🌧️

Sign up today to join us on Monday, March 30 ... the event is free but registration is required: https://fscaston.org/events-retreats/337/no-risk-no-gain-movie-night/