Celebrating the Feast Day

Written on: July 1, 2022

The Buffalo celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart was again held at the Liberty Park community center where Sisters Ellie Martinez and Barbara Harrington live. The center is handicap accessible with ample dining room space for us to invite other residents of Liberty Park as well as our Buffalo associates and others associated with programs at Sacred Heart Center. This year, 42 persons attended a 5:00 Mass at the center followed by supper. Our celebrant Father John Stanton is  pastor of St. John the 23^rd parish in West Seneca, where some of us attend Mass. Sisters Dolores O’Dowd, Nancy Kaczmarek and Donna Lord continue to serve as standing committee members for Buffalo’s celebration from times when it was celebrated at D’Youville University.

Last year, our Liberty Park residents insisted on including good-will donations which we directed to the Ministry in Albion. This year, donations were for St. Marguerite’s Food Pantry* as well the Albion Ministry.

You can read Sr. Denise Roche’s letter about the donations to St. Marguerite’s Food Pantry here.

Click here to view photos from the celebration

Grey Nuns in the Philadelphia area were delighted to gather with Associates and co-workers to celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart with prayer and luncheon. The Pine Valley Clubhouse is only minutes away from Lafayette Redeemer and the meeting space is bright with sunlight. Debbie Adams and Marianne Kitzmiller, our Co-Executive Directors, pulled together all the preparations, with assistance from Bob Creeley and other members of our GNSH staff. They helped to bring our Buffalo Sisters closer by borrowing prayer petitions from the Buffalo/Albion planners to complement our reflection on the readings of the day. Sr. Denise also read an inspiring reflection (click to read) by Sr. Karen Marie Voltz on John’s gospel, Psalm 23, and Ezekiel. Sr. Karen Marie reminded us of Jesus’ unconditional compassion and of our call as daughters of St. Marguerite to create a compassionate world today. Fresh Fork Caterers provided tasty luncheon selections and we were so happy to be able to be in person with colleagues, associates and Grey Nun sisters at tables decorated with lovely floral arrangements by our own Evelina McGuigan. A delicious cake from the Philadelphia-famous Stock’s bakery (compliments of the Glackins) topped off our banquet.

Philadelphia celebration photos here

*Marguerite’s Pantry

The Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart began Marguerite’s Pantry, in Our Lady of Fatima Parish, East Elmhurst, NY, to mark the 75^th anniversary of their congregation. As we conclude our centenary of foundation, we renew our commitment to support this ministry. Donations are welcome and can be sent through our GNSH Finance office, 14500 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19116.  Be sure to note that your donation is for Marguerite’s Food Pantry. These contributions will be kept anonymous and will not be included as part of the congregation’s regular fundraising efforts. Please read Sr. Denise’s letter linking the Pantry with the celebration of the feast of the Sacred Heart here.

This entry was posted in From our Sisters and tagged: Buffalo, celebration, colleagues, community feast, D'Youville University, Ezekiel, Father John Stanton, Feast Day, Fresh Fork Caterers, Genessee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Gospel of John, Grey Nun Associates, guests, Lafayette Redeemer, Liberty Park Community Center, Mass, Philadelphia, Pine Valley Clubhouse, prayer service, Psalm 23, Sacred Heart Center, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sisters, St. John 23rd parish, St. Marguerite's Food Pantry, Stock's bakery, West Seneca