Francis Medal to be Awarded to Two FSA Sisters
Sunday, March 19, 2023
By: Anne Holliday, Communications Coordinator

Two members of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany will be awarded the Holy Name Province’s Francis Medal during the Mass for the Feast of St. Joseph at St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Florida on Sunday, March 19.

Sr. Patricia Shirley and Sr. Mary McNally are being recognized for their assistance providing healthcare to friars, during the pandemic and beyond. Both sisters are also celebrating their 60th year as an Allegany Franciscan Sister.

Fr. Anthony Carrozzo, OFM, former Provincial Minister of Holy Name Province, will present the medals. He said Sister Mary “is well known to many friars of our Province but especially to those who have been patients 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. She has proven time and again to be our sister not only in name but also in fact.”

He said, “Sister Pat became widely known among the friars at St. Anthony’s Friary when she seemingly appeared out of nowhere to assist us during the recent and ongoing pandemic. Seeking out locations, filling out forms, organizing caravans to the vaccination sites – she was the warm, reassuring sister whose presence confirmed that all would be well. Sister Pat continues to help us in our in-house nursing needs.”

St. Anthony Hospital founded by the Sisters is just blocks away from the friary where a number of the friars reside.

“It is quite an honor that our sisters are being recognized for their presence and ministry,” said Sr. Margaret Magee, Congregational Minister, who will be attending and participating in the Mass.

Sr. Joan Carberry will also be offering a reading during the Mass. More than a dozen Sisters are expected to attend.

Fr. Vincent Laviano OFM will celebrate the Mass. Fr. Jerome Massimino OFM will read the citation for Sr. Mary. Fr. John Marino will read the citation for Sr. Pat.

Established in 1998, the Holy Name Province’s Francis Medal recognizes individuals who have displayed an uncommon contribution to the advancement of the ideals and values of St. Francis of Assisi.

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