Aston, PA—On August 10, 2014, Sister Kathleen Mary Flood professed her first vows as a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia. The event took place during a Eucharistic liturgy at Our Lady of Angels Convent, the congregation’s motherhouse in Aston, Pennsylvania. The chapel was filled with the sisters and with Kathleen’s family and friends. The opening hymn, “Everyday God,” seemed especially appropriate as the congregants reflected on God’s great love that brought Kathy to this day, to this moment in time. The Eucharistic liturgy was presided over by Father Cyprian Rosen, OFM, Cap., and Father Jay McKee of Good Shepherd Parish in Perryville, Maryland. Father McKee offered a beautiful homily. Sounds of joy and praise filled the chapel as Sister Esther Anderson, congregational minister, welcomed Sister Kathleen Flood into the congregation and gave her copies of the Third Order Regular Rule of St. Francis and the Constitutions and Directives of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia as well as a beautiful San Damiano crucifix.
Sister Kathleen says of making her first vows: “In the weeks leading up to my profession, the excitement and happiness expressed by each sister I encountered—physically or virtually— gave me a growing sense of joy, confidence, and peace. It felt like a balloon of goodness was gently expanding within my chest. So, in making my first profession of vows, I felt held aloft and buoyed by the prayers, love, and support of sisters, family, and friends near and far. Yes, I am still floating peacefully and I hope to stay aloft for many years!”
Kathleen Mary was born in Queens, New York, to parents Raymond and Virginia Flood. She is a graduate of St. Vincent Ferrer High School. Her mother, Virginia, died only a few months after Kathy entered the congregation’s candidacy period in 2011.
Sister Kathleen earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from the New York Institute of Technology. She has since completed technical, business and theology courses at Villanova and St. Bonaventure Universities. Prior to entering the congregation, Kathleen worked providing computer and information security engineering and consulting services for corporations. She also taught at the junior high level at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Perryville, Maryland.
For the past year, Sister Kathleen has been serving guests at St. Francis Inn in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. At the end of August she will continue her education as a student at Neumann University working toward a graduate degree in Pastoral Counseling. As for the future, Kathleen states she will let the Holy Spirit work to guide her. “There is much need for pastoral counseling across a diverse range of ministries. She only hopes she will be able to use her gifts, education, and learned experiences to serve the people of God,” said Sister Kathleen.
