In August 2006 Sisters Margaret Grace Gannon (above left) and Theresa Marie Lamkin (above right) professed their final vows as members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. Sister Maggie, daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Gannon and a native of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, ministered as principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Morton, Pennsylvania. In September 2007 she began a new ministry as president of St. Katharine Drexel School in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Sister Theresa was born in Portland, Oregon. Her parents, John and Kerma Lamkin, live in Tillamook, Oregon. Sister Theresa ministers at TRANSITIONS (Transitional Programs for Women), one of the congregation’s cosponsored ministries in Spokane, Washington.
The summer they professed their final vows, both sisters shared their thoughts on what this journey has meant for them.
Aside from the obvious interpretation, what implications does the phrase “final vows” hold for you?
Sister Theresa: I felt when I made my first vows that they were forever but I am grateful for the time of temporary vows because this has confirmed my original decision. Final vows means that I am fully committed to spending the rest of my life as a Sister of Sister of St. Francis.
Sister Maggie: When I made my first vows in 2001, I knew in my heart they would be forever. The five years of temporary profession has confirmed my resolution to spend the rest of my days as a Sister of St. Francis, as this has truly been a blessed and very happy time for me. My final vows are made with a very firm commitment and deep gratitude to God for calling me to this congregation and to the congregation for allowing me to be a part of it FOREVER! Although I have felt for quite a while that I was one of the sisters, I will be so happy to be perpetually professed. The past five years have given me a time to see what it really means to be a Sister of St. Francis. The mystique is gone at this point and it is with no doubt that I say this is who I want to be for the rest of my life. I feel I am a better person for being a part of the congregation.
In what ways have you changed/grown since your first profession in 2001?
Sister Maggie: During these past five years, I have discerned with my spiritual director, my formation director, trusted friends—and all of it has brought me to this day. I feel it is an honor to be a part of the congregation. When I hear sisters tell me that they are blessed to have me, I feel as though I am the one who is blessed. It is very humbling for me to be among so many great women.
During my time of temporary profession, several people I loved passed away and I had some health difficulties. I also saw sisters who were in formation with me leave the congregation. I had to rethink my commitment and why I continued to stay. I think it was during these times that I really knew that God called me to our congregation because it was the support and strength of our sisters that enabled me to continue.
Sister Theresa: I think one of the most significant ways in which I have grown is my appreciation of local community and ministry. As a professed member, I have been accepted as a member of a local community which embraces living together and trying to live out of our Franciscan values. I have also grown in the role my ministry plays in my spiritual life and in my way of living as a Sister of St. Francis. It really has been a privilege to be in ministry and allow people to see who we are as sisters, to downplay stereotypes, and to be in mutual relationships.
What has helped you to grow?
Sister Theresa: I think two of the most important things which have helped me to grow is the love and support of those people with whom I am in relationship now, including my local community, the overall congregation, people who I encounter in my ministry (both coworkers and guests), and my family. I also am grateful for the time my schedule allows me for personal prayer, which allows me to keep balanced and in relationship with God, which is paramount.
Sister Maggie: My vocation was influenced by so many sisters, some of whom have gone to God during these past five years. These are women who “walked the walk”! They lived our vowed life with integrity and were great witnesses for me. Over the past five years I have lived with a wonderful local community and I have appreciated the life we have created. Community prayer and time together has been a central part of our life. I am also grateful for the ways these sisters have gone the extra mile for us to truly be a viable community. Our life together has taught me about what the vow of obedience means, as we have been accountable to each other and the quality of our life here. We also strive to live simply and to be involved with the life of the greater community, which has helped me to further learn what it means to be a Sister of St. Francis.
What role does ministry play in helping you to live out your vows?
Sister Maggie: For the past three years I have been principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and I was grateful for my time there. I developed wonderful relationships with the students, parents, faculty, and pastor. Although I enjoyed my time there very much, I feel God is calling me to a ministry with those who are poor. I am looking forward next year to beginning an education ministry with education in Chester, Pennsylvania. I will also be teaching a course at Chestnut Hill College, which will keep me updated on trends in education. I was also grateful during my time of temporary profession to complete my doctoral degree and now be able to put it to use.
Sister Theresa: My ministry has allowed me to truly embrace my vows. I am able to fully love others because of my vow of chastity. My poverty allows me to be open and to meet those I encounter in a spirit of mutuality and I try to be obedient to the Gospel message to the best of my ability.
Any thoughts on the future of religious life?
Sister Theresa: I have great hope for the future of religious life. I am currently visiting the sisters at St. Ann's Convent [one of the congregation’s retirement residences] in Tacoma and my hope is in an awareness of who we have been, who we are now, and a deep trust that our all-merciful God will care for our future.
Sister Maggie: I believe that God is with us as a congregation and I have great hope for our future. I continue to be amazed at the work being done by our sisters, but more importantly their commitment to the Gospel. I am glad that God called me to our congregation when he did, as my life has been filled with more joy the past eight years than I could ever imagine.
Any additional comments as you celebrate this special milestone in your life?
Sister Maggie: I want to get across the point that, although it has not always been easy—and there have been some painful moments—I feel as though life doesn't get better than this. It seems like yesterday I was discerning entering and now I can't remember when I wasn't a Sister of St. Francis. I feel honored to be part of this congregation. It is great to know I had been engaged and had other options before me and this is the one I chose. I just feel at this time like I couldn't be in a better place!
Sister Theresa: I know that I want to spend the rest of my days as a Sister of St. Francis! I am grateful for the support of all those who have encouraged my vocation and prayerfully supported me.
