Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia Elect New Congregational Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aston, Pennsylvania — July 21, 2026 — During the 2026 Congregational Chapter, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia elected a new congregational leadership team to guide the congregation over the next five years. The Congregational Chapter, the congregation’s highest governing body, gathered sisters from across the United States and Kenya for a week of prayer, discernment, and collaborative decision-making that will help shape the future direction of the congregation.

Elected congregational minister is Sister Clare Andrew D’Auria, OSF, who will serve alongside assistant congregational minister Sister Patricia Hutchison, OSF, congregational council members Sister Lydia Etter, OSF, Sister Linda Marie Sariego, OSF, and Sister Janet Thiel, OSF.

Together, the newly elected team brings more than two centuries of combined religious life and an extraordinary breadth of experience in education, spiritual direction, Franciscan formation, parish ministry, higher education, finance, administration, and congregational leadership. They will guide the congregation as it continues its mission of joyful, loving service rooted in the Gospel and the Franciscan charism.

Sister Clare Andrew D’Auria, OSF
Congregational Minister

“I’m humbled and honored to be called to serve my sisters at this moment in our congregation’s history. I hope and pray that together we can discern however God desires to lead us into the future and grace us to continue our Franciscan commitment to proclaiming the Gospel message.” — Sister Clare D’Auria

A native of Philadelphia and former member of St. Edmond Parish, Sister Clare entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1965 and professed first vows in 1968.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Neumann University, a master’s degree in English from Duquesne University, and a master’s degree in Theological Studies with a concentration in Franciscan Spirituality and Spiritual Direction from Washington Theological Union. She also pursued Franciscan studies at St. Bonaventure University and earned a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mercy Center in Burlingame, California.

Most recently as a program presenter and spiritual director at the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston, Sister Clare has devoted nearly six decades to ministry. For approximately half of that time, she has served in retreat ministry, offering spiritual direction, directed and conference retreats, and workshops in Franciscan spirituality. She also served on the staff of the Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs leading pilgrims through the holy sites in Assisi and Rome, and has held leadership, educational, and administrative roles both within the congregation and beyond.

Sister Patricia Hutchison, OSF
Assistant Congregational Minister

“I am humbled by this invitation to serve the congregation and grateful for the opportunity to extend the Franciscan tradition and values.” — Sister Patricia Hutchison

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, and a former member of Corpus Christi Parish, Sister Patricia entered the congregation in 1965 and professed first vows in 1968.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in French from Neumann University, a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University Maryland, a Continuing Education Certificate in Theology from Oblate School of Theology, and EdD in Higher Education Leadership from Widener University.

Before her election, Sister Patricia served as interim dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, & Education, director of Core Experience, and adjunct professor of Education at Neumann University. Her ministry has also included serving as director of the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies, director of Sponsorship for the congregation, administrative assistant for the Franciscan Federation, congregational council member, teacher, and principal.

Sister Lydia Etter, OSF
Congregational Council

“I look forward to being of service to the sisters and to working with the new team. I believe my experiences as principal and classroom teacher, especially with middle school students, have prepared me to be ready for the unknown and unexpected.” — Sister Lydia Etter

Born in Philadelphia and formerly a member of St. Bernard Parish, Sister Lydia entered the congregation in 1973 and professed first vows in 1976.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from La Salle University and a master’s degree in Administration from the University of San Francisco.

Sister Lydia serves as congregational treasurer for the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. Throughout her ministry she has served in the Dioceses of Trenton, Harrisburg, and Camden as a teacher, principal, and director of religious education.

Sister Linda Marie Sariego, OSF
Congregational Council

“As God has been my guide throughout the years, God will continue to grace me and us with trust and hope as we try to be who we are called by God to be as sisters in today’s world.” — Sister Linda Sariego

A Philadelphia native and former member of Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Sister Linda entered the congregation in 1972 and professed first vows in 1976.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education from Chestnut Hill College, a master’s degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Studies from La Salle University, and both a master’s degree and a PhD in Spanish from The Catholic University of America.

Prior to her election, Sister Linda served as professor of Spanish at Neumann University, parish organist at Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Philadelphia, and as parish life director designee for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Her ministry has also included parish service in Puerto Rico and Philadelphia, Hispanic ministry, social work, diocesan leadership, and elementary education.

Sister Janet Thiel, OSF
Congregational Council

“I am grateful for the trust that the Sisters have placed in me and look forward to enacting our renewed Vision within God’s embrace.” — Sister Janet Thiel

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, and a former member of St. Anthony Parish, Sister Janet entered the congregation in 1968 and professed vows in 1971.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from La Salle University, a master’s degree in Mathematics from The Catholic University of America, a master’s degree in Education from the University of San Francisco, and a PhD in Education from Capella University.

Most recently, Sister Janet served as an educational consultant and facilitator for religious congregations and previously served as associate vice president at both Georgian Court University and Neumann University. Her ministry has also included service as a mathematics specialist, adjunct faculty member, teacher, principal, and executive assistant to the Franciscan Federation.

 

About The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia:

The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia is a community of more than 250 Catholic women religious committed to living the Gospel in the prophetic spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and their foundress, Mother Francis Bachmann. For more than 170 years, and with a legacy of over 4,000 sisters, the congregation has ministered to those in need across the United States and around the world, ultimately serving on four continents. Today, the sisters serve in 11 states and Kenya, engaging in a wide range of ministries including healthcare, education, pastoral service, social services, spiritual ministries, and advocacy for justice. Rooted in a Franciscan way of life, they are committed to contemplation, poverty, and humility. They embrace a deep reverence for Creation and strive always to be a healing, compassionate presence in a wounded world—especially among women, children, and those who have no voice.

Media Contact:
Geneen Pintof
gpintof@osfphila.org
(610) 558-7726