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As sponsors, we publicly identify with, exert appropriate influence on, and provide various levels of support to these ministries. In so doing, we fulfill our responsibility of stewardship for our heritage, mission, and resources.
- Our SistersUp Close and Personal
![](https://osfphila.imgix.net/media/2020/09/Hennessy-Eileen-sm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&ixlib=php-1.2.1")
Sr. Eileen Hennessy’s connection with the Sisters of St. Francis is very definitely a “home-based” one. The year Eileen was born, her sister, Sr. Kyran, entered our congregation. “I learned a lot about the community from letters and photos from her over the years,” Eileen explained.
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609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014
(610) 459-4125.
Justice and Peace
Justice and peace initiatives, along with caring for creation, involves using our voices to stand up against the injustices in our community and in the world. In order to do this, our sisters minister with those who have a need, attend rallies, write letters and make phone calls to government officials, take corporate stands, and much more. We look to and support the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) as a collective Franciscan voice amplifying St Francis of Assisi and his call for compassion for the poor and for creation over 800 years ago.
Corporate Stands/Take Action
Why do we engage in Justice and Peace Issues?
As Sisters of St. Francis, part of our mission states that we “respond with diverse gifts in a spirit of collaboration and of mutual service to the needs of others, especially the economically poor, the marginal, and the oppressed. Seeking to participate in the Spirit’s action in the world, we direct our personal and corporate resources to the promotion of justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Our Corporate Stands
The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia voted to take corporate stands against gun violence, the death penalty, war, and human trafficking, along with one for immigration reform and for care for creation. We stand firmly grounded in Catholic social teaching and in our Franciscan heritage and tradition. These corporate stands act as concrete ways of affirming our belief in nonviolence and on taking “the necessary steps to be a healing, compassionate presence in our violent world, especially with…those who have no voice.” Our Corporate Stands
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National Gun Violence Survivors Week (February 2-9) is a week focused on sharing and amplifying the stories of gun violence survivors who live with the impact of gun violence every day of the year. However, it is also important that we consider this issue 365 days of the year.
February marks the approximate time that gun deaths in the United States surpass the number of gun deaths experienced by our peer countries in an entire calendar year. Tragically, America’s gun death rate is 11 times greater than that of our peer countries. Throughout the National Gun Violence Survivors Week, gun violence survivors— including those who have witnessed an act of gun violence, been threatened or wounded with a gun, or had someone they cared for wounded or killed with a gun—share their stories using the hashtag #MomentsthatSurvive, to represent the moments and memories that endure for survivors after experiencing gun violence. These stories can be heard and shared in every city throughout our country.
WHY IT MATTERS
- To put a human face to America’s gun crisis: Gun violence changes lives forever. By sharing stories, we highlight the human consequences of gun violence in America and honor those who have been taken.
- Raise awareness and educate Americans on all forms of gun violence: Through sharing stories of all kinds, we can raise awareness of the full scope of gun violence, including the reality that two thirds of gun deaths are suicides and gun homicide disproportionately impacts communities of color, women, and children.
- Enable individuals to recognize their direct, personal connection to gun violence: We are a nation of gun violence survivors: 58% of American adults or someone they care for have personally experienced gun violence in their lifetimes. Through hearing stories, we can help more Americans who have experienced gun violence know that they are not alone, and recognize the power of their voice.
Facing Racism – Black History Month
The month of February is designated as Black History Month. (Black History Month was established in 1976 by African Americans. It is meant to be a study of African American life and history. Black History Month is a remembrance of the important people and events from the black communities that have contributed to our nation.)
The Facing Racism Task Force would like to suggest few ways during this month to remember and celebrate together the contribution of African Americans to our nation as well as to be more aware of the sin of racism that still exists among us.
For week one (Feb 2-8) we suggest:
- Morning/Evening prayer: Maya Angelou gives us a lot to reflect on with her beautiful poem. (click here)
- The 2020 theme is African Americans and the Vote. Learn more here: https://asalh.org/asalh-announces-2020-black-history-theme-african-americans-and-the-vote/.
