Aston, PA – So many Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia have received calls of concern, prayers, and support after the devastating fire at Our Lady of Angels (OLA) Regional School in Morton, PA.  As the last three Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia principals, we would like to express our gratitude for your concern and prayers.  For several years before the merger of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) and Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) Schools, the beautiful building at 2130 Franklin Avenue was certainly a cherished institute of the Sisters of St. Francis.  Many sisters were blessed to minister at OLPH and were joined on the journey by supportive faculty, staff, parents, and wonderful students.  Our hope, as Sisters of St. Francis, was to share St. Francis of Assisi’s message of peace and nonviolence—values which are so desperately needed in today’s world.

We are hopeful, at this time, the communities of OLPH, OLF, and OLA will come together and take to heart the words St. Francis heard when praying before the San Damiano Crucifix… “Go rebuild my house.”  St. Francis heard God’s plea to care for His Church—the people of God. Now, the literal request can be put into action as all those who care for OLF, OLPH, OLA and ALL of God’s Houses can help to rebuild a school…a school that forever will have a foundation built on Franciscan values and the loving dedication of ALL those who have been blessed to be on the journey of Catholic education at 2130 Franklin Avenue!

In the meantime, the Sisters of St. Francis thank all those who have offered prayers for the OLA Community and ask you to continue to hold our dear Monsignor Savinski; the school principal, Mrs. Sue Lowe; and all those at OLA in your prayers.

Peace and all good,
Sister Angela Mary O’Connell, OSF
Sister Deborah Krist, OSF
Sister Maggie Gannon, OSF