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Publications by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Letters From The Land of Long Farewells
By Sister Wilma Halmsay
New Book Celebrates Sisters’ Ministry in Hawaii
Letters are a fascinating way of telling a story and sharing the journey of a life. In her book, “Letters From the Land of Long Farewells,” Sister Wilma Halmsay tells of the daily life of the Sisters of St. Francis and the patients at the settlement of Kalaupapa, Molokai in Hawaii where those suffering from leprosy lived in isolation from 1866 to 1949.
Sister Wilma spent 30 years in Kalaupapa following in the footsteps of blessed Mother Marianne Cope and St. Damien de Veuster. This book is a delightful depiction of how Sister Wilma handled both distressful and sometimes amusing situations. You will be inspired, not only by her courage, but also by the courage of those serving with her on the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula. Photos capture the beauty of the island the life of the sisters.
Books can be purchased for $20 which includes shipping and handling
Western New York: Sister M. Bernice Ziemnski, St. Mary of the Angels, 201 Reist St., Williamsville, N.Y. 14221; 716-632-2155 ext. 207; bzieminski@sosf.org
East Coast: Sister Shirley Peace, Immaculate Conception Convent, 49 Jackson Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. 10706; 914-478-0907; speace@sosf.org
Western Pennsylvania: Sister Rosaire Kopczenski, OSF, Mt. Alvernia, 146 Hawthorne Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15209, 412-821-2200; rkopczenski@sosf.org
Central New York: Sister Helen Hofmann, 1118 Court St., Suite 39, Syracuse, N.Y. 13208; 315-634-7018; hhofmann@sosf.org or Sister Rose Raymond Wagner, same address; 315-634-6973; rrwagner@sosf.org
Hawaii/Southwest: For book orders: Sister Alicia Damien Lau, St. Francis Convent, 2715 Pamoa Rd. Honolulu, HI 96822; 808-988-3707; alau@icfsnf.com
My 15-Year Journey In Africa
By Sister Mary Angelita Molina
Announcement and book review by Sister Fran Gangloff
Narrating with a fine style of dialogue with key people, Sister Mary Angelita tells the story of her dream to work in Africa and how her dream came true in her 15-year ministry in Benin City, Nigeria.
In the Introduction, she tells about her childhood in Puerto Rico and her entrance into the Sisters of St. Francis at Millvale, PA. She explains the various ministries she worked in while she kept alive her dream of Africa.
In the 23 chapters of the book, she recalls her journey to Nigeria and her experiences there from 1989 to 2004.
You will laugh and cry with her as you read about her ministry experiences with leprosy patients and the birth of a baby, about the explosion at a nearby refinery and the way the school for evangelization came about.
And, there is the saga of the roller skates, the anniversary celebrations, and the visits of Millvale Franciscan sisters to the mission field.
As you read, you will feel the joys and sorrows of living in another land and culture and of how missionary life truly brings the gospel to other people.
In writing this memoir, Sister Angelita relived these joys and sorrows and she reveals her great love for the Nigerian people.
I had the joy and privilege of working with Sister Angelita in the writing and editing of her story. She spent a week with me in Buffalo as we reviewed the text and photos.
You will find Sister Angelita’s photos like a great window into the generous involvement of the Franciscan sisters and of the wonderful people of Benin City.
You may obtain the book directly from Sister Angelita at:
Mount Alvernia
146 Hawthorne Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
412.821.2200
In Our Own Voices
Memoirs of The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Journey with nine Sisters of St. Francis and discover diverse and inspirational life experiences from their childhood, convent life and present day ministries. People of all ages will enjoy this delightful, easy to read, and entertaining collection of stories which celebrates the everyday lives of women religious.
You can purchase this book at the following locations:
Around The Corner Gift Shop
1024 Court Street
Syracuse, New York 13208
(315) 422-9612
St. Mary of the Angels Convent
201 Reist Street
Williamsville, New York 14221
(716) 632-2155
Immaculate Conception Convent
49 Jackson Ave
Hastings-on-Hudson, New York 10706
(914) 478-3930
Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center
130 E. Genesee Street
Skaneateles, New York 13152
(315) 685-7008
Or, contact Sister Rosaire Kopczenski
Mount Alvernia
146 Hawthorne Rd.,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15209
(412) 821-2200
rkopczenski@sosf.org
Two Prayers For Two Stones 
By Sr. Frances Ann Thom, OSF
and Sr. Regina M. Gentry, OP
St. Francis lived with a song in his heart and a melody on his lips. Wherever he went his spirit lingered like the aroma of a sweet perfume permeating deeply every crevice. Anyone who came within the sphere of his influence was affected by his song and inspiration. Sister Frances Ann (formerly Sr. Thaddeus) was one such person caught up in the spirit of St. Francis. Poet that she is she has put her thoughts to verse.
This book is currently out of print.
Remarkable Women, Remarkable Wisdom
By Sr. Mary Francis Gangloff, OSF
Take a break each day with a moment of reflection on one of the great women of history. Inside this book you will find a mentor for each day of the year with a short biography, a quote by or about her, a quote from Scripture and a few reflections to help you absorb the message and meaning of each unique life. Some of these women you will know, and some you will meet here for the first time, but all have some special insight into the burden and blessing of being a woman. Let their wisdom inspire you to find your own.
To order this book click on the link: http://catalog.americancatholic.org/product.aspx?prodid=I16352&pcat=73
Women and Religion 
By Sr. Marianne Ferguson, OSF
Sister Marianne presents a historical approach of women's contribution to the development of Religion from the paleolithic goddess cultures to the patriarchal structures of today. Some outstanding religious women whose creative responses to their oppressive religious traditions are explored. The research is shown of modern feminine theologians who are working for more inclusive roles for women in present religious structures
Available at Prentiss Hall Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey To order this book clink on the link:
http://vig.prenhall.com/catalog/academic/product/0,1144,0023370017,00.html
Christian Thought
By Sr. Marianne Ferguson, OSF
Christian Thought covers the contributions and challenges of Christianity from Jesus, through the early church, and the middle ages to modern times. Great Christian thinkers from Christ, through Medieval times, the Protestant reform, to the present are stressed. A strong theme of the book concerns the influence of Christianity in the areas of art, culture, politics, education and spirituality.
Available at Waveland Press Prospect Heights, Illinois
To order this book click on the link: http://www.waveland.com/Titles/Ferguson.htm
A Child Speaks Of Love
By Sr. Barbara Whelan, OSF
Sister Barbara Whelan’s book, A Child Speaks of Love, is a child’s version of the crucified Jesus. These priceless stations echo the voices and thoughts of children regarding forgiveness and compassion. The simple phrases are often repeated - Love one another as Jesus loves us. Even as a child one can make a difference in our world. To appreciate these stations one must have the mind, heart, and soul of a child - A child’s heart so filled with innocence. May we love simply and see clearly as children.
To order this book click on the link: http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~31943.aspx
Always Be Children For Jesus
By Sr. Barbara Whelan, OSF
Sister Barbara's hope in designing this book, Always Be Children For Jesus, is that it will be a tool for parents to discuss the faith dimesnsion of these activities with their children. Through engaging activities the children will develop an increased awareness of their Catholic faith while at the same time improving their fine motor skills.
To order this book click on the link:http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~41621.aspx
The Road To Crackersville
By Sr. Marie Gerard Hoffman
These memories of Sr. Marie Gerard Hoffman represent one of her attempts to cope with a debilitating and ultimately terminal illness known as pulmonary fibrosis. They need to be read and understood in a certain context. Sister Marie Gerard (Alice Hoffman) was a gifted woman; gifted with an amazing ability to teach children as well as adults, gifted with a free and creative spirit and also gifted with a religious vocation as a woman consecrated to God in a Franciscan Congregation.
Pre-Vatican religious life was considerably more structured than one would find it today. Rules and regulations were a valued part of a monastic style of life. Early on in her religious formation, Sister Marie Gerard endeavored to harmonize her free spirit and gifts with a form of life that often ran counter to the same. She knew she had a call from God and she was willing to do whatever was necessary to fulfill her vocation. Her memories are testimony to the ultimate fulfillment of her life's goal to be a religious and an educator. We offer them in that spirit.
Sr. Marian Rose Mansius, OSF
Regional Councilor
Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
You can purchase this book at the Sister's Gift Shop:
St. Mary of the Angels Convent
201 Reist Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 632-2155
Pilgrimage and Exile
Biography of Mother Marianne Cope, OSF written by Sister Mary Laurence Hanley and co-authored by
Dr. Douglas Bushnell.
You can purchase this book by writing:
Blessed Marianne Cope Cause Director
St. Anthony Convent
1024 Court Street
Syracuse NY 13208
(315) 422-7999
E-Mail: mmariannecause@a-znet.com
World Religions
By Sr. Mary Francis Gangloff, OSF
Sr. Fran Gangloff has published her new books on World Religions as ebooks on the Kindle site of Amazon. Kindle is an electronic reading device on which books and other materials may be read as text on a screen. Sister Fran’s books include:
Lanterns – what we need to know about –
God, Scriptures, Founders, Creeds, Rituals, Rules, and Calendars
Everyday Interfaith – a calendar list of feast days of world religions
For more info, go to
and search kindle books, then search gangloff