Today is the Feast of St. Francis, which makes it very appropriate for me to reflect on the dear Sisters of St. Francis. The Sisters have had a profound impact on St. Gregory the Great School/Academy over the years, and have been a guiding force in my own personal life from the time I was a small child right through the present day.

I give thanks for the many years of selfless service that the Sisters have given to St. Gregory the Great. Sister Nora Nash, OSF played a critical role in the history of St. Gregory the Great Academy. She arrived at the school when it was on the brink of closing, and by the time she left our school it was thriving. Sister Natalie Panas, OSF has labored in our school for close to 30 years and has had a profound impact on hundreds of students as they enjoyed 4th Grade. I am so very grateful for Sister Natalie's continued presence at St. Gregory the Great Academy. She is an inspiration to me, and a model for young ladies who may consider the religious life.

My own life has been greatly impacted by the Sisters as well. My elementary education at St. Anthony School in Trenton and my high school education at McCorristin Catholic High School offered me 12 years of Catholic education in the Franciscan tradition. Two very special Sisters, Sister Marie Angela Presenza, OSF and Sister Clare Wieckowski, OSF were principal and vice principal of St. Anthony School for the duration of my elementary school years, and for many years after that. The Franciscan example that they set for me as a young child, while I was in college, and even when I was a young teacher at St. Ann School, has been foundational to me. Without hesitation, I can say that I would not be the principal of St. Gregory the Great Academy today if not for the effect that these Sisters had on me for all of these years. Another special Sister in my life's journey has been Sister Marguerite O'Beirne, OSF who was the principal of McCorristin Catholic High School through my junior year of high school, and is not the Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Neumann University where I am finishing up my doctoral work. Sister Marguerite's dedication to Catholic education has been an inspiration to me since I was a high school student. To this day, she is a special presence in my life.

My favorite quote attributed to St. Francis is, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." The Sisters of St. Francis that I have been taught by, worked with professionally, and have enjoyed friendship with have each lived out St. Francis's words.

Happy feast day Sisters! I love you.