It was a day of great joy when the Poor Clare sisters welcomed Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., and diocesan staff Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, Sister of St. Joseph Rose McDermott, and Father Michael Wallack, to the Chesterfield monastery March 24.
Photo Gallery: Bishop visits Monastery of St. Clare
During his visit, Bishop O’Connell celebrated Mass for the sisters in the chapel and presided over the community’s elections. Among the sisters who were elected were: Sister Etta L. Patton, abbess, Sister Miriam Anne Varley, vicaress, Sister Barbara Gerlach, first counselor, Sister Donna Donna J Padalino, 2nd counselor, and Sister Mary Flynn, 3rd Counselor.
Sister Rose, who is diocesan delegate for Religious and Institutes of Consecrated Life, Father Wallack, priest secretary to Bishop O’Connell and Director of Vocations, and Msgr. Mullelly, diocesan Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life, director of seminarians and director of clergy personnel were tellers, along with Poor Clare Sister Kathi Nick and Sister Karen Stapleton. Franciscan Friar Tom Hartle from the Holy Name Province also assisted at the elections.