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Poor Clare sisters welcome Bishop for Mass, election process

Home > News > DIOCESE > Poor Clare sisters welcome Bishop for Mass, election process

Poor Clare sisters welcome Bishop for Mass, election process

June 24, 2021January 21, 2026

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., visited the Monastery of St. Clare, Chesterfield, June 22 where he celebrated Mass with the Poor Clare sisters.

PHOTO GALLERY: Mass with Bishop O’Connell in Monastery of St. Clare

After Mass, Bishop O’Connell, along with Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians, and Sister of St. Joseph Rose McDermott, diocesan delegate for consecrated life, presided over the election process for the Poor Clare’s abbess and council members. The elections, which take place every three years, resulted in Sister Barbara Gerlach being appointed abbess: Sister Etta Patton, vicaress, and Sisters Nelia Acuna, Donna Padalino and Miriam Varley, council members.

Sister Florence Vales noted that the community’s constitution requires that the Bishop be present for the election process, and “we were blessed that Bishop O’Connell was able to join us.”