Franciscan Sister Natalie Binversie reflects on the call of Sister Malachy Donnelly to be a Franciscan Sister. Her vocation was supported by a good friend who also became a Franciscan Sister. To read the entire account, click here: Franciscan Sister Malachy Donnelly Reflection
Eleanore had the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity for teachers in first and second grade. In the third grade, after moving to the farm, she attended a small country school. She did not do well there, so her Dad transferred her back to St. Francis Xavier School in Petoskey for the remainder of her elementary school years. Despite the five mile round-trip walk each day, she was happy and her grades improved. Sometimes the neighbors gave Eleanore and her sisters a ride.
At school Eleanore became good friends with Anna Kelbel who became known to us as Sister Andrea. One day Anna and Eleanore revealed a secret to each other. They both had decided that they would like to become Sisters. When Anna and her Mom were visiting at the Donnelly farm Mrs. Kelbel commented to Eleanore’s Grandma, “Isn’t it wonderful that the girls are going to the Convent?” 
Grandma was taken by surprise at this announcement. Eleanore had not shared this desire with any family members. When her Eighth Grade graduation was near her Dad asked Eleanor what she would like for graduation. Eleanor replied that she would like permission to go to the Convent. Dad’s answer was simply, “You have it!” That was all that she needed!
