Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sister Julie Ann Sheahan and Sister Mary Ann Spanjers had the joy of participating in the first post-covid gathering for youth at the San Antonio, Texas Mission Parishes of San Francisco de Espada/Santa Francesca Cabrini on Saturday Feb. 22, 2025. More than 50 youth and young adults attended. Along with amazing praise and worship music, great food (hamburgers cooked outside in the rain), supportive parents and parish members helped create an environment of faith and love. Sister Mary Ann and Brother Tyler Harris, OFM shared the presentation “The Eucharist, From Adoration to Action.” The joy and faith of all in attendance was palpable! Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province Pastor Father Charlie Martinez, OFM, Brother Tyler Harris, OFM, Deacon Noé Alfaro Casas, OFM along with adult catechists of the parish were truly wonderful hosts and organizers! 
There were many positive expressions of gratitude for the presence of the Franciscan Sisters and Brothers. Some particular comments about the Eucharist presentation are as follows;
“I’ve been left with a lot to ponder, in particular these words struck me, ‘when you embrace the leper, you learn to embrace yourself’ very powerful”
“I love the part about the cross and how St. Francis overcame his fear about the lepers”
“I appreciate the clarity and deep explanations; as a young adult it’s hard to understand, but having someone there to help me understand my faith on a deep level is amazing.”
Collaboration between the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and the Order of Friars Minor goes back in history to a visit to San Xavier Mission, Tucson, Arizona in early 1930. Mother Inez was unexpectedly offered a free round trip railroad pass to Yuma for herself and a companion (Sister Borromeo). Upon leaving Yuma, Claretian Father Felicain Payas gave Mother a letter of introduction to present to Bishop Daniel Gercke in Tucson. Before leaving Tucson, the Sisters were taken to visit Mission San Xavier Del Bac just outside the city. The rest is history. Our Sisters were to serve not only eventually at San Xavier Mission and San Solano Missions with the friars, but also in the Diocese of Phoenix and eventually at St. Francis of Assisi, Greenwood, Mississippi. Today Friars Father Placid Stroik and Father Gerald Prusakowski are now our chaplains at Holy Family Convent and St. Francis Convent, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
