Carmelite Events

by Sr. Mary Anne Dennehy, O.Carm.

On Saturday, October 5, the NY Archdiocesan forum for catechesis and youth ministry at Cardinal Spellman High School presented an opportunity to display and distribute Carmelite Sisters’ vocation materials and information on Venerable Mother Mary Angeline Teresa O.Carm.

Our Carmelite Fathers, Rev. Francis Amodio, O.Carm. and Rev. Justin Cinnante, O.Carm. were presenters and Brother Von Sadoval, O.Carm. accompanied a large group of catechists and youth ministers from the parish of St. Simon Stock-St. Joseph who participated in the educational sessions.  Bishop Gerald Walsh was the main celebrant for the liturgy. Over 400 people attended this event.

The sessions will be repeated on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Sacred Heart parish in Monroe for parishes in the upper counties of the Archdiocese of New York.

Photos and Story Contributor: Sr. Kevin Patricia, O.Carm. 

Saint Patrick's Home celebrated the religious jubilees of some members of the Sisters of Charity who are in residence.  The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr. Michael Kissane, O.Carm.  and  was followed by a special reception in Saint Joseph's Hall.

Sr. Luke Mary renewed her religious vows in the presence of the local prioress, Sr. Bernadette Therese, O.Carm. and Fr Mark Zittle , O.Carm was celebrant at Mass.

On Tuesday, August 27, we were blessed to have a visit from Timothy Cardinal Dolan and his secretary Fr. Stephen Reis.  After speaking with Mother Mark and Council in the White House (where the Prioress General and her Council stay) and making a visit to Mother Angeline's chapel, the Cardinal offered Mass at 11:45 a.m. in the Main Chapel.  Sisters and available staff attended, and lunch followed in the Refectory.   As always, the Cardinal was warm and personable, and all enjoyed his exuberant presence and the privilege of attending his Mass. On his way out after lunch, Cardinal Dolan and Fr. Stephen said prayers at Mother Angeline's grave and were offered a very quick tour of the Heritage Center. He promised the Novices he would offer their Profession Mass, so hopefully he will make a return visit.

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GARVEY MANOR NURSING HOME & OUR LADY OF THE ALLEGHENIES RESIDENCE

Photos: Holly Keller, BSW, PCA

Director of Development, Garvey Manor & Our Lady of the Alleghenies Residence

Hollidaysburg, PA

On September 3, 2019, the Carmelite Sisters, Staff members, Residents and Family members of Garvey Manor Nursing Home and Our Lady of the Alleghenies Residence celebrated the 90th anniversary of Foundation of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.  A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Bishop Mark Bartchak at the facility's Saint Joseph's Chapel. (CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS)

MARY MANNING WALSH HOME

Photos: Sr. Maureen Elizabeth, O.Carm.

On September 3, 2019, the Carmelite Sisters, Staff members, Residents and family members of Mary Manning Walsh Home celebrated Foundation Day. A special Mass was held and our own Sr. Maureen Elizabeth made special wreaths with Venerable Mary Angeline's badges on them. They were visible as families signed in for their visits and were given out in a basket with a sign about Foundation day.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS)

Story Contribution by Mother Mark Louis Anne, O.Carm.

“On the warm and steamy morning of July 16, the Avila Sisters joined with Fr Jim Hess, Bill Clark and Geoff Miles in blessing and breaking ground for a new Cottage building on the Motherhouse grounds. Geoff’s family, Penny Yungfleish and McCagg company staff were also in attendance. The present Cottage, which sees a lot of use for Sisters and visitors, is beyond the state where it could be renovated so a new building is planned that will up the quality of Avila’s hospitality. May St. Joseph guide the hands of our builders.

by Sr. Kevin Patricia, O.Carm.

Sr. Diane, Sr. Kevin Patricia and Sr. Shawn Bernadette posed for a very happy birthday greetings with Saint Patrick's Home resident. The photo was taken in front of hand-painted wings by MaryLou DeMaio and her daughter Page for Employee Appreciation Day. The painting continues to be a source of joy for residents, staff and guests alike who see it during their visits to the Home.

ROSARY WALK FOR LIFE

Story Contribution by Sr. Lois Ann Wetzel, O.Carm.

Our Sisters participated in the Rosary Walk for Life sponsored by the Diocese of Albany. It was a beautiful day with a good turn out of faithful persons committed to promoting the Culture of Life.  Our own Sr. Peter Lillian DiMaria, O.Carm. was the guest speaker. 

RED SOX DAY AT FENWAY PARK

Story Contribution by Sr. Margaret Therese Jackson, O.Carm.

On June 26, 2019, Nun's Day, Sr. Teresa Stephen, Sr. Mary Suzanne, Sr. Margaret Therese, Sr. Maria Agnes and Sr. Mary Vianney attended a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Go Sox!

Story Contribution: Sister Joachim Anne, O.Carm.

Photo Courtesy: Garvey Manor

We had a beautiful Mass for Sr. Philomena Anne's renewal of vows on June 8, 2019. Msgr. Robert Saly, Garvey Manor's chaplain and Sr. Jacinta Mary, O.Carm., local Prioress, officially received Sister's vows.  We had a wonderful congregation of people. Sister’s father, Robert Schill, was present for the Mass and did the first reading.  Sister Philomena and her dad carried up the offertory gifts. It was an honor for us all to be at the Mass and to celebrate this wonderful event!

Photo : Altoona Mirror

Staff Writer: Patt Keith

Mirror photo by Patt Keith Registered Nurse Jamie Pendersen checks 92-year-old Garvey Manor resident Richard Gildea’s breathing.

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Residents at Garvey Manor and Our Lady of the Alleghenies receive care from an educationally diverse mix of nurses, said registered nurse Becky Wilson, director of nursing.

The facility employs 90 certified nursing assistants, 35 licensed practical nurses and 20 registered nurses, she said, noting that 132 residents of the skilled nursing area and the 36 residents of a secure dementia unit need the most care and residents in 54-personal care apartments the least.

Wilson, of Altoona, has made a 19-year career at Garvey where she started as a CNA, became a registered nurse and held various positions before landing the lead position.

“I never expected to stay here my whole career, but I have,” Wilson said. “I know and love the residents. They put a smile on my face.”

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