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Colleen McGinnity, BVM talks with a guest during the Wednesday meal at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. For almost 40 years, St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa, has served a Wednesday night meal to anyone who wants one or needs…
Queen Liza Ayinesom Aboyah plans to return to her home country of Ghana and open a mental health clinic. by Kari Litscher Queen Liza Ayinesom Aboyah’s path to becoming a changemaker began in the town of Zuarungu in Ghana’s Upper…
by Katie Anders, BVM Grief is the word we use to describe the sadness and ache we feel when we experience loss. Losses come in many shapes and forms. Loved ones and friends die, people move away, relationships end…
Volunteers set up St. Joseph Hall for funeral luncheons and celebratory occasions: BVMs Joellen McCarthy (l.) and Linda Roby, Associate Marybeth Coleman, and BVMs Ann Marie Dress and Fran Donnelly are among those who provide hands of service whenever there's…
A long time ago: The Latin word communis comes into use among Italic tribes. It is an adjective formed from the prefix “ko” (meaning “together”) and the root word “munis,” meaning “shared,” “duty,” or “gift.” It is the source of…
Residents celebrate Valentine's Day. by Kari Litscher Across the United States, aging often means slipping into isolation. Living on a limited income in cities like Chicago, many lose community, mobility, and housing stability. But in a few shared spaces, a…
by Michelle London The youngest of 11 children, Emelyn Malecki, BVM has a close relationship with many of her 25 nieces and nephews. Rick Calkins is one of those nephews. “We have a very cordial, happy relationship,” he says. “It’s…
Katie Anders, BVM, with her son Alex and daughter Lauryn, during the service where she professed First Vows. by Kari Litscher Katie Anders felt called—to teach, to serve Christ, to care for a family. “That was the path I chose,”…
At the City Council Meeting where the proclamation was made were (front row): Franciscan Associate Dave Heiar (l.), BVM Ann DeNicolo, Suzanne Gallagher, PVBM, BVM Associate Nancy McCarville, Dubuque County Reads Program Coordinator Sarah Smith, and Dubuque County Library District…
BVMs Letitia Close (l.), Second Vice-President Anne Marie McKenna, President LaDonna Manternach, First Vice-President Kathy Kandefer, and Mary Gene Kinney. During a powerful evening of story, Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) Region 10 (Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska) honored the ministry…