Special to the Herald
The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities last month held an Extraordinary Chapter to elect a new leadership team following the sudden death in October of Sister Rita Marie Fritzen, who had been chosen to serve as general minister during the General Chapter in July.
Four sisters from Hawaii — Sisters Davilyn Ah Chick, Alicia Damien Lau, Joan of Arc Souza and Barbara Jean Wajda — were among the 59 chapter delegates who gathered in Syracuse, New York, Dec. 6 to vote for a new team.
In the spirit of prayer and with great joy, a new leadership team was elected: Sister Ann Bremmer as general minister, Sister Ann Kenyon as assistant general minister, and Sisters Amy Williams and Donna McGartland as general councilors.
On Dec. 7, Syracuse Bishop Douglas J. Lucia presided at a special Mass and installation ceremony. Congratulatory leis from Hawaii were given to Bishop Douglas and to the newly elected leadership team.
Above: At the Dec. 7 Mass and installation ceremony in Syracuse, New York: Left to right are Sisters Davilyn Ah Chick, Donna McGartland, Barbara Jean Wajda, Ann Bremmer, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia, Sisters Ann Kenyon, Joan of Arc Souza, Amy Williams and Alicia Damien Lau. (Franciscan Sister Eleanore Therese Vargas)