Assembly and Merger of the Federations of Poor Clares of United States
Sister Nancy Shively, OSC, elected President
27 October 2025The two Federations of Poor Clares in the United States celebrated the merger and the Assembly of the new Federation from October 17 to 23, 2025.
The occasion also marked the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Mother Maddalena Bentivoglio and her sister, Mother Costanza, in New York City, bringing the primitive Rule of Saint Clare to the United States for the first time.
During the Assembly, the Abbesses, Delegates, and Sisters worked hard on developing consensus on a Direction Statement outlining initiatives for the future, to ensure Poor Clares charism will endure in the United States.
There was also an election of new leadership for the next four years. The newly elected Federation President is Sr. Nancy Shively, osc, and the Council members are: Sr. Etta Patton, Sr. Colleen Bryne, Sr. Pia Malaborbor and Sr. Rucia Rauton.
The Sisters greatly enjoyed being together - a rare opportunity for them - with moments of fun between meetings.
We thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon them over these 150 years!
