LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the found-
ing of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on April 24, 2009

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Sisters of
Allegany; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of this most auspicious occasion an Eucharis-
tic Liturgy will be celebrated by the Bishop of Buffalo, Most Reverend
Edward U. Kmiec, on Friday, April 24, 2009, in the Chapel at St. Eliza-
beth Motherhouse, Allegany, New York; upon the conclusion of the Mass an
Anniversary Dinner will be held at the Premier Banquet Center in Olean,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York, trace their
beginnings to April 25, 1859, when, in the chapel of St. Bonaventure
College and Seminary, Father Pamfilo da Magliano, O.F.M., gave the habit
of the Third Order of St. Francis and the name, Sister Mary Joseph, to
Mary Jane Todd; and
WHEREAS, Father Pamfilo, the custos-Provincial of the Friars Minor of
the Immaculate Conception Custody, had come with three other friars to
western New York, in 1855, at the invitation of the Bishop of the Dioc-
ese of Buffalo, John Timon, C.M., and Nicholas Devereux, a Catholic
layman and land owner; and
WHEREAS, The friars had come to educate young men at St. Bonaventure
College (now St. Bonaventure University) and carry out pastoral work in
the area; Bishop Timon had also asked Father Pamfilo to "seek for
Sisters of the Third Order" to provide education for the young women of
the area; his search would lead him to eventually form the Franciscan
Sisters of Allegany; and
WHEREAS, After the reception of Sister Mary Joseph, Ellen Fallon was
received on June 24, 1859, and took the name, Sister Mary Bridget;
several months later, these two Sisters were joined by Mary Anne O'Neil,
a young girl from New Jersey, who was received on December 8, 1859, and
took the name, Sister Mary Teresa; and
WHEREAS, These three women formed the nucleus of the new community
which soon began to attract other young women from the surrounding
areas; from the beginning of the Congregation, the Sisters were under
the jurisdiction of Father Pamfilo; he appointed the officers of the new
community until 1865, when he presented the Sisters with their first
statutes which had been adapted from those of the Franciscan Sisters in
Glasgow, Scotland; and
WHEREAS, That same year the Sisters held their first Chapter and
elected Sister Mary Teresa O'Neil as their General Superior who served
in this capacity for 55 years; Sister Mary Teresa O'Neil's diligent
leadership and formative vision for the Congregation as well as her
wonderful spirit and extraordinary influence continue to inspire the
Franciscan Sisters of Allegany to this day; and
WHEREAS, As the new community grew, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany
sought to serve the needs of the Church in a variety of ministries; in
1860, St. Elizabeth Academy opened in Allegany, New York, for the
distinct purpose of educating young women, and from this beginning the
Sisters branched out to open schools in Connecticut, New York and other
states along the eastern coast of the United States; and

WHEREAS, In 1879, three Sisters traveled to Jamaica, British West
Indies, making the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany the first American-
founded congregation of religious women to send Sisters to foreign
missions; subsequently, missions were opened in Brazil in 1946, and in
Bolivia in 1965; Sisters were also sent to serve the poor in the south-
ern United States; and
WHEREAS, The year 1883, marked the beginning of involvement with
missions other than schools; the original purpose of teaching children
expanded to include hospital administration and health care, homes for
young and elderly, pastoral and social work and many more ministries,
which continue, some in different forms, to the present day; and
WHEREAS, In 1959, a vision was fulfilled in the foundation of the
Cloister; eight years later the Council approved the concept of a Riti-
ro, allowing for temporary members to join the permanent nucleus of
Sisters; it was a significant step in the understanding and living out
of the Franciscan journey; and
WHEREAS, The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, by deep, personal, recep-
tive prayer, respond to the needs of the church by having acceptance,
compassion, hospitality and reverence toward all; the Sisters strive to
reflect the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, that the Church may be an
integral part of the life of each person they meet and serve; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals and organizations which
distinguish themselves through their unremitting commitment and service
to humanity; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to commend the efforts of all
the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, throughout the long and enduring
history of this order, who have devoted their lives to the benevolent
care and ministry of others with an overwhelming spirit of charity and
love; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan
Sisters of Allegany; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.