Sister Cathy was elected to the role of Congregational Minister at the Chapter of 2025. A native of Providence, Rhode Island, she entered the Franciscan Sisters in 1961, drawn by the simplicity of the life and the good that the Sisters were doing. Over the years she has served in elementary education in the US and Jamaica and as an addictions counselor in treatment centers in Illinois, Florida, and Massachusetts. Cathy served as the director of the Franciscan Center in Tampa for many years. Most recently she collaborated with a small group of women to establish The Sisters’ House, a former convent that welcomes women in 12 Step Programs to a safe space of encouragement and focus on spirituality. She facilitated retreats in many places around the country and abroad until her election to leadership.

Sister Kathy, who currently serves as Associate Minister, was raised in New Jersey and attended St. Paul’s Elementary School in Highland Park, where she was touched by the spirit of joy and love of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Kathy’s many ministries include teaching in the Migrant Education Program, pastoral work in the US and Bolivia, community organizing in New York City, justice outreach in Nicaragua and Guatemala, social work with homeless women in Manhattan, and director of a housing program in Brooklyn. Kathy believes that her contact with the poor and vulnerable has left her with a lifelong desire to serve those who are vulnerable and to work for justice. She is grateful to the congregation for the many opportunities to experience God’s presence in the suffering lives of God’s people. 

Sister Liliane was elected to the position of Congregational Councilor at the 2025 Chapter. A native of Macajuba, Bahia, Brazil, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany in 2005, desiring to live, just like the Sisters she had met in her hometown, the simplicity of Francis and Clare of Assisi and to remain close to the people of God. Throughout her consecrated life, she served in parish ministry across several Brazilian states, worked as a nurse at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia in Anápolis, Goiás, and as missionary in Mozambique, Africa. In December 2024, she was elected Regional Councilor for the Brazil Region, a role she held until being elected to the Congregational Leadership. In November 2025, she moved to Allegany, NY, where she currently resides. 

Sr. Patricia Shirley, OSF was elected to Congregational Leadership in the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany at the Chapter of 2025.  Born in Queens, New York, she spent most of her life split between Cape Cod and Florida.  She attended St. Paul’s School in St. Peterburg, Florida staffed by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany from the second grade through high school, graduating in 1962.  She entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany in September of that year at the age of 17.  Her love for the Sisters who taught her, her desire to serve in the Missions and her deep gratitude for all that God had given her was at the root of her call to enter the Congregation.  Sr. Pat taught High School Math, and Science in Florida and in Kingston, Jamaica for 20 years.  On her return to the States, she became involved in the Hospital Ministry as Chaplain, Mission Executive, and Board Member.  She was able to further develop the Parish Nurse Program and in partnership with Catholic Charities create two Clinics serving the Migrant Community in Hillsborough County receiving National Recognition from Catholic Health Association along with Catholic Charities for that work.