Sixteen years ago, Felician Sisters were inspired to begin a ministry to the homeless on the streets of Pomona, California. This endeavor, named the Angela Spirituality Center, saw sisters, Felician associates, and other volunteers providing essential support – hot breakfasts, shoes, clothing, hygiene products, Bibles, food, prayer and a listening ear to those in need.
After sixteen years of dedicated service at this ministry, SM Therese Ann Parobek returned home on Saturday, January 13 to Buffalo, NY. True to her Franciscan values, Sr. Therese Ann brought only meager belongings and a joyous smile. She was welcomed with open arms by SM Therese Chmura, the local minister, and the sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent in Buffalo.
Joining her in Buffalo was Sr. Carol Marie Wiatrek, who, despite weather delays, arrived on Friday, January 19. Even Buffalo’s record snowfall couldn’t deter Sr. Carol Marie, hailing from the former Our Lady of the Assumption Province in New Mexico, from her journey. Srs. Therese, Edmund, and Therese Ann welcomed her to her new “sunny” home.
Both sisters have embraced the challenges of accepting and adjusting to change, making the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent their new home. Although Sr. Therese Ann no longer walks the streets of Pomona, she keeps her former companions on the journey close to her heart, offering prayers for them. Similarly, Sr. Carol Marie remains dedicated to her ministry, extending her support to her marginalized and homeless neighbors.
Srs. Therese Ann and Carol Marie played a vital role in preserving the 150+ year legacy of the Felician community. The sisters in Buffalo express gratitude for their presence, as they join hands and hearts in continuing the Felician journey. Together, they surrender to God’s will and cooperate with Christ in the spiritual renewal of the world, finding new and creative ways to serve every day. Although physically distant, their prayers for the people of Pomona will never cease.
