Stories & News
Meet some of the women and men who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious.
Father Maury Smith, OFM, 87
“Donations are needed to have the ordinary kinds of things many senior religious need in terms of food, clothing, and housing. We owe it to them to take care of them. Maybe even more than we have in the past… they need it,” says Father Maury Smith, 87, a member of the Order of Friars Minor in St. Louis, Missouri.
Sister M. Stephanie Belgeri, FSGM, 72
“Thanks to your generosity, we can provide the very best care to the sisters in our community,” says Sister M. Stephanie Belgeri, 72, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, Illinois. “Your contributions enabled upgrades, including building an infirmary, ensuring our sisters’ well-being.”
Sister Olivia Bellegante, OSF, 92
“Thank you very much for your donations, always,” says Sister Olivia Bellegante, 92, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St. Louis, Missouri. “Since most of the sisters are getting older and not working anymore, it is difficult. It is a help to them; without it, I’m not sure that they could survive.”
Smiles in St. Louis Grateful for Your Support
The Retirement Fund for Religious team recently journeyed to St. Louis, Missouri, to photograph senior religious from various communities within the archdiocese.
These dedicated sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have all benefited from the impact of generous donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious collection, held annually nationwide.