Stories & News
Meet some of the women and men who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious.
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.”
Brother Ronald Specht, OSST, 80
“It’s this kindness,” Brother Ronald of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and the Captives (The Trinitarians) says, “that keeps us old birds chirping and fluttering, far from just waiting for the undertaker.”
Sister Teresa Korycka, SSMI, 80
“Sincere thanks to the donors of the Retirement Fund for Religious. I hope we meet, if not in this world, then in the next,” says Sister Teresa, 80, of the Sisters, Servants of Mary Immaculate in Catonsville, MD.
Brother Charles Douglas, SSJ, 88
“Those serving in religious life receive minimal compensation because of their vow of poverty, so donors giving to the retirement fund show appreciation for their work and provide them with a sense of security in their old age. We are so grateful for all they have done for us,” emphasizes Brother Charles Douglas, SSJ, who has dedicated his life to religious service.
Sister Celeste Burgos, MHSH, 79
“Thank you for thinking about us! Your support acknowledges that we are the hands and feet of people, continuing the mission of Christ even in our retirement. Your generosity has been instrumental in helping others, and we are grateful for your recognition of our ongoing service. Together, we make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we touch. Thank you for being part of our journey,” shares Sister Celeste Burgos.
Father James Day, OSST, 77
“In the past, we who served in religious life traditionally received minimal compensation because of our vow of poverty. Therefore, when donors contribute to the retirement fund, it not only shows appreciation for our work as men and women religious but also provides us with a sense of security in our old age,” says Father James Day, 77, a member of the Trinitarians in Sykesville, Maryland.
Sister Brenda Cherry, OSP, 84
“I am truly, truly grateful for the assistance provided by donors. I am glad that someone thinks about the religious,” says Sister Brenda Cherry, 84, a member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Halethorpe, MD. “It is important to support our elderly sisters, brothers and religious order priests who have dedicated their lives to serving others.”
Father William Graham, OFM Cap, 75
“I thank all the Retirement Fund for Religious donors for all they are making possible,” says Father William Graham, 75, a member of the Capuchin Friars, Province of St. Augustine, Pittsburgh. “Our role is to support you. You are giving to us, and we are giving back to you. Family does those things.”
Father Bertrand Ebben, OP, 90
“The religious have been blessed to share their lives in service to the church and the world,” says Father Bertrand Ebben, 90, a member of the Southern Dominican Province of St. Martin de Porres in New Orleans, Louisiana. “We, in turn, are grateful to the donors for all they make possible through their blessings.”
Sister Angele Marie Sadlier, O Carm, 91
“We couldn’t be living here if we didn’t get the help from people like them,” says Sister Angele Marie Sadlier, 91, a member of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New Orleans. She often contemplates the generosity of people who donate to the Retirement Fund for Religious and the effect their help has had on her life.