Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

Sister Christine Songin was an inspiration to all those she met because of her smile, her wit, and the joy she shared with them.  For the FSSJ congregation she was the oral historian.  She knew all the details of our history and those who supported our congregation.  Sister Christine’s ministry lead her to teaching high school students at Immaculata Academy, Hamburg, NY, and St. Hedwig High School, Detroit, MI.  She also taught at Hilbert College.  At the age of 60 she fulfilled her life-long dream of becoming a nurse.  She served in this healing compacity at St. Joseph Hospital, St. Anthony Home for the Aging, and for her own Sisters at Immaculate Conception Convent.  Sister also drove Sisters to their doctor appointments and stayed with them while in the hospital.  Sister Christine loved God, loved others, and loved life.  Sister Christine taught all of us the importance of connecting with others and sharing joy with all.

Sister Leontine Gross is well remembered for her healing and gentle manner.  Sister Leontine ministered in healthcare for 54 years at St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn and St. Joseph Hospital.  Because of her dedication and capabilities Sister also served as Assistant and then Director of Nursing.  Sister had a smile for everyone.  She shared her trust in the Sacred Heart giving a badge of the Sacred Heart to those going through difficult health concerns and those going into surgery.  When she gave the badge to the patient she would say, “Jesus, I trust in you.”  This gave great comfort to many people.  Sister Leontine had a wonderful sense of humor.  She was never too busy for people.  When there was an interruption in her schedule or plans, she would say, “Jesus interrupts your day…it is the sacrament of the moment.  Seize it!”

Sister Eleanor Chorobik spent many years in the healing ministry of nursing.  As well as being a nurse she had the position of Head Nurse and Clinical Instructor at St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, NY and St. Anthony’s Home for the Aging in Hamburg, NY.  Sister Eleanor then came to the to the FSSJ motherhouse and shared her healing expertise and joyful manner with the Sisters in our infirmary.  As time went on, Sister Eleanor felt a calling to a more contemplative and prayerful life.  While at the FSSJ motherhouse Sister Eleanor became a part of the Charismatic Prayer Group at Hilbert College and eventually became a leader in that group.  As other members of the Congregation also felt called to a more contemplative life, Sister Eleanor helped establish a House of Prayer for the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph.  Sister Eleanor grew in prayerfulness and used those graces to serve as Pastoral Minister in the FSSJ infirmary. Sister Eleanor had a listening heart and prayerful spirit that she shared with everyone.

Sister Esther Odachowski began her life of service as a teacher at St. Columba School in Buffalo, NY.  Sister then responded to her inner call and the congregation’s need for nurses.  Sister Esther was a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Cheektowaga, NY, and St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.  At St. Mary’s, Sister became the Supervisor of Pediatrics and then was trained as a Pastoral Minister.  Always open to the Spirit and the needs of the congregation, Sister accepted the ministry of Director of Initial Formation.  During this time, she devoted herself to helping the young women who entered the community with their prayer life and learning about religious life.  Another ministry Sister Esther was called to was to be Director of FSSJ Associates.  Click on FSSJ Associates – Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph Associate Program to learn more.  Sister Esther healed the sick in body and in spirit.   Her prayerfulness, good humor, and sense of integrity were gifts to us all.