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Franciscan Sisters T.O.R. of Penance of the Sorrowful
by Joe Arias
This Easter Season the Catholic Noles will be giving a heartfelt farewell to Srs. Bridget and Solana, who are both Third Order Regular Franciscans, or T.O.R. They are part of a team of four TOR sisters who assist the Catholic ministry on Florida State’s campus and will be moving on to serve in different ways. Starting in 2012 the TOR sisters made two trips a year to FSU to help with the student Fall and Spring retreats. Now, four sisters reside in Tallahassee and provide service to the students throughout the entire academic year.
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The TOR sisters use their chief charism of penance to glorify God and make known His merciful love to each the students. “(We) are called to live a life of prayer and works of mercy,” said Sr. Agnes-Maria. “We are called to be at the foot of the cross with Mother Mary, receiving God’s mercy and then extending it to the world. To be the love of God in the world.”
Indeed, the TOR sisters have been a powerful presence of God’s love on campus, providing support and enabling students for various ministries, such as the Service Team which goes on outreach to the local elderly and homeless communities at Casa Calderon and The Kearney Center. Each of the sisters have also been invaluable supporters of the various spring break mission trips, going with students on trips around the Tallahassee-Big Bend region and the Dominican Republic, where most recently the Catholic Noles spent a week living in remote communities to finish a water purification project.
In addition to assisting with service and outreach ministries, the TOR sisters also assist with women’s formation via weekly Women’s Group talks and small groups, provide spiritual direction and counseling, and also lead discussion groups on topics such as prayer and discernment.
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Srs. Bridget and Solana will be in our prayers as they continue their faith journeys, and the Catholic Noles community eagerly awaits the coming back of Srs. Agnes Maria, Lisa Marie, and Isabella in the fall.