March 30, 1931 — October 27, 2024
Sister Mary Francelita, of Buffalo, NY, age 93, a Felician Sister for 75 years, entered eternal life on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY.
The former Stella Machnica was born on March 30, 1931, in Buffalo, NY, and was a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Cheektowaga, NY. She entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of the Felician Sisters in Buffalo, NY, on July 16, 1949, and professed perpetual vows on August 13, 1957. She graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, Buffalo, NY, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Medaille (Mount St. Joseph) College, Buffalo, NY, a Master of Science in Education from State University of New York College at Buffalo, and a Master of Science from Canisius College of Buffalo.
Sister Francelita began her ministry as a Felician Sister at St. John Kanty School, Buffalo, NY. Gentle and compassionate, she taught at the primary level for eleven years in various elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo and one year in the Diocese of Syracuse. A strong organizer and gifted in science, Sister Francelita later taught science at the junior high school level in the Diocese of Buffalo. Her desire to do whatever she could to help her students achieve their highest potential, coupled with her administrative and leadership skills, gave Sister Francelita the opportunity to serve as principal, a ministry that she excelled in for fifteen years at area Catholic schools, including Holy Spirit, North Collins; Blessed Sacrament, Kenmore; and St. John Kanty, Buffalo. She was honored for her outstanding service to Catholic Education by the Diocese of Buffalo with the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award in 1986. In that same year, she was honored as “Principal of the Month” in the publication Today’s Catholic Teacher.
It was in 1990 that Sister Francelita embarked on a long, loving, and fruitful ministry at the Cantalician Center for Learning, Buffalo, NY. Ministering in various capacities for the next twenty years, Sister Francelita found her “home” at Cantalician, remarking, “In my heart, I felt this was the place that I should be…I felt called there.” She served as program director, director of staff and personnel, director of the School Age Program, assistant to the executive director, school administrator, and finally as receptionist.
Her immense respect for the dignity of each child moved Sister Francelita to make the Cantalician Center a true “home” for the children. She coordinated activities that helped them grow in mind and spirit and was a ready resource for the teachers. Recognizing the therapeutic value of music, she played music before gatherings to calm the students so they could benefit more fully from the experience. She also taught the students a variety of songs for holidays and other school activities. A high point of the week for the staff and children was gathering in the chapel for a special Friday prayer service, a perfect way to end the week. The innocence and fervor of the students and their full-hearted singing were inspiring.
Sister Francelita also coordinated the school’s own Special Olympics every year and hosted numerous picnics and recreational activities. Whenever a student or family was in need, she responded quickly, providing food, clothing, or other essentials. Sister Francelita was a constant source of support and inspiration for both faculty and students…her goal “to assure that each student knew and felt they were loved like everyone else.” Every service rendered was a privilege for her and was carried out with her characteristic openness, kindness, and generosity, beautifully reflecting the compassionate service and total availability of Blessed Mary Angela.
In 1992, the Felician Sisters opened a new mission in Kingstree, SC, and Sister Francelita was ready to offer her services, helping to set up the beginnings of what is now a vibrant, multi-faceted ministry dedicated to meeting the varied needs of the underserved. Every year forward, Sister Francelita and her sister, the late Sister Mary Edwardine, volunteered for several weeks in the summer at what is now Felician Center, Inc., until their failing health prohibited them from traveling.
Completing her mission at Cantalician Center in 2010, Sister Francelita ministered to her fellow sisters at St. Francis Residence, Buffalo, NY, as vicar and then councilor while also serving as driver and receptionist, 2010-2015. Whatever she did, her genuine love and concern for those she served was clearly seen in her cheerful demeanor and ready service.
As sister aged gracefully and health issues began to take their toll, Sister Francelita took up residence at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, where she continued an edifying ministry of prayer and presence. The prayer that sustained her throughout her active ministry became the center of her outreach to others as she acknowledged, “Prayer is the highlight of my life.”
Reflecting on her life as she celebrated 70 years of religious life, Sister Francelita wrote, “I am overwhelmed with the many gifts God has bestowed upon me…the love of my mother and father…loving brothers and sisters…[being] able to minister in education and to reach out to the poor and needy…and sharing community life with my sister and best friend, Sister Mary Edwardine…. May God bless all whom he put into my life with an abundance of love and many blessings.”
An Evening Prayer Service was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 5 p.m. in the convent chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the convent chapel. Rev. Gary Szczpankiewicz was presider and homilist.
Sister Mary Francelita was buried in the Blessed Mary Angela Section, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.
