Young women from across North America gathered at Maryville Retreat Center in Holly, Michigan, from July 11-18 for the 2026 Seeds of Hope Young Women’s Leadership Experience. Led by Program Co-Coordinators Sr. Nancy Marie Piecewicz and Sr. Shannon Maureen Fox and supported by Felician Sisters, staff and peer mentors, the week gave participants a chance to grow in faith, build friendships and develop leadership skills grounded in service.
Learning from Women Leaders
This year’s program featured a wide range of speakers who shared insights on servant leadership, resilience and purpose. Dr. Christine Benson explored what it means to be a servant leader, while Dr. Rita E. Cutarelli helped participants identify their core values. Dr. Michelle Moore-Santana led a session on respect, acceptance and belonging, and Dr. Jane E. Linahan invited the group to reflect on Laudato Si and care for creation. Dr. Julianne E. Wallace introduced participants to St. Clare of Assisi as a model of collaborative leadership, and Heather Dean, Keely Rhiannon and Teri Schmitchen offered practical tools for building calm and confidence through music and mindfulness.
Inspiration from the Felician Sisters
Throughout the week, the Felician Sisters shared stories of faith and service. Sr. Mary Victoria Richardson challenged participants to lay down their masks and look at themselves authentically. Sr. Mary Anna Falbo reflected on the life of foundress Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, and Sr. Judith Marie Blizzard reminded the group that they were made for a purpose. Sr. Mary Andrew Budinski shared the deeper story of the Felician Sisters of North America, and Dr. Barbara Spies led a session on Franciscan Compassion Collectives, exploring what it means to build community and faith together.
A Day of Service
A highlight of the week was the Day of Service in Detroit, where participants served at Deo Gratias Ministries Detroit and Capuchin Services Center — sorting food donations, tending gardens and stocking pantry shelves alongside Volunteers in Mission, sisters and staff. The experience reflected a tradition rooted in the words of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska: “Serve where you are needed.” Afterward, the group attended Mass at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent Chapel and visited the Felician Sisters Heritage Center & Archives, where they learned the history behind the words that guide so much of Felician life — a fitting close to a day spent putting those words into action.
Growth, Friendship and Celebration
Beyond the service and speaker sessions, participants took on the challenge course, made stained glass-inspired candle holders, built vision boards for their futures and spent time swimming, boating and gathering around the campfire for s’mores. The week closed with Mass, an Agape Dinner and a Footwashing Ceremony, sending the young women forth to carry the spirit of Seeds of Hope back to their own communities.
With Gratitude
Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors who made Seeds of Hope 2026 possible.
Servant Sponsor: Eleanor and Stephen Ash
Full Scholarship Sponsors: Judith Levan, Suzanne G. Weir
For a glimpse into the week, visit our Seeds of Hope Instagram, TikTok or Facebook pages. To learn more, visit Seeds-Of-Hope.org.
