GREENVILLE — Poor Clare Sister Maryalice Pierce will be leaving the monastery on Sept. 20 to be one of the founding members of a new monastery of Poor Clares in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Mont. Joining Sister Pierce will be Sisters Judith Ann Crosby, Jane Sorenson, and Catherine Cook.
The sisters are from four different monasteries, all of the Holy Name Federation of Poor Clares. Sister Crosby has been a member of the Poor Clares in Andover, Mass. Sister Cook has been a member of the Bordertown, N.J., monastery. Sister Sorenson has lived at the Bronx, N.Y., monastery.
The Greenville monastery will act as the sponsoring monastery, keeping in touch and encouraging the group in following the Rule of St. Clare and the charism of their founders, Sts. Francis and Clare.
Bishop Anthony Milone has been seeking a contemplative group for his diocese for several years. “This is what is missing from our diocese, we need a contemplative group assisting us with prayer,” said Bishop Milone.
On Monday, Sept. 13, Bishop Milone will come from his Montana diocese to preside at the liturgy of commissioning, which will take place at 11 a.m.
The Greenville community will be joined by the president, Sister Clare Frances McAvoy, and the council members of the Holy Name Federation of Poor Clares and friends.