Stella Niagara to hold public open house

Press Release

The Sisters of St. Francis built their motherhouse, Stella Niagara, along the banks of the Niagara River in 1908. Its formidable limestone walls and red-tiled roof with a copper spire have served as a beacon for generations of people who have lived, worked, and visited the site.

“We know people are curious to see the inside of the building,” explained Sister Colleen Shanahan, one of 36 Sisters who currently reside on the campus. “Last year, we held an open house in honor of our 150 years of service in the United States. The tremendous response and interest made us realize it’s important to invite the public in once again and offer guided tours.”

The campus buildings serve not only as a residence, including assisted living and skilled nursing, for the sisters, but also house its corporate offices, Stella Niagara Education Park (SNEP) and the Center of Renewal Retreat Center.

On the grounds, one will find nature walks, a labyrinth, Stations of the Cross, and the sisters’ cemetery.

The Sisters of St. Francis provide an economic boost to Western New York as well: Currently, there are nearly 100 full- and part-time employees who work on campus, assisting the sisters in their various ministries.

In addition to SNEP and the retreat center, the Sisters sponsor the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart; a women’s respite program for low-income, at-risk women; and Francis Center children’s program to assist kindergarten and grade 1 students in Niagara Falls with reading, language and math skills.

As part of an international congregation, the Sisters at Stella Niagara help sponsor a mission in Tanzania and another in southern Mexico. Notably, the Sisters coordinate volunteer medical teams to serve during their biannual mission trips to their clinic in Mexico.

Sister Patricia McMahon, minister for mission integration, explained, “We want our friends and neighbors to experience our history, and the history of St. Francis of Assisi. Even though St. Francis lived 800 years ago, his teachings are as relevant today as they were then.”

The public is invited to the open house from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 27.

Stella Niagara is located at 4421 Lower River Road, near Lewiston. Parking and the main entrance are located behind the building. Call 716-754-2193 for more information.