OSF Sisters elect new major superior, council
On October 6, 2024 the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis elected a major superior and council (from left): Sister Rose Therese Mann, O.S.F. – also appointed to be assistant secretary; Sister Theresa Ann Brazeau, O.S.F. – also appointed to be treasurer general; Sister Agnes Joseph Williams, O.S.F. – major superior; Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F. – appointed to be assistant major superior and treasurer general; Sister Teresa Paul Selamat, O.S.F. (Provided photo)
The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis met in a General Chapter this fall which occurs every six years.
We are deeply grateful to Sister Judith Ann …. her legacy is one of compassionate service, and we will continue to build on the foundation she has laid.” – Sister Agnes Joseph, major superior, O.S.F.
LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION
Sister Agnes Joseph Williams was elected to a six-year term as major superior, succeeding Sister Judith Ann Duvall. Under her leadership, OSF HealthCare has grown into one of the largest Catholic health systems in Illinois.
“We are deeply grateful to Sister Judith Ann for her remarkable leadership, devotion, and vision,” said Sister Agnes Joseph. “Her legacy is one of compassionate service, and we will continue to build on the foundation she has laid as we move forward into the future with renewed energy and faith.
Sister Agnes Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Akon and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Akron. Alongside her council, she will lead OSF HealthCare with a focus on the continuity of the OSF HealthCare Mission.
“I am very honored that my Sisters have chosen me as their new major superior,” she said.
Sister Judith Ann expressed her gratitude for serving as major superior for the past 18 years. “I was blessed to serve my Sisters and for all their love and support and prayers for me,” she said. “I am humbled and delighted that I will be able to continue being a member of the governing board of our religious community for the next six years.”
FULL COUNCIL ELECTED
Also elected to serve six-year terms as council Sisters were Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F., Sister Theresa Ann Brazeau, O.S.F., Sister Rose Therese Mann, O.S.F. and Sister Teresa Paul Selamat, O.S.F.
“I look forward to working with Sister Agnes Joseph continuing the mission of the Third Order Community and O.S.F. Healthcare. I know that God has provided a capable and faithful daughter to this position of leadership.” – Bishop Louis Tylka
The General Chapter convened with an opening Mass on Monday, September 30th. Chapter sessions followed throughout the week with the Sisters focusing on strengthening the internal life of the community as well as their apostolic works in health care.
The Chapter concluded with the Chapter of Election on the morning of October 6.
Bishop Louis Tylka commented: “As Bishop of Peoria, I wish to congratulate Sister Agnes Joseph Williams, O.S.F. on being elected Major Superior for the Third Order Franciscans. I am grateful for the tremendous leadership Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F. provided to the community and O.S.F. HealthCare.
“I look forward to working with Sister Agnes Joseph continuing the mission of the Third Order Community and O.S.F. Healthcare. I know that God has provided a capable and faithful daughter to this position of leadership.”
