1st Councillor and Vicaress – Sister Maria Elena Cantre

She was born in Opol, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, on 31 March 1967. Her father, Mario Cantre, was a security guard, and her mother, Julita Gamolo, was a homemaker. She grew up in a large, poor family of three boys and five girls, two of whom are also religious sisters in the same Congregation. She is the sixth child.

From a young age, she actively participated in parish life and joined various church groups. She completed her primary and middle school in her hometown. She began high school in the city but left after six months to enter the convent.

In 1985, at the age of 18, she discovered the beautiful figure of Saint Francis of Assisi through the vocation campaign led by Sister Vitaliana D’Agostino in her parish. Drawn and inspired by the Saint’s life, she entered the Convent of the Franciscan Sisters of the Lord in Las Piñas, Manila. In 1986, she was sent to Italy to continue her religious formation, and in 1987, she was admitted to the novitiate.

Two years later, she made her temporary profession and was sent to Gravina di Puglia to gain community experience under the guidance of Sister Maria Gabriella Raimondi, while also continuing her studies. There, she obtained her qualification from the Teacher Training School (Scuola Magistrale).

She was then transferred to Caltanissetta, to the Motherhouse, to pursue further studies at the “Signore della Città” Institute, earning her Teacher Training Diploma in 1994.

In 1995, at the age of 28, she made her perpetual vows and was transferred to Sandon di Fossò, Venice, where she currently resides.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

 

2nd Councillor – Sister Rosalinda D’Anna

She was born in Vallelunga Pratameno on 28 July 1963 and was baptised with the name Vincenza.
She attended primary and middle school in Vallelunga, and upper secondary school in Caltanissetta at the “Signore della Città” Institute.
She obtained a Baccalaureate in Religious Sciences from the Pontifical Lateran University and holds a certificate as a Caritas Operator.
She took part in the Diocesan Synod of Rome.

She served in education for 25 years in Rome and for 10 years in Caltanissetta. She enjoys reading, music, art, and theatre, and for over 10 years has written or adapted stage plays.
She also loves writing poetry, cherishes friendship, and values loyalty towards all. "Since childhood I have reflected on my life’s path, and I understood that the Lord was calling me to consecrated life. That’s when I entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Lord."

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." (Psalm 27)

 

3rd Councillor – Sister Claudia Gadiye

Born Maria, she came into the world in Babati, Arusha, Tanzania, on 14 October 1976.
She was baptised a month later, on 15 November, and was raised and educated in human and spiritual values.

She felt a distinct stirring in her heart that she gradually discerned as a call from the Lord to live out her baptism in a radical way.
At the age of 21, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, she responded to God’s call and entered the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Lord.

To follow her vocation, she was sent to Italy, where she attended primary and middle school.
After a period of formation, she made her temporary vows on 8 December 2001 and her perpetual vows on 13 October 2010.

She is a lover of nature, music, and dance. Open and kind, she easily forms true friendships.
She shows joy and fulfilment in her vocation and is proud to be a Franciscan Sister of the Lord.

She has lived in various communities including Fontevivola and Assisi, and currently lives in fraternity with two other sisters in Caltanissetta, the heart of the Congregation.

 

4th Councillor – Sister Leidiana Luciano

She was born in Nova Venécia, Espírito Santo Province, Brazil, on 1 December 1981, the daughter of Miguel Luciano and Anadir Marquiori Luciano.
She was baptised on 14 October 1982 in the Community of Saint Paul, where she also received the other sacraments. She attended catechesis and, together with her family, grew in the active life of faith within the community, centred on the celebration of the Word.

She spent much of her childhood in the countryside, immersed in the experience and wisdom of nature, something she carries with her in every stage of life.
She enjoys studying, sports, friendships, and art.

From an early age, she felt the call of the Lord and, with wisdom, began a process of discernment.
She started vocational accompaniment at the age of 13 and entered the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Lord at 15.
She completed secondary school during the aspirancy and benefited greatly from the spiritual and human formation offered by the Congregation.

Passionate about her Franciscan vocation, her studies, and the spreading of Father Angelico’s work and spirituality, she pursued academic formation in Philosophy at the Benedictine Faculty of Rio de Janeiro, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Education in Belo Horizonte and a Master’s degree in Education.

In recent years, she worked at FASB (Faculty of Southern Bahia) as a teacher and academic director.
She also taught philosophy at the Minor Seminary of the Diocese of Teixeira de Freitas, Bahia, Brazil.
She currently resides in Rome at the Generalate.