The St. Lucy Province of the Religious Teachers Filippini held their provincial chapter of elections at Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown, N.J., from Oct. 11 to 13. The sister delegates elected a new provincial superior and four provincial councillors to assist her during the six-year term that began immediately and continues until October 2031.
After spending significant time in prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration, the sister delegates elected Sister Marianne McCann, M.P.F., as provincial superior. At the time of her election, Sister McCann had been serving as provincial councillor from 2019 to 2025. She was also the superior of the local convent at St. John Vianney Parish in Colonia, N.J. Previously, she served for many years as principal of Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, N.J.
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The four provincial councillors elected were Sister Laura Bezila, M.P.F., who served as Provincial Councillor from 2019 to 2025, and who teaches theology part-time at Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown; Sister Alice Ivanyo, M.P.F., who serves as parish catechetical leader at the parish of Our Lady of Victories in Sayreville, N.J., and also ministered as provincial councillor from 2007 to 2013; Sister Lesley Draper, M.P.F., principal of Villa Victoria Academy in Ewing, N.J; and Sister Elaine Bebyn, M.P.F., who ministers as principal at Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown, N.J.
During the celebratory meal following the election, Sister Marianne McCann addressed the sisters with a message of gratitude for the honor of the sisters’ trust, and she welcomed them to upcoming events in the life of the province. Sister Marianne further asked for their prayerful support at this time of transition of administrations. The sisters look forward to beginning a new chapter in the life of the Religious Teachers Filippini in the United States.
