West Tampa — The nationwide Adopt a Sister Program of the Salesian Sisters celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with a luncheon planned honoring its founders — Sister Mary Rinaldi and the late Fortune Bosco.
The event, open to the public, is at noon Feb. 17 at Villa Madonna School, 315 W. Columbus Drive. The Salesian Sisters will join adopters, supporters, alumni and guests to rejoice at the success of this program.
The Adopt a Sister program was an idea born out of great need. With many of the Salesian Sisters aging, the reality of retirement and its increasing care costs became an urgent issue. In 1991, Bosco, upon hearing of the plight of the Sisters, suggested that it was time to “adopt our Sisters.” He didn’t intend that people take the Sisters into their homes but into their hearts.
The program’s beginnings of 22 adopters has grown to 14,000 over the years. In 1999, the ABC Television show “20/20” told the story of Adopt a Sister, and the program was bolstered by 7,000 interested adopters in the next 48 hours, The Tampa Tribune reported.
Today, the Sisters’ hearts are full of love for their extended family. They pray every day for their adopters’ needs and requests, and they are delighted to hear from them. Bonds between many of the adopters and Sisters are formed, thus making it truly one big family.
There is no charge for the luncheon, but donations will be accepted. A suggested donation of $160 enrolls a person in the “Adopt a Sister” program for one year. The gift will help provide for the Sisters’ retirement needs, and in gratitude for your faith and friendship, the “adopted” sister will pray for her adopter each day for a year.
For information and reservations, contact Kathy Pedrero in the Salesian Sisters Development Office at (813) 382-8002 or k.pedrero @salesiansisters.org.